Abu Dhabi to open Sphere arena on Yas Island

Abu Dhabi is set to open the entertainment and music complex Sphere on Yas Island.

Marking the first Sphere venue outside the US, the project – valued at $1.7 billion – is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029.

The venue will have capacity for up to 20,000 guests and host three categories of events, including Sphere Experiences, which encompasses “immersive productions that feature multi-sensory storytelling” and “convey Emirati culture and heritage.

Visitors can also attend concerts featuring Arabic and global artists, as well as brand events, such as combat sports, conferences and product launches.

Experiences will be powered by “advanced technologies that will transform the traditional venue model”.

The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) said the development will “attract tourists from around the world, boost economic diversification and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s sense of place for residents and visitors alike”.

Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, added: “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 $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, talent and storytelling, shared with the world on the grandest stage ever built.”