Asia

Second Sphere arena to be built in Abu Dhabi

Featured image credit: Sphere Vegas

Sphere Entertainment has today (Tuesday) announced plans to build a new Sphere arena in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the city’s Department of Culture and Tourism.

The venue will become the second Sphere arena, following the opening of a 20,000-capacity venue in Las Vegas in September 2023.

In a joint announcement today, Sphere Entertainment and DCT Abu Dhabi said the new venue will be located in a prime spot in the city and “redefine” entertainment in the region.

No timescale has been set for the project. Although no capacity has been confirmed, Sphere Entertainment said the Abu Dhabi venue would echo the scale of the Las Vegas venue.

The partnership between Sphere Entertainment and DCT Abu Dhabi is subject to the finalisation of definitive agreements. DCT Abu Dhabi will pay Sphere Entertainment a franchise initiation fee for the right to build the venue using the latter’s proprietary designs, technology and intellectual property.

Construction will be funded by DCT Abu Dhabi, with Sphere Entertainment’s team of experts providing services relating to development, construction and pre-opening.

Following the venue’s opening, Sphere Entertainment plans to maintain ongoing arrangements with DCT Abu Dhabi that are expected to include annual fees for creative and artistic content licensed by Sphere Entertainment, such as Sphere Experiences, use of Sphere’s brand, patents, proprietary technology, intellectual property, and operational services relating to venue operations and technology.

Sphere Entertainment’s Las Vegas venue was built at a cost of $2.3bn (£1.8bn/€2.1bn). The arena’s Exosphere façade is the largest LED screen in the world and has drawn attention for its eye-catching visuals.

Reports emerged in December last year that Sphere Entertainment was in talks with Abu Dhabi-based investors over building an arena in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, after discussions with developers in Saudi Arabia and South Korea were said to have stalled.

In January, Sphere Entertainment dropped plans to build a new arena in London after Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected the project on the grounds that it would have an “unacceptable negative impact” on local residents.

Sphere Entertainment had been seeking to build a 17,500-seat arena in the heart of Stratford, East London, but Abu Dhabi has now been confirmed as the next location. Sphere Entertainment eventually plans on having several venues around the world.

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.”

Abu Dhabi is already home to the 18,000-capacity Etihad Arena, which opened in 2021.