The first Sphere in the region will open in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE knows how to grab the world’s attention with over-the-top developments. From skyscrapers to man-made islands, the country never fails to raise the bar. The announcement of Sphere Abu Dhabi caused quite a stir – and now, there are plans to open more Spheres in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) has just signed a deal to bring additional Sphere venues to the MENA region. According to Billboard, DCT has secured exclusive rights to build and operate Sphere venues across the Middle East for at least ten years after the opening of Sphere Abu Dhabi. The agreement includes an option to extend the franchise for up to two additional ten-year terms.
With DCT funding the construction and Sphere Entertainment Group providing operational expertise, the partnership is set to create next-level entertainment. If Sphere Abu Dhabi delivers the wow factor, we could see these venues in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and beyond.
For those unfamiliar, the venue in Las Vegas is a record-breaking structure. It boasts the world’s largest LED screen and standing as the largest spherical building on the planet. Designed by Populous, the structure rises to 112 metres high and 157 metres wide. The exterior features a 16K-resolution wraparound LED screen – the highest resolution of its kind in the world. The venue holds up to 20,000 people, and engineers constructed its dome using 3,000 tonnes of steel.
Sphere Abu Dhabi will also accommodate up to 20,000 people and follow the same specifications and guidelines as its Las Vegas counterpart. As expansion plans move forward, the concept aims to bring world-class entertainment to an even broader audience.
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GO: Visit https://dct.gov.ae/en/default.aspx for more information.