Abu Dhabi confirms Yas Island site for $1.7bn Sphere venue
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The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Sphere Entertainment Co. have announced Yas Island as the location for Sphere Abu Dhabi, a project with a construction phase cost of $1.7 billion.
The venue, which will be the first Sphere outside the United States, will be built on land between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Officials said the project is intended to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector, support economic diversification and reinforce Yas Island’s position as a global entertainment destination.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the project reflects the emirate’s long-term development plans and international partnerships.
He said Sphere Abu Dhabi would serve as a platform for Emirati culture, talent and storytelling while attracting visitors, creators and investors to the capital.
James L Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sphere Entertainment, described Abu Dhabi as a natural location for the company’s first international expansion, citing its infrastructure and status as a cultural crossroads.
Sphere Abu Dhabi will host immersive productions, concert residencies and large-scale events including sports, conferences and product launches using advanced experiential technologies.
Plans for the venue include showcasing Emirati culture and heritage through immersive productions, while the exterior LED screen, known as the Exosphere, will display works by Emirati artists. Concerts are expected to feature regional and international performers.
Located near Zayed International Airport, the venue will sit alongside Yas Island attractions and hospitality infrastructure, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit.