The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based pro audio-visual (AV) and digital signage specialist Blue Rhine Industries (BRI) has been awarded the contract to install the light-emitting diode (LED) screens that make up Sphere Abu Dhabi’s immense Exosphere.
The Sphere Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open in 2029.
Programmable Exterior Display
‘GULF NEWS’ stated that the Exosphere is Sphere Abu Dhabi’s fully programmable exterior display transforming the building’s outer surface into an unmissable digital canvas for art, entertainment and visual storytelling. This AV integration project is the company’s largest scope to date in its 20-year history.
Dubai (UAE)-based the Blue Rhine Industries is a leading supplier of signage and advertising materials, digital print media, LED solutions, and fabrication tools across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
The 20,000-seat Sphere Abu Dhabi is a massive, high-tech immersive entertainment and performance venue currently under development on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Iconic Exosphere
‘GULF NEWS’ further stated that the BRI was selected by the ALEC Engineering and Contracting, part of the ALEC Holdings, to install and commission the iconic Exosphere, an integral part of the main construction contract for Sphere Abu Dhabi, which is worth US$1.7 billion. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is leading the development of the first Sphere venue outside the United States.
Dubai (UAE)-based the ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC (ALEC) is a large, multidisciplinary construction and engineering company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with major operations across the GCC (including Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi).
Dubai (UAE)-based the ALEC Holdings is a leading multidisciplinary engineering and construction group operating primarily in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Spherical Façade
Before the audiences step inside the Sphere Abu Dhabi for a concert or immersive show the building’s exterior is designed to give them something to watch: A giant programmable LED display wrapped around its spherical façade.
Installing Screens
UAE-founded Blue Rhine Industries (BRI) has now secured the subcontract to install and commission those screens. The company confirmed on Instagram that the ALEC Engineering and Contracting, part of the ALEC Holdings, had selected it to deliver the venue’s Exosphere.
Digital Canvas
The Exosphere is Sphere Abu Dhabi’s fully programmable exterior display thus turning the building’s outer surface into a digital canvas for art, entertainment and visual storytelling. The BRI describes the audiovisual integration project as its largest scope of work in its 20-year history.
Defining Features
The installation will cover the exterior of the 112-meter-high building. It forms part of the venue’s main $1.7 billion construction contract thus bringing a UAE specialist into the delivery of one of the project’s defining features.
A Building that Changes
The Exosphere will allow the building’s appearance to change through the images displayed across its surface. It will provide an outdoor visual experience alongside the multisensory entertainment planned inside.
Emirati Culture and Storytelling
The plans include showcasing work by the Emirati artists thus giving the local creative talent a platform on the venue’s exterior. The Emirati culture and storytelling would also feature in the original productions developed for the project.
LED Screens
The BRI’s assignment covers installing and commissioning the LED screens. Commissioning brings the installed system into operation and checks that it functions as intended.
‘Incredible Milestone’
John V. Joseph, Head Honcho of Blue Rhine Industries, said in the company’s Instagram announcement, “As a UAE-founded company we are proud to be bringing the Sphere Abu Dhabi Exosphere to life by installing the LEDs across the 112-meter-high exterior façade. It is an incredible milestone for our team to partner with the ALEC Holdings to support DCT Abu Dhabi in delivering this landmark entertainment destination to the UAE.”
Location
The Sphere Abu Dhabi is planned for a site between the Yas Mall and the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The location places it within the Yas Island’s established network of entertainment attractions with construction targeted for completion by the end of 2029.
Entertainment Format
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is developing the project in partnership with the Sphere Entertainment. It was announced as the first Sphere venue outside the United States thus bringing the entertainment format behind the Las Vegas (US) attraction to the UAE capital.
Broader Entertainment Destination
For the residents and the visitors the exterior display will be one part of a broader entertainment destination. Inside, the venue is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 people with a flexible capacity suited to different event formats.
Concert Residencies
The planned program includes the Sphere Experiences – the brand’s multisensory productions – the concert residencies featuring the regional Arabic artistes and the international performers and the major brand events. The other intended uses include the product launches and the combat sports.
Behind the Screens
The LED installation sits within a wider construction program that combines the structural engineering with the immersive technology. The DCT Abu Dhabi awarded the ALEC the main $1.7 billion construction contract earlier this year.
Digital Engineering
Under that award the ALEC’s responsibilities cover the venue’s design, procurement and construction. The contractor previously highlighted the coordination required across design, the supply chains and construction delivery supported by digital engineering.
Entertainment Experience
The BRI’s appointment adds the specialist responsible for installing and commissioning the exterior screens to that program. Its work will deliver the display intended to make the building itself part of the entertainment experience.
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