Sphere Entertainment to Build New Arena in Abu Dhabi

Sphere Entertainment announced plans to build a new Sphere arena in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi. This will be the second Sphere venue, following the Las Vegas location, which opened in September 2023 with a 20,000-seat capacity. The new arena aims to "redefine" entertainment in the region, although no timeline or capacity has been confirmed yet. DCT Abu Dhabi will fund the construction, with Sphere Entertainment providing design and tech expertise. Ongoing agreements between the two parties will include licensing fees for creative content and operational services. James Dolan, executive chairman and chief executive of Sphere Entertainment, said: “The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues, and today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal. 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.” Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, added: “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. “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.”