Sphere Expands To Abu Dhabi

The world’s second Sphere will be in Abu Dhabi.

Sphere Entertainment Co. announced Tuesday it will partner with with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to bring the next iteration of the venue to the United Arab Emirates’ second-largest city. The venue is expected to echo the 20,000-capacity Sphere located in Las Vegas with construction funded by DCT Abu Dhabi.

“The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues, and today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal,” James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sphere Entertainment, said in a statement. “Sphere is redefining live entertainment and extending the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi to develop Sphere in their city.”

Under the terms of the partnership — the agreements must still be finalized — DCT Abu Dhabi will pay Sphere Entertainment a franchise initiation fee for the right to build the venue, utilizing Sphere Entertainment’s designs, technology and intellectual
property. Construction will be funded by DCT Abu Dhabi, with Sphere Entertainment providing development, construction and pre-opening services.

Following the venue’s opening, plans call for an ongoing arrangement to include DCT Abu Dhabi paying annual fees for creative and artistic content licensed by Sphere Entertainment, such as the Sphere Experiences repertory films; use of Sphere’s brand, patents, proprietary technology and intellectual property; and operational
services related to venue operations and technology, as well as commercial and strategic advisory support.

“We are excited to bring Sphere to Abu Dhabi in partnership with Sphere Entertainment, providing our residents and visitors with an extraordinary new form of entertainment,” H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said in a statement. “Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits. This partnership aligns with our Tourism Strategy 2030, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation. By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we’re not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings.”

The original Sphere in Las Vegas opened in September 2023 with a 40-performance run by U2 and has since hosted Phish, Dead & Company and the Eagles for concerts. Beyond music, it played host to the NHL Draft, UFC and Hewlett Packard’s conference keynote.

Sphere had planned to open its second location in London. Planning approval for the project in the borough of Newham was granted in March 2022, in what local officials said was one of the most complicated planning applications ever tackled in the English capital. London Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected the plans in November 2023, saying that the bright lights of the LED-illuminated Exosphere would be detrimental to the neighborhood. Khan had previously supported the project.

“While we are disappointed in London’s decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities. We will concentrate on those,” Sphere said in a statement at the time.

It appears the company found a willing partner on the Arabian Peninsula. Abu Dhabi, which is often over-shadowed by the larger Dubai, the glittering hypermodern city almost 90 miles to the northeast along the coast of the Persian Gulf, drew more than 24 million visitors in 2023.