Tourexpi
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.
Image Credit: © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
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