Sphere Entertainment Co and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced plans to bring the world's second Sphere entertainment venue to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This new venture aims to enhance the city's entertainment landscape, building on the success of the first Sphere, which opened in Las Vegas in September 2023.
The Abu Dhabi Sphere will replicate the scale and impact of the 20,000-capacity Las Vegas venue, offering a revolutionary space for events, concerts, and shows. Expected to become a year-round attraction, the new Sphere aims to draw residents and global visitors to experience cutting-edge entertainment in an immersive setting.
James L Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sphere Entertainment commented, “The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues, and today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal. Sphere is redefining live entertainment and extending the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi to develop Sphere in their city.”
This project is part of Sphere Entertainment's strategy to expand its global network of venues, utilising its proprietary technology and creative content. DCT Abu Dhabi will finance the construction of the venue, paying a franchise initiation fee to Sphere Entertainment and leveraging their designs and technology. Sphere Entertainment will provide expertise in the development, construction, and pre-opening phases.
Following the opening, Sphere Entertainment will continue collaborating with DCT Abu Dhabi through licensing agreements, which include annual fees for creative content, operational services, and strategic support. The partnership aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s goal of positioning the city as a global cultural hub, following a year when Abu Dhabi welcomed over 24 million visitors.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said “We are excited to bring Sphere to Abu Dhabi in partnership with Sphere Entertainment, providing our residents and visitors with an extraordinary new form of entertainment. Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits. This partnership aligns with our Tourism Strategy 2030, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation. By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we're not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings.”
