The rumours have been floating for a while but now we have it in writing. A second Las Vegas Sphere is in the works and the location will be the UAE. Now world’s largest spherical structure’s twin will find a home in Abu Dhabi.
Will the Abu Dhabi Sphere resemble the Las Vegas one?
Vegas’ globe-shaped music and entertainment arena has captured imaginations, and social media feeds, around the world since it opened in September 2023. Hypnotic illusions and endearing emoji faces displayed on its domed exterior screen made it a viral phenomenon.
The Abu Dhabi Sphere will replicate the scale and majesty of its Sin City counterpart. All we know so far is that the project backed by Sphere Entertainment and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi will be located in a prime spot in the capital. It’s also set to match the gargantuan 20,000 seating capacity of the Vegas Sphere.
Highlights of the Abu Dhabi Sphere
The Abu Dhabi venue will be open year-round and host concerts, shows and events of a scale that Abu Dhabi (and the UAE) haven’t seen before in “a revolutionary setting”. What exactly that means we’ll have to wait and watch.
However, if the flagship Sphere is anything to go by then expect a 270-degree bowl-shaped arena without corners that feels like looking into infinity and beyond.
The UAE version will also incorporate Sphere Entertainment’s proprietary designs, technology, and intellectual property, so expect 167,000 loudspeakers, a digital exosphere made up of 580,000 sq ft (54,000 m2) LED displays which can display 1 billion colours simultaneously.
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said that Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits.” This partnership is in line with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030.
When will the sphere open?
No dates have been confirmed yet but considering the Vegas stadium took 5 years to build, 2030 is a good target. Abu Dhabi is the first step in Sphere Entertainment’s ambitious expansion plans to launch similar venues across the globe.
We’d throw caution to the wind and also hope for some legendary performances on opening night – an immersive U2 concert with breathtaking visuals wowed audiences at the Vegas Sphere’s launch.