Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism to invest $1.7 billion in construction phase of this landmark project on Yas Island
Expected to be completed by the end of 2029
Sphere Abu Dhabi, with a capacity of up to 20,000 people, will host immersive experiences, residency concerts, sports events, and brand activations
The Exosphere will celebrate Emirati culture through large-scale art and visual storytelling
Abu Dhabi, UAEMay 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) today announced that Yas Island has been selected as the location for Sphere Abu Dhabi, with an investment of $1.7 billion in the construction phase of this landmark project. The venue is poised to become a new global landmark, attracting visitors from around the world, driving economic diversification, and further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s unique sense of belonging for residents and tourists alike.
Yas Island to be the home of Sphere Abu Dhabi
Sphere Abu Dhabi will be the first Sphere venue outside the United States, located on a plot between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, surrounded by greenery and adjacent to other theme parks and attractions on Yas Island. Construction of the venue is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi always looks to the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is a powerful testament to that commitment. In a region with continuously growing demand for world-class experiences, our investment of $1.7 billion in the construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open to the world, ambitious in its vision, and unwavering in its direction. This project underscores the depth of Abu Dhabi’s international partnerships—built on a shared vision and mutual confidence in what this emirate represents as a global destination. Together, we are creating a venue that will continue to attract the local community, visitors, creators, and investors to Yas Island and Abu Dhabi for decades to come. At the heart of Sphere Abu Dhabi will be a platform to showcase Emirati culture, nurture local talent, and tell Emirati stories, presented to the world on an unprecedented grand stage.”
James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sphere Entertainment, said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is the first step in realizing our vision for a global network of venues. Abu Dhabi is a premier international capital, and its ambition, infrastructure, and status as a cultural crossroads make it an ideal location for Sphere. Sphere Abu Dhabi will elevate Yas Island as a regional hub for immersive experiences, and we look forward to working with DCT Abu Dhabi to bring this venue from concept to reality.”
Sphere Abu Dhabi will host three main categories of events, all powered by Sphere’s advanced experiential technology: Sphere Experiences, exclusive immersive productions using multi-sensory storytelling; residency concerts; and large-scale brand activations supported by flexible configurations—ranging from competitive sports to conferences and product launches.
The entertainment content at Sphere Abu Dhabi will reflect the emirate’s status as a cultural crossroads. While still in development, plans include continuing the signature fully immersive experiences from Sphere in Las Vegas, while also creating Sphere Experiences that showcase Emirati culture and heritage, and featuring works by Emirati artists on the Exosphere—the spherical LED screen that forms the venue’s exterior. Concerts will feature local and other Arab artists, as well as global superstars.
Located a short drive from Zayed International Airport, Sphere Abu Dhabi will serve as a key gateway to the emirate’s cultural and entertainment offerings. With its geographical proximity to other hotels and entertainment infrastructure on Yas Island, Sphere Abu Dhabi will further solidify Yas Island’s position as a global events destination: not only hosting Sphere’s own events but also serving as a stunning visual backdrop broadcast worldwide during the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The first Sphere venue globally opened in Las Vegas in September 2023. Like the Las Vegas venue, Sphere Abu Dhabi will be an experience medium driven by advanced technology, revolutionizing the traditional venue model. The venue’s scale will also be comparable to Sphere in Las Vegas, with a capacity of up to 20,000 people, depending on the event configuration. Once operational, Sphere Abu Dhabi will create thousands of local jobs on an ongoing basis.
As another significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s integrated destination development, Sphere Abu Dhabi will join globally renowned projects such as the Saadiyat Cultural District and the upcoming Disney theme park resort on Yas Island, further enhancing its global tourism appeal.
DCT Abu Dhabi will collaborate with entities including the Department of Municipalities and Transport and its Integrated Transport Centre, the Department of Energy, Taqa, Etihad Rail, and Aldar to ensure that all components of the master plan—including road upgrades, site access, and site-wide infrastructure—are seamlessly integrated with surrounding assets on Yas Island.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable development of culture and tourism in Abu Dhabi, fueling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s global ambitions. Working closely with organizations that shape Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi is committed to uniting the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinating efforts and investments, delivering innovative solutions, and adopting the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture, creative, and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is shaped by the emirate’s people, heritage, and landscape. We are dedicated to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s image as an authentic, innovative, and extraordinary destination, underpinned by its welcoming traditions, pioneering initiatives, and creative thinking.
For more information about DCT Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dctabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae
About Sphere Entertainment Co.:
Sphere Entertainment Co. is a leader in immersive experiences, technology, and media. The company’s business includes Sphere, an experience medium driven by advanced technology. The first Sphere opened in Las Vegas, and official announcements have been made for Sphere venues in Abu Dhabi and National Harbor. Additionally, the company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment channels—MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet—and a direct-to-consumer, authenticated streaming product, MSG+, offering extensive live sports and other programming. For more information, visit sphereentertainmentco.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the expected completion time for the construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi. Investors should be aware that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments, or events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to unexpected costs, liabilities, or delays related to the development and construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi, as well as factors described in Sphere Entertainment’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Sphere Entertainment undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
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Yas Island to be the home of Sphere Abu Dhabi