Watch out world, another Sphere is coming.
Sphere Entertainment, the owner and operator of the Sphere venue in Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism announced that the city in the United Arab Emirates will be the home for the second Sphere location.
Details on the new Sphere are still to be determined, though the company says that it will be in a “prime spot” in the city, and that it will be “echoing the scale of the 20,000-capacity Sphere in Las Vegas.”
Notably, the new Sphere will utilize a franchise model, with Abu Dhabi financing the build and paying a franchise fee to Sphere, while utilizing the company’s designs, technology and IP. The new Sphere will also pay Sphere entertainment recurring fees for content, its brand, tech and IP.
The Las Vegas Sphere has leaned into live events, including concerts from the likes of U2 and Phish and recently entered the sports arena for the first time with a live UFC match. It also has two original films: Darren Aronofky’s Postcard from Earth and V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film, with other original Sphere content being developed by the company’s Sphere Studios unit.
The Sphere in Las Vegas has also become a bona fide tourist attraction, with visitors seeking to take photos of the video imagery on the “exosphere.”
“The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues, and today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal,” said James Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment. “Sphere is redefining live entertainment and extending the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi to develop Sphere in their city.”
“We are excited to bring Sphere to Abu Dhabi in partnership with Sphere Entertainment, providing our residents and visitors with an extraordinary new form of entertainment,” added H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. “Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits. This partnership aligns with our Tourism Strategy 2030, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation. By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we’re not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings.”