The Sphere replica to gleam Abu Dhabi skyline

Article posted by Coliseum, August 6^th, 2025

Image: Sqhere Entertainment

The American entertainment company Sphere Entertainment has finalized a deal to bring the world’s second Sphere venue to Abu Dhabi (UAE).

‘IQ’ stated that the company and the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) – Abu Dhabi – confirmed last October that plans were afoot to develop a replica of the 20,000-capacity Las Vegas venue in the UAE capital.

The Executive Chairman and the head honcho of Sphere Entertainment James Dolan revealed earlier this year that the company is developing a smaller version of the iconic ‘The Sphere’ venue to potentially roll out to the other markets.

The Sphere Entertainment Company is an American entertainment holding company based in New York City (US) and controlled by the family of Charles Dolan. It owns the Sphere event venue in Paradise, Nevada, in the Las Vegas Valley and the New York-based regional sports network chain MSG Networks.

The Sphere (also known as the Sphere at the Venetian Resort) is a music and entertainment arena in Paradise, Nevada, United States, East of the Las Vegas Strip. Designed by Populous the project was announced by the Madison Square Garden Company in 2018, known then as the MSG Sphere. The venue, which seats 17,600 people and has total capacity of 20,000, is being marketed for its immersive video and audio capabilities which include a 16K resolution wraparound interior light-emitting diode (LED) screen, speakers with beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies and 4D physical effects. The venue’s exterior also features 580,000 sq ft (54,000 m2) of LED displays making it the largest in the world. The Sphere measures 366 feet (112 m) high and 516 feet (157 m) wide. The arena cost $2.3 billion making it the most expensive entertainment venue built in the Las Vegas Valley.

New York (US)-based the MSG Network is an American regional cable and satellite television network and radio service owned by the Sphere Entertainment – a spinoff of the main Madison Square Garden Company (American sports holding company) operation.

Populous is a global architectural and design practice with regional headquarters in Kansas City (US), London (UK) and Brisbane (Australia) specializing in sports facilities, arenas and convention centers as well as in the planning and design of major special events.

Abu Dhabi (UAE)-based the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) – is the principal authority driving the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors fueling economic progress and helping achieve the Emirate’s wider global ambitions.

The DCT Abu Dhabi aspires to welcome the world to Abu Dhabi, connect cultures to its heritage and inspire generations to embark on journeys of creativity and discovery. Through its partnerships with the organizations that define the Emirate’s position as a leading global destination they strive to create a dynamic ecosystem around a shared vision of the Emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries. The DCT Abu Dhabi works to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity and innovation represented by the UAE capital’s living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

‘IQ’ further stated that in the July 28^th filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the Sphere Entertainment Group has now formally granted DCT the exclusive right to build and operate The Sphere Abu Dhabi. The franchise agreement also gives DCT the right to build and operate additional Sphere venues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for at least 10 years after the opening of the Abu Dhabi development.

The filing read, “The DCT has agreed to pay the Sphere Entertainment Group a franchise initiation fee and royalties for the use of the Sphere Entertainment Group’s intellectual property (including The Sphere Experience content and other creative content).”

Abu Dhabi is the United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) second-most populous City after Dubai and gained the 18,000-capacity Etihad Arena in 2021.

The initial deal is for 25 years from the opening of Sphere Abu Dhabi after which the DCT will also have the option of up to two 10-year renewals.

The Sphere Entertainment has pursued plans to develop a global network of Sphere venues since opening the $2.3 billion Sphere in Las Vegas, US, in September 2023.

Meanwhile, the US country music outfit Zac Brown Band are the latest act to announce a Las Vegas residency at The Sphere. The six-night stint is slated for December 5^th 2025-January 10^th, 2026.

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