The Sphere Entertainment Co. and Abu Dhabi tourism officials announced that Abu Dhabi will be the next city to provide entertainment in the well renowned spherical structure.
According to a news release from H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, the intended venue aligns with the Tourism strategy 2030 of further establishing Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates “as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation.”
Al Mubarak stated, “We’re not only raising our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings by embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere.”
Sphere Entertainment’s executive chairman and CEO, James L. Dolan, stated that by opening the Abu Dhabi facility, it will further support the vision of the company’s goal of creating a “global network of venues”.
The release stated that the new arena would mirror the size of the “20,000-capacity Sphere in Las Vegas,” although it did not specify the specific location.
International rock sensations U2 performed a number of gigs at the facility when it first opened in September 2023.
The largest spherical structure in the world is reportedly the Las Vegas structure, at 366 feet (112 meters) tall and 516 feet (157 meters) wide. Its inside has what is claimed to be the highest-resolution wraparound LED screen in the world. Furthermore, its exterior is equipped with 1.2 million hockey puck-sized LEDs, which are allegedly the largest in the world. These LEDs may be programmed to flash dynamic visuals on a gigantic scale. The Vegas Sphere cost $2.3 billion to build.
According to the press release, the collaboration between Sphere Entertainment and Abu Dhabi tourism officials for the second installment is “subject to finalization of definitive agreements.” For the privilege of constructing the venue, Sphere Entertainment would be paid a “franchise initiation fee.” The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi would provide funding for the construction.
Further details about the venue such as the project cost and opening time is yet to be confirmed.
Brandon Griggs of CNN contributed to the original article.
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