Attendees at the Abu Dhabi venue can expect the same immersive experience that has become a signature of Sphere Las Vegas events. Photo Credit: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Las Vegas' iconic Sphere experience is expected to arrive on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island in 2029, marking the venue’s first venture outside of the US.
"Abu Dhabi has always built for the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is a powerful demonstration of that commitment,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
With a capacity for up to 20,000 visitors, the venue will host three main event categories – immersive productions, concert residencies, as well as marquee and brand events ranging from combat sports and conferences to product launches.
Al Mubarak also billed the US$1.7bn venue as “a platform for Emirati culture, Emirati talent and Emirati storytelling, shared with the world on the grandest stage ever built."
Sphere Experiences, the brand’s proprietary immersive productions, are expected to feature multi-sensory storytelling combined with Emirati culture and heritage.
Plans for the attraction also include displays of Emirati artists' work on the Exosphere, a spherical LED screen forming the venue's exterior. Concerts will also feature local and other Arabic artists, alongside global stars.
The massive venue is currently being built on a plot of land between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, placing it in close proximity to a host of other leisure and entertainment offerings on Yas Island, while also complementing Abu Dhabi’s broader cultural attractions such as the Saadiyat Cultural District and the upcoming Disney theme park resort.
Apart from being a short drive from Zayed International Airport, DCT Abu Dhabi added that talks are underway regarding road enhancements, site access and site-wide infrastructure improvements linked to surrounding Yas Island assets.