A massive new entertainment venue called Sphere Abu Dhabi will be built on Yas Island following a landmark international partnership. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is investing 1.7 billion US dollars in the construction phase of the project. This will be the very first Sphere venue to be constructed outside the United States.

The development is a joint venture with Sphere Entertainment Co. and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029. Positioned on a plot of land situated between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the venue will have a maximum capacity of 20,000 people. It is designed to act as a major global tourism magnet alongside nearby attractions, including the Saadiyat Cultural District and a planned Disney theme park resort.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has always built for the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is a powerful demonstration of that commitment. In a region where the appetite for world-class experiences continues to grow, our USD 1.7 billion investment in its construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction. This project reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s international partnerships, built on shared ambition and mutual confidence in what this emirate represents as a global destination. Together, we are creating a venue that will draw our community, visitors, creators and investors to Yas Island and Abu Dhabi for decades to come. And at its heart, Sphere Abu Dhabi will be a platform for Emirati culture, Emirati talent and Emirati storytelling, shared with the world on the grandest stage ever built.”

James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sphere Entertainment, said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is the first step in realising our vision for a global network of venues. Abu Dhabi is a premier international capital city, and its ambition, infrastructure, and position as a cultural crossroads make it a natural home for Sphere. Sphere Abu Dhabi will establish Yas Island as a destination in the region for immersive experiences, and we look forward to working with DCT Abu Dhabi to see this venue come to life.”

The venue will mirror the technological scale of the original Las Vegas location, which opened in September 2023. It will host three main event categories, including live concert residencies, immersive multi-sensory productions and corporate brand events ranging from conferences to combat sports. The exterior spherical LED screen, known as the Exosphere, will display digital art. Organisers plan to use this digital facade to showcase Emirati culture and local artistic talent to a global audience.

The site is located a short drive from Zayed International Airport. This position ensures direct connectivity to key transit networks. To support the influx of visitors, DCT Abu Dhabi is working with several local authorities to coordinate infrastructure upgrades. These include the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Department of Energy, Taqa, Etihad Rail and Aldar. The entities will collaborate to deliver extensive road enhancements and site access management across Yas Island. The completed project is expected to create thousands of local jobs.