Sphere Abu Dhabi to open on Yas Island by 2029

Abu Dhabi will host the world's second Sphere venue on Yas Island, a US$1.7 billion project announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with Sphere Entertainment. The spherical venue will be built between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, close to Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2029. Once operational the venue will accommodate up to 20,000 people depending on event configuration and is projected to create thousands of jobs while drawing international visitors through its proximity to Zayed International Airport.

“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 US$1.7 billion investment in its construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction,” said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. “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 CEO of Sphere Entertainment, framed the project as part of a wider roll‑out for the company: “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.”

Project scope and programming

The venue will combine the advanced visual, audio and sensory technologies that made the original Las Vegas Sphere — which opened in September 2023 — a global talking point, with programming designed to reflect local culture. DCT Abu Dhabi says Sphere Abu Dhabi will host three core categories of programming:

• Sphere Experiences — immersive productions using multi‑sensory storytelling technology, with future editions set to showcase Emirati heritage and storytelling;
• Concert residencies — featuring major international artists alongside regional performers;
• Large‑scale events — including sporting competitions, conferences, product launches and corporate gatherings.

The venue’s Exosphere, a giant spherical LED exterior, will be programmed to display work by Emirati artists, underlining a stated emphasis on local culture and talent.

Delivery, partners and strategic context

DCT Abu Dhabi said the project will be supported by a range of government and infrastructure partners to integrate roads, transport links and supporting utilities with surrounding attractions on Yas Island. Named collaborators include the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Mobility, the Department of Energy, Taqa, Etihad Rail and Aldar.

Sphere Abu Dhabi is being positioned as part of a broader transformation of the emirate’s visitor economy alongside developments such as the Saadiyat Cultural District and the recently announced Disney theme park resort on Yas Island. The venue is also expected to become a high‑visibility landmark during globally broadcast events, including the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, increasing international exposure for Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. Construction is slated to run through 2029, after which the new Sphere will begin hosting immersive experiences, concerts and major global events.