The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Sphere Entertainment Co. announced that Yas Island has been selected as the location for Sphere Abu Dhabi, a landmark immersive entertainment venue with a construction phase cost of $1.7 billion.
The project will be the first Sphere venue outside the United States and is expected to be completed by the end of 2029. The venue will be built between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and will feature lush green surroundings alongside close proximity to Yas Island’s other attractions and theme parks.
With a capacity of up to 20,000 attendees depending on configuration, Sphere Abu Dhabi will host immersive Sphere Experiences, concert residencies, sporting spectacles, conferences, product launches, and major brand events. The venue will utilize Sphere’s advanced experiential technologies to deliver multi-sensory entertainment experiences.
The Exosphere, the venue’s large-scale spherical LED exterior, is expected to showcase Emirati culture through immersive art installations and visual storytelling. Plans also include immersive productions centered on Emirati heritage and culture, along with performances from local Arabic artists and international music stars.
The venue is positioned near Zayed International Airport and is expected to strengthen Yas Island’s role as a global events and tourism destination. Sphere Abu Dhabi will also complement existing and upcoming attractions in Abu Dhabi, including the Saadiyat Cultural District and the planned Disney theme park resort on Yas Island.
Once operational, Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to create thousands of local jobs while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s tourism growth and economic diversification initiatives.
DCT Abu Dhabi said it will coordinate with multiple entities, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Department of Energy, Taqa, Etihad Rail, and Aldar, to support infrastructure development, transportation access, and site enhancements connected to the project.
The original Sphere venue opened in Las Vegas in September 2023. Sphere Entertainment has also announced plans for additional Sphere venues, including projects in Abu Dhabi and National Harbor.
KEY QUOTES:
“Abu Dhabi has always built for the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is a powerful demonstration of that commitment. In a region where the appetite for world-class experiences continues to grow, our USD 1.7 billion investment in its construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction. This project reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s international partnerships, built on shared ambition and mutual confidence in what this emirate represents as a global destination. Together, we are creating a venue that will draw our community, visitors, creators and investors to Yas Island and Abu Dhabi for decades to come. And at its heart, Sphere Abu Dhabi will be a platform for Emirati culture, Emirati talent and Emirati storytelling, shared with the world on the grandest stage ever built.”
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
“Sphere Abu Dhabi is the first step in realising our vision for a global network of venues. Abu Dhabi is a premier international capital city, and its ambition, infrastructure, and position as a cultural crossroads make it a natural home for Sphere. Sphere Abu Dhabi will establish Yas Island as a destination in the region for immersive experiences, and we look forward to working with DCT Abu Dhabi to see this venue come to life.”
James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sphere Entertainment
