Abu Dhabi unveils $1.7bn Sphere on Yas Island, first outside US
New immersive destination planned between Yas Mall and SeaWorld
ABU DHABI – The UAE capital is preparing to add another headline-grabbing attraction to its rapidly evolving tourism landscape after plans were unveiled for Sphere Abu Dhabi, a landmark entertainment venue set to rise on Yas Island.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Sphere Entertainment Co. announced that the emirate has selected Yas Island for the first Sphere venue outside the United States, with construction costs estimated at US$1.7 billion.
Positioned as a major addition to Abu Dhabi's destination strategy, the project is expected to become a global attraction while contributing to economic diversification and strengthening the capital's identity as a cultural and entertainment hub. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Sphere Abu Dhabi
The venue will occupy a site between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, surrounded by landscaped green areas and located near some of Yas Island’s biggest attractions.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, described the development as another example of the emirate’s long-term planning ambitions.
He said Abu Dhabi’s investment in the project reflected confidence in the city's future and highlighted its position as a destination capable of delivering world-class experiences. He added that the project demonstrates the strength of international partnerships built on shared ambitions and mutual trust.
Al Mubarak also said Sphere Abu Dhabi would become a platform for Emirati culture, talent and storytelling, bringing local creative expression to an international audience on an unprecedented scale.
James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sphere Entertainment, said the Abu Dhabi project marks the first step towards creating a wider global network of Sphere venues.
According to Dolan, Abu Dhabi's infrastructure, international status and strategic position as a cultural crossroads made it a natural choice for expansion. He said the project would further establish Yas Island as a destination for immersive entertainment across the region.
Immersive experiences
Sphere Abu Dhabi is planned as a technology-driven entertainment venue capable of hosting a wide range of experiences. Three primary categories of events are expected to define its programme.
The first includes Sphere Experiences, proprietary immersive productions designed around multi-sensory storytelling. The second category focuses on concert residencies, while the third will consist of marquee and branded events supported by flexible venue configurations.
Those adaptable formats are expected to accommodate events ranging from combat sports and conferences to product launches and major entertainment productions.
Developers say programming at Sphere Abu Dhabi will reflect the city's multicultural identity. Plans currently under development include immersive experiences inspired by the format introduced at the Las Vegas Sphere while also creating productions centred on Emirati culture and heritage.
The venue's exterior Exosphere display, a giant spherical LED surface wrapping around the building, is expected to feature the work of Emirati artists. Music programming is also expected to include local and Arabic performers alongside international stars.
Yas expansion
The original Sphere opened in Las Vegas in September 2023 and quickly became recognised for combining architecture, digital storytelling and large-scale immersive technology. Abu Dhabi's version is expected to mirror much of that scale.
Sphere Abu Dhabi is projected to accommodate up to 20,000 people depending on event configuration and is intended to operate as an experiential medium rather than a conventional venue model.
The attraction's location near Zayed International Airport is expected to strengthen its role as a gateway for visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi. Positioned close to Yas Island's existing hotels and entertainment infrastructure, it is also expected to reinforce the island's profile as a destination for international events.
The site could gain additional global visibility during occasions such as the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where its distinctive structure may become part of globally broadcast imagery from Yas Island.
Beyond tourism, the project is also expected to create thousands of local jobs once operational.
Sphere Abu Dhabi joins a growing collection of large-scale developments shaping the emirate's long-term destination plans. The project will sit alongside major initiatives including Saadiyat Cultural District and the upcoming Disney theme park resort on Yas Island.
DCT Abu Dhabi said multiple entities, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport and its Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), the Department of Energy, Taqa, Etihad Rail and Aldar, will work together to coordinate site access, road enhancements and surrounding infrastructure across Yas Island.