The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will welcome the world’s second Sphere. The giant, dome-shaped entertainment complex will be built after the design of the building in Las Vegas.
On October 15th, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and Sphere Entertainment Co. announced plans to bring the Sphere to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. As part of the agreement between the two parties, Abu Dhabi will pay a franchise fee to Sphere Entertainment Co. in order to use the building designs (the scale of which will echo the original) and its creative and artistic content. The construction itself will be entirely funded by Abu Dhabi.
So far, the specific location and funding details have not been disclosed, as both parties prefer to stick to the initial announcement, as reported by the AP news agency. Discussions about a Sphere in Abu Dhabi began in December 2023.
Today Sphere Entertainment and @DCTAbuDhabi announced that we will work together to bring the world’s second Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates! @SphereAbuDhabi is expected to be a landmark addition to this premier international capital city, elevating the entertainment… pic.twitter.com/CchNS5g2bE
— Sphere (@SphereVegas) October 15, 2024
However, in an interview with Variety, H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, provided a little more detail about why the Sphere would be coming to the city.
“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.”
This collaboration reflects our continued commitment to investing in partnerships that will deliver on the Tourism Strategy 2030 targets, and aligns with its pillars to enhance Abu Dhabi's global position across culture and tourism.
— Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) October 15, 2024
Sphere is the brainchild of James Dolan, the executive chair of Madison Square Garden and the owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers. “The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues, and today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal,” stated Sphere Entertainment executive chairman James L. Dolan. “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.”
However, some projects in the UAE have failed to be built or have been delayed for years after being announced during economic downturns. If the Abu Dhabi Sphere is built, it will thus be the second of its kind worldwide.
