International. Sphere Entertainment and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi announced that they will work together to bring the world's second Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This next-generation entertainment medium is expected to be a historic addition to this premier international capital, elevating the entertainment offering for residents and visitors alike.
"Sphere's vision has always included a global network of venues, and the announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal," said James L. Dolan, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Sphere Entertainment. "Sphere is redefining live entertainment and expanding the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi to develop Sphere in their city."
Since the opening of the first globally recognized Sphere in Las Vegas in September 2023, Sphere Entertainment has been actively pursuing its plans to develop a global network of Sphere venues. 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.
Located in a prime location in Abu Dhabi and on the same scale as the 20,000-seat Sphere in Las Vegas, this venue promises to redefine entertainment in the region. Sphere in Abu Dhabi is expected to be a major year-round attraction for residents and visitors from around the world alike, offering opportunities to experience events, concerts and shows like never before in an unforgettable and revolutionary setting.
Sphere Entertainment and DCT Abu Dhabi, the organization that drives the growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors and promotes the city as a global destination, have agreed to collaborate on the construction of the upcoming Sphere venue in Abu Dhabi, which welcomed more than 24 million visitors in 2023.
Under the terms of the partnership, which is subject to the completion of the definitive agreements, DCT Abu Dhabi will pay Sphere Entertainment a franchise start-up fee for the right to build the venue, using Sphere Entertainment's proprietary designs, technology and intellectual property. The construction will be funded by DCT Abu Dhabi, and Sphere Entertainment's team of experts will provide services related to the development, construction, and pre-opening of the venue.
Following the opening of the venue, Sphere Entertainment plans to maintain existing agreements with DCT Abu Dhabi that are expected to include annual fees for creative and artistic content licensed by Sphere Entertainment, such as Sphere Experiences; use of Sphere's trademark, patents, proprietary technology, and intellectual property; and operational services related to the operations and technology of the venue, as well as commercial and strategic advisory support.
