DCT Abu Dhabi to invest around US$1.7 billion in Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), together with Sphere Entertainment Co., announced plans to build Sphere Abu Dhabi, an immersive entertainment venue on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The landmark project is expected to involve around US$1.7 billion in construction-stage investment and is intended to attract global tourism, support economic diversification, and further enhance Abu Dhabi’s appeal and experience value for both residents and visitors. Sphere Abu Dhabi will be one of the Sphere venues developed globally following Las Vegas, and the first such project outside the United States. It will be built between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, creating a new destination integrated with a green surrounding environment and further strengthening Yas Island’s tourism and entertainment infrastructure. Depending on configuration, the venue will accommodate up to 20,000 people. It is expected to host three main content categories: the immersive Sphere Experience, long-running concert residencies, and multipurpose events including sports, conferences, and branded events. Interior and exterior content is currently in development. In addition to immersive experiences already presented in Las Vegas, new experiences incorporating Emirati culture and heritage are planned, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s character as a city where diverse cultures meet. The exterior spherical LED screen, the Exosphere, will also present large-scale visual expression, including works by Emirati artists. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said Sphere Abu Dhabi symbolizes Abu Dhabi’s long-standing strategic commitment to culture and entertainment. He said the venue will become a place where new experiences and creativity emerge for visitors, creators, and partners, while serving as a platform to share Emirati culture and talent with the world. James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment Co., said Sphere Abu Dhabi is an important first step toward the company’s vision for a global network of venues. He said Abu Dhabi’s growth potential, advanced infrastructure, and role as an international city where diverse cultures intersect make it highly aligned with Sphere’s expansion. Sphere Abu Dhabi will benefit from access to Zayed International Airport and synergies with Yas Island’s hotels, theme parks, and event infrastructure, further raising the island’s profile as a global events hub. During the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the venue is also expected to serve as an iconic landmark broadcast to the world. Together with the Saadiyat Cultural District and the planned Disney theme park resort on Yas Island, the project marks a major milestone in Abu Dhabi’s integrated destination development. DCT Abu Dhabi will work with transport authorities, energy providers, railway and urban development partners to advance infrastructure coordination, including road improvements, access enhancements, and energy supply, while implementing a master plan linked to existing assets on and around Yas Island.