This week, Sphere Entertainment announced the location for a second iteration of its perfectly round performance venue that captured headlines in Las Vegas. It’s not in London, South Korea, or even West Hollywood. Rather, the landmark building will be situated not far from Burj Khalifa and Aldar Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Even prior to the Sphere’s Las Vegas debut, the brains behind it, James Dolan and Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG)—of which Sphere Entertainment is a spinoff company of—was eyeing a site in Stratford, London for debut number two. However, in January, MSG submitted a letter to the United Kingdom’s Planning Inspectorate stating it would be withdrawing its application to build the LED-clad, sphere-shaped entertainment venue there. For years the London proposal received pushback that cited concerns over the structure’s bright illumination and nighttime appeal.
Sphere Entertainment said at the time it would consider alternative locations. Now, it appears to have followed through on that. In a press release this week, the company again made clear its global vision. “Sphere Entertainment has actively pursued its plans to develop a global network of Sphere venues,” it said. “This expansion is expected to provide significant growth potential and drive new revenue streams by leveraging Sphere Entertainment’s expertise, proprietary technology, and original content.”
Much like its Vegas predecessor, the Abu Dhabi Sphere will, first and foremost, be faced with a glowing exoskeleton. One can only hope that those charged with programming the exterior visuals have as much of a playful edge as the ones in Sin City do.
A rendering depicting the object shows it faced with a screen lit up with the colors of the UAE flag and a simple “hello UAE” message. The Sphere is illustrated with a sea of parking and a string of hotel buildings that could destine an Abu Dhabi streetscape dotted with entertainment options a la Las Vegas. (In July, Abu Dhabi announced it was accepting proposals for gaming licenses.) Beyond its flashy screen, Abu Dhabi’s sphere will also house a performance venue equipped for 20,000 spectators. Like in Vegas, these interiors are sure to be equally as arousing to the senses, making for a stimulating backdrop for events, concerts, and shows.
Abu Dhabi’s Sphere is possible thanks to a partnership between Sphere Entertainment and the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Under this partnership, DCT Abu Dhabi “will pay Sphere Entertainment a franchise initiation fee for the right to build the venue.” This grants DCT access to “Sphere Entertainment’s proprietary designs, technology, and intellectual property.”
Construction of the spectacle will be funded by DCT Abu Dhabi. In a press release, Sphere Entertainment shared that its “team of experts” will assist with the “development, construction, and pre-opening of the venue.”
