Iconic Las Vegas sphere to get twin in UAE capital
Exclusive 25-year agreement allows Middle East and North Africa expansion, starting from Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI will soon welcome one of the world’s most ambitious entertainment venues, as the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) finalises a landmark deal with the US-based Sphere Entertainment Company.
The agreement will bring the world’s second Sphere venue to the UAE capital, replicating the record-breaking Las Vegas original and introducing a fully immersive entertainment experience to the region.
Under the exclusive 10-year licence, DCT will also have rights to build and operate additional Sphere venues across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for at least a decade after the Abu Dhabi opening. The franchise agreement spans 25 years from launch, with an option to extend for two further ten-year terms.
What is Sphere?
Sphere is a next-generation entertainment arena designed for large-scale, immersive experiences. The first venue, which opened in Las Vegas in September 2023, attracted over 24 million visitors in its first year. It features a 16K resolution wraparound LED screen, advanced sound systems using beamforming and wave field synthesis, and 4D physical effects.
Seating 17,600 people, with a total capacity of 20,000, the Las Vegas Sphere is also the most expensive entertainment venue ever built in the city’s history, costing $2.3 billion (approximately Dh8.5 billion).
Its spherical structure measures 112 metres in height and 157 metres in width, wrapped in 54,000 m² of LED displays – the largest in the world. Designed by global architecture firm Populous, the venue is already an architectural and entertainment landmark.
How will Abu Dhabi’s Sphere compare?
Sphere Abu Dhabi will match the Las Vegas venue’s capacity and groundbreaking specifications. Construction will be fully funded by DCT Abu Dhabi, while Sphere Entertainment will provide expertise for development, construction, and pre-opening operations.
The agreement includes the use of Sphere’s creative content, including its proprietary “Sphere Experiences”, brand assets, technology, patents, and intellectual property. This ensures the UAE venue will deliver the same cutting-edge productions that have made the Las Vegas Sphere a global sensation.
DCT Abu Dhabi stated the project will be built in a “prime spot” in the capital, although construction and opening dates have yet to be confirmed.
When could more Spheres follow?
The SEC filing dated July 28 confirmed DCT’s exclusive rights to expand the concept in the MENA region for at least 10 years after Sphere Abu Dhabi opens. Cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are already being mentioned as potential future locations.
The initial Las Vegas venue has already hosted residencies from major acts, with country group Zac Brown Band slated for a six-night run from December 2025 to January 2026.
The deal signals Sphere Entertainment’s global ambitions, with Executive Chairman and CEO James Dolan revealing plans for smaller versions of the venue to be rolled out in other international markets.
Abu Dhabi’s addition of Sphere follows its recent investments in large-scale entertainment infrastructure, such as the 18,000-capacity Etihad Arena, further establishing the capital as a hub for global cultural and entertainment experiences.