A $2.5 billion, 111-meter-tall entertainment Sphere, modelled after the iconic venue in Las Vegas, is set to be built in Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi has signed an agreement with U.S.-based Sphere Entertainment to develop the state-of-the-art venue at a yet-to-be-disclosed prime location in the city.
The Las Vegas Sphere, known for its 20,000-seat capacity, 15,000 square meter wrap-around LED screen, and a 180-tonne sound system with 1,900 speakers, serves as the blueprint for the Abu Dhabi counterpart. The new venue is expected to be a year-round destination for concerts, events, and immersive shows.
Under the partnership, DCT Abu Dhabi will pay Sphere Entertainment an initiation fee to use the proprietary designs, technology, and intellectual property, while also funding the construction of the venue. Sphere Entertainment will provide development, construction, and pre-opening services. Once operational, DCT will pay annual fees for content, venue operations, and strategic support.
James Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, highlighted the company’s vision for a global network of venues. Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, stating, “By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we’re elevating our global profile and setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings.”
Abu Dhabi plans to invest over $10 billion in infrastructure to support its tourism strategy. The emirate, already a host to major sporting events such as the NBA, Formula 1, and IPL cricket, aims to nearly double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 to 7.2 million by 2030. It also plans to expand hotel capacity from 34,000 to 52,000 rooms and grow its holiday home market.
Next January, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium will welcome Coldplay for four nights, performing to an expected 120,000 fans.