Alec gets $1.7bn construction contract for Sphere Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism department has awarded a $1.7 billion construction contract for Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island to Alec Engineering and Contracting, the company announced. The first Sphere venue outside the US is due to be completed by the end of 2029 and will stand on a plot between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The venue will accommodate up to 20,000 people and is slated to host immersive experiences, concert residencies, sporting events and brand activations.

Direct quote

“Securing the construction contract is a profound endorsement of our capability as a homegrown UAE company,” Alec CEO Barry Lewis said. He added the company will deliver “a globally iconic venue that will attract millions of international visitors and establish Abu Dhabi as a world-leading centre for immersive entertainment and cultural experience.” Lewis also described Sphere Abu Dhabi as “a world-class venue that's rooted here, built here, and managed by a company committed to the emirate's long-term vision.”

Project scope and technical details

Alec said the project encompasses the complete design, procurement and construction of the new Sphere venue. The company’s statement outlined responsibilities including state-of-the-art immersive technology systems, advanced structural and mechanical engineering, bespoke manufacturing and installation, and integrated sustainable building systems.

• Contract value: $1.7 billion
• Completion target: end of 2029
• Location: between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
• Capacity: up to 20,000

Sean McQue, managing director at Alec, highlighted the technical ambitions of the build. “The Sphere Abu Dhabi is both technically complex and architecturally ambitious,” McQue said. “It will demand precision at every level, from design integration and supply-chain orchestration to on-site execution and quality assurance.”

The announcement positions the Abu Dhabi project as the next iteration of the Sphere concept first unveiled in Las Vegas in 2023. The original Sphere is noted in the company statement as the largest spherical structure in the world, featuring 580,000 square feet of LED lighting. It also introduced technologies Alec referenced as benchmarks: the world’s highest resolution LED screen, an advanced concert audio system, and atmospheric effects including wind and scent.

Outlook

Construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to sit at the centre of Yas Island’s cluster of theme parks and attractions, complementing nearby offerings and aiming to draw international visitors. Alec framed the contract as a milestone for UAE-based construction capability and an affirmation of the emirate’s ambitions in immersive entertainment. With delivery targeted for 2029, the project will require sustained coordination across design, manufacturing and installation phases to replicate and adapt the technically demanding systems showcased by the Las Vegas Sphere.