Abu Dhabi has confirmed plans for the world's second Sphere venue, a US$1.7 billion project on Yas Island that will host immersive experiences, concerts and major global events.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Sphere Entertainment have announced plans to build Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, marking the first Sphere venue outside the US and a major addition to the emirate's growing tourism and entertainment offering.

Located between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the new venue will have a construction phase cost of US$1.7 billion and is expected to be completed by the end of 2029. The project will sit within landscaped surroundings and benefit from close proximity to Yas Island's attractions, hospitality infrastructure and theme parks, which include Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.

The announcement represents another significant investment in Abu Dhabi's long-term strategy to position itself as a leading global destination for tourism, culture and entertainment. Once operational, Sphere Abu Dhabi will have a capacity of up to 20,000 people, depending on event configuration, and is expected to create thousands of jobs.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, says: “Abu Dhabi has always built for the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is a powerful demonstration of that commitment. In a region where the appetite for world-class experiences continues to grow, our US$1.7 billion investment in its construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction.

"This project reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s international partnerships, built on shared ambition and mutual confidence in what this emirate represents as a global destination. Together, we are creating a venue that will draw our community, visitors, creators and investors to Yas Island and Abu Dhabi for decades to come. And at its heart, 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.”

The venue will host three core categories of programming. These include Sphere Experiences, which are immersive productions using multi-sensory storytelling technology, concert residencies by major artists, and large-scale events ranging from sporting competitions and conferences to product launches and corporate gatherings.

Plans for the venue also place a strong emphasis on local culture. While the entertainment programme is still being developed, DCT Abu Dhabi says future Sphere Experiences will showcase Emirati heritage and storytelling. The Exosphere, the venue's giant spherical LED exterior, will also be used to display work by Emirati artists. Concert programming is expected to feature regional performers alongside international stars.

James L. Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, says: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is the first step in realising our vision for a global network of venues. Abu Dhabi is a premier international capital city, and its ambition, infrastructure, and position as a cultural crossroads make it a natural home for Sphere. Sphere Abu Dhabi will establish Yas Island as a destination in the region for immersive experiences, and we look forward to working with DCT Abu Dhabi to see this venue come to life.”

Sphere Abu Dhabi will be located a short distance from Zayed International Airport, strengthening its appeal for international visitors. The venue is also expected to become a prominent visual landmark during globally broadcast events such as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, further increasing international exposure for Yas Island.

The project follows the success of the original Sphere venue in Las Vegas, which opened in September 2023 and quickly became known for its immersive entertainment technology and distinctive spherical design. Like its US counterpart, Sphere Abu Dhabi will combine advanced visual, audio and sensory technologies to create new forms of live entertainment.

The development forms part of a broader transformation of Abu Dhabi's visitor economy. Alongside the expanding Saadiyat Cultural District and the recently announced Disney theme park resort on Yas Island, Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to strengthen the emirate's position as one of the Middle East's leading destinations for culture, entertainment and large-scale events.

To support the project, DCT Abu Dhabi will work with multiple government and infrastructure partners, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Mobility, the Department of Energy, Taqa, Etihad Rail and Aldar. The collaboration will ensure road upgrades, transport links and supporting infrastructure are integrated with surrounding attractions across Yas Island.