The Sphere is headed to Abu Dhabi – find out more about the state-of-the-art’s second location below.
- READ MORE: U2 live in Las Vegas: a dazzling opening night at the $2 billion Sphere
On Tuesday (October 15), the Sphere Entertainment group and Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi made the joint announcement that the world’s second-ever Sphere will be constructed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Dates for the venue’s construction and opening have yet to be announced.
Today Sphere Entertainment and @DCTAbuDhabi announced that we will work together to bring the world’s second Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates! @SphereAbuDhabi is expected to be a landmark addition to this premier international capital city, elevating the entertainment… pic.twitter.com/CchNS5g2bE
— Sphere (@SphereVegas) October 15, 2024
In a statement to Variety, H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi said: “This partnership aligns with our Tourism Strategy 2030, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation. By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we’re not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings.”
The confirmation of Sphere Abu Dhabi comes after first being discussed about in December last year, and after proposals for a London Sphere fell apart. The original plans for the London Sphere were first announced in 2018 and would have seen a 21,500-capacity venue built, becoming the largest concert arena in the UK.
The proposed venue had raised concerns from some of those living in the surrounding area, who highlighted the strains on local infrastructure and health risks. The London Assembly Environment Committee also warned of the unacceptable light levels that would be created by the venue – with the finished product set to have an estimated 1million LED light bulbs on its exterior.
In December 2023, the UK government called for plans for the Vegas-style Sphere venue to be created in London to be revived, after they had been scrapped by the city’s mayor, Sadiq Khan.
However, developers of the London Sphere withdrew their plans in January 2024, saying it could not continue to participate in a process that was “merely a political football between rival parties”.
The Las Vegas Sphere opened its doors in September 2023 with a residency by U2. Reviewing U2’s Vegas residency the Sphere, NME hailed the show for “taking the live concert experience ‘to the next level’” and delivering “a fine balancing act of doing just that while also ensuring their music remains very much at the forefront”.
Since then, the Sphere has hosted residencies by Phish, Dead & Company, Eagles, and in December will host its first EDM residency with audio-visual artist Anyma.
