Sphere Entertainment Partners With DCT Abu Dhabi To Launch Iconic New Venue

Sphere Entertainment Co. and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced an exciting partnership to bring the next Sphere entertainment venue to the UAE capital. Following the debut of the first Sphere in Las Vegas in 2023, this iconic new location will mark a significant milestone for Abu Dhabi's entertainment and tourism sector.

The Sphere, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences, promises to become a landmark attraction in Abu Dhabi, redefining live entertainment for residents and international visitors. "The vision for Sphere has always been global, and Abu Dhabi is the perfect city to host our next venue," said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment. "With its unique blend of culture and innovation, we are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi to create a venue to deliver transformative entertainment experiences."

H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the venue's alignment with the emirate's long-term tourism goals. "Sphere Abu Dhabi will be an extraordinary addition to our city, seamlessly blending advanced technology with captivating storytelling," said Al Mubarak. "This partnership supports our Tourism Strategy 2030, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a dynamic hub for culture and innovation."

The Sphere Abu Dhabi will mirror the scale of its Las Vegas counterpart, offering a venue that can accommodate 20,000 guests and host a wide array of concerts, shows, and immersive experiences. Leveraging Sphere Entertainment's proprietary technology and creative content, the new venue is expected to become a year-round draw for global audiences.

The partnership will see DCT Abu Dhabi fund the construction of the venue while Sphere Entertainment provides its expertise in design, development, and technology. In return, DCT Abu Dhabi will pay a franchise initiation fee and ongoing licensing fees for Sphere's creative content and operational services.