The first Sphere venue outside the US has been confirmed for Yas Island, with construction expected to complete by the end of 2029.
Abu Dhabi has just landed one of the most ambitious entertainment projects in the world. Sphere Abu Dhabi has been confirmed for Yas Island, with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and Sphere Entertainment Co. announcing the landmark project together. Construction is expected to complete by the end of 2029, with a build cost of USD 1.7 billion.
The venue will sit on a plot of land between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, putting it right in the middle of one of the region’s most visited entertainment destinations. With a capacity of up to 20,000, it will mirror the scale of the original Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened in September 2023 and quickly became one of the most talked-about venues on the planet.
Sphere Abu Dhabi will host three main categories of events: Sphere Experiences, which are the immersive multi-sensory productions the Las Vegas venue has become known for; concert residencies; and larger marquee events spanning everything from combat sports to product launches. Plans also include experiences that highlight Emirati culture and heritage, with Emirati artists’ work set to feature on the Exosphere, the venue’s iconic spherical exterior LED screen.
Beyond the entertainment offering, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs locally and further establish Yas Island as a global events destination, sitting alongside the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the upcoming Disney theme park resort and the wider Saadiyat Cultural District.
Discover: Expected opening dates for Sphere Abu Dhabi revealed. @sphereabudhabi
