Yas Island is set to become home to a $1.7 billion immersive entertainment venue. Sphere Abu Dhabi, a partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Sphere Entertainment Co., is expected to finish construction by the end of 2029. This marks the first Sphere location outside the United States, following the Las Vegas original which opened in September 2023. The venue will sit between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, placing it directly in the middle of one of the region’s busiest leisure corridors.
The project aims to accommodate up to 20,000 guests depending on the event configuration. Programming will span proprietary Sphere Experiences, concert residencies, and major marquees, with flexible setups for combat sports, conferences, and product launches. The venue’s entertainment mix is expected to combine signature immersive productions associated with Sphere Las Vegas with new experiences rooted in Emirati heritage. Additionally, the venue’s exterior LED display, the Exosphere, will feature work by Emirati artists alongside performances from Arabic and international acts.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, framed the project as a long-term investment in the emirate’s global tourism and cultural ambitions. He noted that the construction-phase investment sends a clear signal that Abu Dhabi is open and ambitious.
“At its heart, Sphere Abu Dhabi will serve as a platform for Emirati culture, Emirati talent and Emirati storytelling, shared with the world on the grandest stage ever built.”
— HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi
James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, described the move as the first step toward a global network of venues. He emphasized the emirate’s infrastructure and position as a cultural crossroads.
“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.”
— James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment
The announcement adds a heavyweight attraction to the island’s leisure corridor, aiming to draw community members, visitors, creators, and investors for decades. By establishing Yas Island as a regional destination for immersive experiences, the partners look to bring the venue to life while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global destination.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sphere Abu Dhabi?
Sphere Abu Dhabi is a $1.7 billion immersive entertainment venue set to open on Yas Island by late 2029. It will host up to 20,000 guests and feature a mix of immersive productions, concert residencies, and major marquees.
Where is Sphere Abu Dhabi located?
It will be situated between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, placing it directly in the middle of one of the region’s busiest leisure corridors.
What is the capacity of Sphere Abu Dhabi?
The venue can accommodate up to 20,000 guests, depending on the event configuration.
When will Sphere Abu Dhabi open?
It is expected to open by late 2029, marking the first Sphere location outside the United States.
What kind of events will Sphere Abu Dhabi host?
The venue will host a range of events, including proprietary Sphere Experiences, concert residencies, major marquees, combat sports, conferences, and product launches.
What is the Exosphere at Sphere Abu Dhabi?
The Exosphere is an exterior LED display that will feature work by Emirati artists and performances from Arabic and international acts.
