Yas Island will be the home for the monumental new attraction coming to the capital
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) have officially announced that the Abu Dhabi Sphere will be located on Yas Island.
The Sphere Abu Dhabi will be built on a plot of land between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, adding yet another stop to Yas Island’s already impressive list of attractions.
An impressive USD 1.7 billion will be invested in building this landmark project, with construction expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
The new attraction will be the first Sphere outside of the United States, following the Las Vegas Sphere that opened back in 2023.
It will have a seating capacity of up to 20,000 to host immersive experiences, concert residencies, sporting spectacles and brand events.
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What can you expect from Sphere Abu Dhabi?
Sphere Abu Dhabi will host three main categories of events, all powered by Sphere’s advanced experiential technologies.
The first are Sphere Experiences, proprietary immersive productions that feature multi-sensory storytelling.
The venue will also host concert residencies, from local and other Arabic artists to global stars, creating an alternative venue to Etihad Arena.
Marquee and brand events are also on the agenda for The Sphere Abu Dhabi, covering everything from combat sports to conferences to product launches, all supported by flexible configurations to make each event look and feel unique.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said of the announcement: “Abu Dhabi has always built for the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is a powerful demonstration of that commitment. In a region where the appetite for world-class experiences continues to grow, our USD 1.7 billion investment in its construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction.
“This project reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s international partnerships, built on shared ambition and mutual confidence in what this emirate represents as a global destination. Together, we are creating a venue that will draw our community, visitors, creators and investors to Yas Island and Abu Dhabi for decades to come. And at its heart, 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.”
James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sphere Entertainment, also said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is the first step in realising our vision for a global network of venues. Abu Dhabi is a premier international capital city, and its ambition, infrastructure, and position as a cultural crossroads make it a natural home for Sphere. Sphere Abu Dhabi will establish Yas Island as a destination in the region for immersive experiences, and we look forward to working with DCT Abu Dhabi to see this venue come to life.”
Combined with the upcoming Disney Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the recently opened Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, plus major events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the UAE capital is on its way to becoming one of the biggest destinations worldwide for culture and entertainment.
