Las Vegas’ Sphere Will Get a Twin, as a Second Location Is Announced for Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates

As a seasoned concert-goer and technology enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of live entertainment over the years, I must say, the announcement of a second Sphere venue in Abu Dhabi is a thrilling development.


The Las Vegas Sphere is no longer a unique structure. A second Sphere has been unveiled, this time to be built in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In the joint statement released on Tuesday, neither Sphere Entertainment Co. nor the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) of Abu Dhabi disclosed a specific date for the commencement or inauguration of the project.

James L. Dolan, head of Sphere Entertainment, expressed that today’s news brings us closer to our long-held ambition of creating a worldwide network of entertainment venues. He stated, ‘Sphere is revolutionizing live entertainment and broadening the scope of its influential transformation.’ Sphere is pleased to be partnering with DCT Abu Dhabi in their city to build this new venture.

According to H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, this collaboration supports our Tourism Strategy 2030, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a dynamic center for culture and innovation. By adopting innovative forms of entertainment such as Sphere, we are not only enhancing our international image but also establishing new benchmarks in immersive experiences and cultural attractions.

Initially, the company aimed to erect a Sphere in London, but due to strong resistance from locals regarding the proposed eye-catching structure, Dolan decided to focus on other projects instead.

After the venue’s launch, Sphere Entertainment intends to continue its partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi. This collaboration is projected to encompass various aspects such as yearly payments for creative and artistic content licensed by Sphere Entertainment, including Sphere Experiences; use of Sphere’s brand, patents, technology, and intellectual property; operational services concerning the venue’s operations and technology; and commercial and strategic guidance.

In September 2023, the Las Vegas branch of a structure known simply as “The Sphere” (rather than “the Sphere”) was unveiled at an estimated price tag exceeding $2 billion. Despite the high initial cost, ticket sales for performances and movies have been brisk in its brief period of operation. For the fiscal quarter ending June 30, Sphere Entertainment reported earnings of $273.4 million, but also showed an operating loss of $71.4 million during that same timeframe.

At the Las Vegas venue, U2 kicked off with an initial residency, which was later succeeded by Dead & Company’s 30-show run and currently by the Eagles. A film of U2’s concert is screening there, as well as Darren Aronofsky’s “Postcard From Earth.” Starting at the end of December, the EDM artist Anyma will perform for eight shows. In September, the venue hosted UFC 306, its first live sports event, and in June, it aired the NHL Draft, marking the first live television event broadcast from the facility.

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2024-10-15 16:46