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UAE – COMING SPHERE ABU DHABI CONFIRMED WITH A INVESTMENT VALUE OF 1.7 BILLION DOLLARS
Abu Dhabi is set to build a full-scale replica of the famous Las Vegas Sphere. Sphere Entertainment and the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) confirmed on Thursday, May 14, their plans for the $1.7 billion (€1.5 billion) project on Yas Island. It will be the first Sphere outside the United States.
The futuristic event complex, with a capacity of 20,000 visitors, will be wrapped in a wrap-around 360-degree LED screen, just like its flagship counterpart in Las Vegas. Construction is scheduled to begin shortly, with completion expected by late 2029. The venue will be located between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
A Worldwide Network of Spheres
James Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, positions this partnership as the first step toward a global network of Sphere venues. “Abu Dhabi is a leading international capital, and its ambitions, infrastructure, and position as a cultural hub make it a natural home for Sphere,” Dolan stated.
“Abu Dhabi has always built for the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is powerful proof of that.” — Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi
DCT Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak emphasized the strategic importance of the investment. The $1.7 billion that Abu Dhabi is pouring into the construction phase is meant to send a clear signal: “Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and determined in its course.” The venue is designed to host concert residencies, sporting events, conferences, and multi-sensory experiences.
Immersive Experiences as the Key Growth Driver
So-called immersive experiences—including the show The Wizard of Oz at Sphere in Las Vegas—contributed approximately 75 percent to the Sphere segment’s year-over-year revenue growth of about $108 million in the first quarter of 2026. Based on financial results and analyst reports, this category stands as the most critical growth engine within the venue’s operations. Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to offer a similar lineup of immersive shows and events, further strengthening Yas Island’s position as a regional destination for extraordinary experiences.
More Spheres on the Way
This marks the first full-scale Sphere replica. Earlier this year, a smaller version with 6,000 seats was already announced for the US state of Maryland. Rumors are also circulating about a 20,000-seat Sphere in Tokyo.
Furthermore, DCT has acquired the rights to build and operate additional Sphere locations across the Middle East and North Africa for at least ten years following the opening of the Abu Dhabi venue.