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Abu Dhabi's Sphere: A Galactic Entertainment Hub
16 May
Summary
- Abu Dhabi's Sphere venue will be the first outside the US.
- Construction cost is estimated at $1.7 billion, aiming for 2029 completion.
- The venue will host up to 20,000 people for diverse events.
Abu Dhabi has finalized Yas Island as the site for its new Sphere entertainment venue, a significant development for the project announced last year. This will be the first Sphere venue established outside of the United States.
The immersive arena is planned for a location between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Its construction is estimated to cost approximately $1.7 billion, with an anticipated completion date by the end of 2029.
Once operational, the Sphere Abu Dhabi is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 people, depending on event formats. The project involves upgrades to local infrastructure to support anticipated visitor numbers.
This development aligns with Abu Dhabi's growing tourism sector, which saw 26.6 million visitors in 2025. The venue will feature immersive Sphere Experiences, concert residencies, and large-scale events, with programming to include Emirati culture.
Abu Dhabi will finance the construction, while Sphere Entertainment will provide the necessary technology and designs. The agreement grants Abu Dhabi exclusive rights for Sphere venues across the Middle East and North Africa for at least 10 years.
