Shining Sphere illuminates Abu Dhabi skyline: Key information revealed
The United States-based entertainment holding company, Sphere Entertainment, has signed a significant agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) in Abu Dhabi to bring a second Sphere venue to the UAE. This development will mark the expansion of Sphere Entertainment's global footprint and introduce a fully immersive entertainment experience to the region.
Sphere Entertainment, headquartered in New York City, already owns the Las Vegas Sphere and the regional sports network MSG Networks. The Las Vegas Sphere, which opened in September 2023, is a next-generation venue designed for immersive live entertainment. It boasts a seating capacity of 17,600 people and a total capacity of 20,000. The venue's exterior features 54,000 m² of LED displays, making it the largest of its kind in the world.
The Sphere in Las Vegas also boasts a 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen, adding to its immersive experience. The Las Vegas Sphere cost $2.3 billion to construct, a testament to its grand scale and innovative design.
Under the terms of the agreement, DCT will be licensed to use Sphere's creative content, technology, patents, and intellectual property. Sphere Entertainment will provide operational services and commercial and strategic advisory support for Sphere Abu Dhabi.
DCT has been granted exclusive rights to build and operate Sphere Abu Dhabi for at least 10 years after the opening. Construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi will be funded by DCT Abu Dhabi. The preconstruction phase is currently being finalized with the local authorities, with the project development agreements in place as of mid-2025.
While the exact opening date has not yet been announced, the project is progressing through preconstruction in collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism as of August 2025.
In addition to the Abu Dhabi project, Sphere Entertainment is exploring smaller-scale Sphere venues for potential roll-out in other markets. This move aims to further expand the company's global footprint and bring the immersive entertainment experience to more locations worldwide.
The agreement between DCT and Sphere Entertainment marks a significant step forward in the development of Sphere Abu Dhabi. As the project moves into the construction phase, the UAE can look forward to experiencing the cutting-edge entertainment that the Sphere has to offer.
- Sphere Entertainment, a United States-based company with headquarters in New York City, operates both the Las Vegas Sphere and the regional sports network MSG Networks.
- The Las Vegas Sphere, opened in September 2023, is a next-generation venue boasting a seating capacity of 17,600 people and a total capacity of 20,000, making it one of the largest immersive entertainment venues in the world.
- The Sphere in Las Vegas features 54,000 m² of LED displays on its exterior, and a 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen, adding to its immersive experience.
- Sphere Entertainment has signed a substantial agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) in Abu Dhabi to bring another Sphere venue to the UAE.
- DCT will be licensed to use Sphere's creative content, technology, patents, and intellectual property, while Sphere Entertainment will provide operational services and commercial and strategic advisory support for Sphere Abu Dhabi.
- Apart from the Abu Dhabi project, Sphere Entertainment plans to explore smaller-scale Sphere venues, aiming to further expand its global footprint and introduce the immersive entertainment experience to other locations worldwide.
