Abu Dhabi is set to become the next location to add a massive, glowing orb to its cityscape.
Sphere Entertainment Co., the company behind Las Vegas’ multi-billion dollar Sphere venue, has reached an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) to build a second Sphere in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital, the company announced today.
The new venue will see the company continue to pursue its “plans to develop a global network of Sphere venues,” according to a press release, following the opening of Las Vegas’ high-tech venue in September 2023.
Calling the announcement “a significant milestone toward that goal,” Sphere Entertainment CEO and Executive Chairman James L. Dolan said in the press release, “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.”
Abu Dhabi DCT Chairman H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak added that the new venue agreement aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 plan, a DCT effort that aims to further establish the city “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,” he said.
The new venue’s exact location is yet to be revealed, but Sphere Entertainment’s announcement said it will be located in a “prime spot in Abu Dhabi” and echo the scale of its 20,000-capacity Las Vegas counterpart, which stands 366 feet tall, 516 feet wide, and cost $2.3 billion to construct.
The company’s second Sphere was initially planned to be built in London, but the project was halted in January following public and mayoral opposition due to concerns about light pollution from the would-be venue’s giant LED dome.
Featured image from Sphere Entertainment Co.
