Abu Dhabi confirms Sphere venue for Yas Island

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Sphere Entertainment Co have confirmed Yas Island as the location for Sphere Abu Dhabi, a US$1.7 billion (AED6.2 billion) entertainment venue expected to launch by 2029.

 

The project will become the first Sphere venue outside the US and will be built between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Designed to host up to 20,000 guests, the venue will stage immersive productions, concert residencies, sporting events, conferences and product launches, alongside experiences inspired by Emirati culture and heritage. Works by Emirati artists will also be showcased on the Sphere’s exterior LED display, the Exosphere.

 

DCT Abu Dhabi will work with entities including Abu Dhabi Mobility, the Department of Energy, Taqa, Etihad Rail and Aldar on transport links, road enhancements, site access and wider infrastructure connected to the development.

 

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our US$1.7 billion investment in its construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious and unwavering in its direction.

 

“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.”

 

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The original Sphere venue opened in Las Vegas in 2023 and gained global attention for its 

immersive entertainment technology, including wraparound LED screens, multi-sensory effects and programmable exterior displays. The venue has since hosted concerts, sporting events and large-scale experiential productions.

 

Sphere Abu Dhabi forms part of Abu Dhabi’s wider destination development strategy alongside Saadiyat Cultural District and the upcoming Disney theme park resort on Yas Island.

 

The announcement follows recent international recognition for Abu Dhabi’s cultural sector after Zayed National Museum was named among the World’s Most Beautiful Museums in the 2026 Prix Versailles selection unveiled at Unesco Headquarters in Paris.

 

From 16 to 18 May 2026, Abu Dhabi will also offer free entry to museums and heritage attractions as part of International Museum Day celebrations. Participating sites include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and cultural attractions across Al Ain and Delma Island.

 

For more information, visit www.dctabudhabi.ae