Yas Island to become home of Sphere Abu Dhabi

International

Abu Dhabi will invest USD 1.7 billion in the construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi, a new immersive entertainment venue planned for Yas Island with completion targeted for 2029

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Sphere Entertainment Co. have announced plans to develop Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, marking the first Sphere venue outside the United States.

The project will be built between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and is expected to be completed by the end of 2029. According to DCT Abu Dhabi, construction costs will total around USD 1.7 billion.

With a capacity of up to 20,000 guests, the venue is designed to host immersive entertainment productions, concert residencies, sporting events, conferences and large-scale brand experiences. The spherical exterior LED screen, known as the Exosphere, will also showcase Emirati art, culture and visual storytelling.

Strengthening Yas Island as a global entertainment hub

The new venue forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to strengthen Yas Island as an international tourism and entertainment destination. Located close to Zayed International Airport and existing attractions on Yas Island, Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to complement projects including the Saadiyat Cultural District and the planned Disney resort development.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, described the project as a long-term investment in the emirate’s cultural and tourism infrastructure.

“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 said.

Immersive technology and live entertainment

Like the original Sphere venue in Las Vegas, Sphere Abu Dhabi will combine advanced visual and audio technologies with multi-sensory entertainment experiences. Planned programming includes immersive productions, concerts featuring regional and international artists, and major live events.

James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, said Abu Dhabi’s international positioning and cultural ambitions made it a natural location for the company’s first global expansion.

Once operational, the venue is expected to create thousands of jobs and further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position in the international events and entertainment market.