Sphere Entertainment Co. and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced that they will work together to bring the world's second Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This state-of-the-art entertainment venue is expected to be an iconic addition to this top-tier international capital, elevating the entertainment offerings for both residents and visitors.
The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues, and this announcement is an important milestone toward that goal. Sphere is redefining live entertainment and expanding the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi to develop Sphere in their city, said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment.
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His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, commented: “We are excited to bring Sphere to Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Sphere Entertainment, providing residents and visitors with a new extraordinary form of entertainment. Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for its visitors. This partnership aligns with the 2030 Tourism Strategy, further solidifying Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation. By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we are not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings”.
Since the opening of the first Sphere in Las Vegas, which received global acclaim in September 2023, Sphere Entertainment has actively pursued its plans to develop a global network of Sphere venues. This expansion is expected to provide significant growth potential and generate new revenue streams by leveraging Sphere Entertainment's expertise, proprietary technology, and original content.
Strategically located in Abu Dhabi and with a capacity similar to the 20,000-seat Sphere in Las Vegas, this venue promises to redefine entertainment in the region. Sphere in Abu Dhabi is expected to be a major year-round attraction for both residents and visitors from around the world, offering the opportunity to enjoy events, concerts, and shows like never before in a revolutionary and unforgettable setting.
Sphere Entertainment and DCT Abu Dhabi, the organization driving the growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and promoting the city as a global destination, have agreed to collaborate on building the next Sphere venue in Abu Dhabi, which welcomed over 24 million visitors in 2023. Under the terms of the partnership, which is subject to the finalization of definitive agreements, DCT Abu Dhabi will pay Sphere Entertainment an upfront franchise fee for the right to build the venue, using Sphere Entertainment's proprietary designs, technology, and intellectual property. The construction will be financed by DCT Abu Dhabi, with Sphere Entertainment's team of experts providing services related to the development, construction, and opening of the venue.
After the venue opens, Sphere Entertainment plans to maintain ongoing agreements with DCT Abu Dhabi, which are expected to include annual fees for creative and artistic content licensed by Sphere Entertainment, such as Sphere Experiences; the use of the Sphere brand, patents, proprietary technology, and intellectual property; and operational services related to the venue's operation and technology, as well as commercial support and strategic advisory.
