Published on: May 14, 2026, 04:34h.

Updated on: May 14, 2026, 04:35h.

• Yas Island has been officially designated as the site for the second Sphere, a $1.7 billion venture intended to be a “global hub for Emirati culture.”
• The venue will accommodate 20,000 attendees and is set to be completed by late 2029, utilizing cutting-edge immersive technology similar to its Las Vegas counterpart.
• Under a 25-year franchise agreement, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) will finance construction while Sphere Entertainment supplies proprietary content and technology in exchange for royalties.

On Thursday, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) confirmed the second Sphere’s location on Yas Island, concluding previous speculation about the potential site for the $1.7 billion Las Vegas landmark’s counterpart. Officials also announced a target completion timeframe of late 2029.

The construction of the Abu Dhabi Sphere will take place on Yas Island, precisely positioned between Yas Mall and SeaWorld. (Image: Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism)

All About Yas

Yas Island, extending over 6,000 acres, has evolved into a leading tourism hub for Abu Dhabi, attracting millions each year to its concert venues, upscale hotels, and amusement parks, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Additionally, it hosts the Yas Marina Circuit, the venue for the annual Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The new Sphere will be strategically located between SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Yas Mall, reinforcing its position in the island’s vibrant entertainment district.

In July 2025, Sphere Entertainment entered into a licensing arrangement with the DCT, allowing the emirate to develop and manage a Sphere-branded facility. Prior to Thursday, the specific location had not been revealed. This agreement also grants the DCT exclusive rights to establish and operate a Sphere venue within the UAE and offers a 10-year timeframe for the development of further Spheres across the Middle East and North Africa.

The DCT is also permitted to utilize Sphere Entertainment’s intellectual property, technology, and related content. In return, Sphere will receive an upfront franchise initiation fee along with an annual royalty based on a percentage of overall revenues from Sphere Abu Dhabi, excluding income from ticket sales for Sphere-licensed “Sphere Experience” content.

The franchise agreement is valid for 25 years from the opening date, with options for two additional 10-year extensions.

A Companion to Sphere

The Abu Dhabi venue will mirror the 20,000-seat capacity of the Las Vegas Sphere and will feature identical proprietary technologies, including its LED-intensive Exosphere, immersive interior displays, and advanced multi-sensory systems. It will host musical residencies, sporting events, and corporate showcases.

Sphere Entertainment’s CEO, James Dolan, mentioned that Abu Dhabi’s vision and infrastructure make it “an ideal home for Sphere,” emphasizing that the venue will position Yas Island as a prominent location for immersive entertainment experiences.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the DCT, described the project as a strategic investment in the emirate’s cultural and tourism development, asserting that the Sphere will act as “a stage for Emirati culture, talent, and storytelling, presented to the world on an unmatched platform.”