Building on the success of the Sphere in Las Vegas, plans have been announced to develop a second venue in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This announcement comes after Sphere Entertainment Co. and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi revealed that they will work together to build the venue, aiming to elevate the region’s entertainment offerings for residents and visitors.

James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO 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.”

Situated in a prime location in Abu Dhabi, the new Sphere venue is set to rival the iconic 20,000-capacity Sphere in Las Vegas. This venue is expected to become a major year-round attraction, offering an original setting for concerts, events and shows.

At this time, neither party has confirmed details regarding the start of construction or the planned opening date for the venue.

H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated that the venue will allow for “captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits.”

“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,” he continued.

“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.”

Since opening, the Sphere in Las Vegas has hosted a variety of events, with UFC 306 being the most recent, sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season sports festival. 

This highlights the Middle East’s growing involvement in major sports, particularly boxing, and its increasing presence in the expanding esports scene. 

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia hosted the inaugural Esports World Cup, marking its ambitious entry into the world of competitive gaming and further cementing its influence in global sports.

Previous articleFuboTV will integrate live sports to The Athletic as new streaming partner
Next articleRugby League Commercial eyes future success with new appointment