Abu Dhabi to Build World’s Second Sphere Complex

Following the huge success of the world’s first entertainment complex in Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi will have the world’s second Sphere. An announcement jointly made by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and Sphere Entertainment Co. marks the capital’s ambition to create a major entertainment hub in the Middle East.

Previously, James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sphere Entertainment Co., sought investors to build a ‘Sphere’ in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, a proposed MSG Sphere in Stratford, East London had its planning permission rejected by Mayor Sadiq Khan in November 2023.

Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi will compensate Sphere Entertainment with a franchise fee against the usage of its designs. The Emirati government is financing the mega dome’s construction and will also pay annual fees for creative and artistic content provided by Sphere Entertainment. The financing details and an exact location of the Sphere in Abu Dhabi were not announced.

“Abu Dhabi is looking to create a unique identity for itself as a tourist destination, separate from neighboring Dubai,” said an official from the Department of Culture and Tourism.

Following Success at Las Vegas

The $2.3 billion Sphere Las Vegas, when it finally opened in 2023, immediately began joining the ranks of iconic venues, with a state-of-the-art LED screen wrapping its 17,500-seat auditorium. James Dolan is the executive chair of Madison Square Garden and owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers who dreamed up the concept.

Despite the greatness, international attempts to create replicas of the Las Vegas Sphere have not been easy. A proposal for a second Sphere in London was blocked by Mayor Sadiq Khan on grounds of light pollution and other grounds last year.

Abu Dhabi’s latest entertainment project comes at a time when the UAE is just about to open its first-ever casino in Ras al-Khaimah. Other Emirates reportedly are also mulling over similar projects-a drift in approaches toward entertainment and tourism for the country.