The light of Las Vegas will soon shine on Abu Dhabi as the famed $2.3 billion entertainment venue is coming to the UAE. Sphere Entertainment and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism have announced that the second version of the dome-like Sphere venue will be built in Abu Dhabi with no changes to the grandeur, scale, and impact of the first Sphere in Las Vegas. The Populous-designed sphere is 300 feet high and has a capacity of 20,000, which will be emulated to perfection in UAE; however, no architecture studio has been announced for the new development yet.
The landmark venue in Vegas boasts a 16K resolution, 580,000 sq. ft. wraparound interior LED screen, and 164,000 advanced speaker systems with beamforming and wave field synthesis, and 4D physical effects, offering an immersive experience for concerts, events, and shows. The Emirate will be no different. Abu Dhabi had 18 million visitors in 2022, a 13 percent increase from the previous year, and aims to welcome 24 million by the end of the year. With attractions like the Sphere, tourists are sure to flock to Abu Dhabi to witness the redefined entertainment in the region and an immersive experience like never before.
Dezeen reported, at present, no exact location or timeline for construction has been revealed. The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism will pay Sphere Entertainment a “franchise initiation fee” for the right to build and operate the venue. “Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits,” said DCT Abu Dhabi chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. “This partnership aligns with our Tourism Strategy 2030, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation,” he continued. “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.”
Earlier, the second Sphere was to be built in London, even bigger than the London Eye with the capacity to accommodate 21,500 visitors. The plans were thwarted after severe protests from the Stratford residential neighborhood and were eventually rejected by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
