 "People take pictures during the opening night of the Sphere, September 29, 2023, in Las Vegas. AP")
Las Vegas is currently the only city with a giant, glowing Sphere. Not for long.
Plans are underway to build the world’s second Sphere in Abu Dhabi, following the opening of the first dome entertainment complex in Las Vegas. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, along with Sphere Entertainment Co, announced the project on Tuesday to bring the iconic structure to West Asia.
The planned venue supports Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which is aimed at “further establishing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation,” H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, said in a press release.
“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.”
As part of the deal, Abu Dhabi will have to pay a franchise fee to Sphere Entertainment for building the second location using its methods. Notably, the Abu Dhabi government will pay to build the structure and the yearly fees to Sphere Entertainment “for creative and artistic content.”
Where in Abu Dhabi?
However, the announcement did not disclose financial details or the exact location of building the Sphere in the Emirati capital, It did confirm that the venue would match the scale of the “20,000-capacity Sphere in Las Vegas.”
Speaking to CNN, James L Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, said that the Abu Dhabi location would be constructed on the company’s vision for a “global network of venues.”
The $2.3 billion Las Vegas Sphere, which opened in 2023, stands as the city’s most expensive entertainment venue. Featuring a high-resolution LED screen that wraps halfway around the 17,500-seat audience, it has already hosted concerts and sporting events.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe Sphere, the largest spherical structure in the world, stands 366 feet (111 metres) tall and 516 feet (157 metres) wide.
1 year of Vegas Sphere
The Las Vegas Sphere debuted in September 2023 with a series of performances by international rock legends U2. Since then, the venue has hosted a variety of artists, including Phish and The Eagles, and featured immersive visual experiences like the “V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film.”
Situated along the Las Vegas Strip, the Sphere’s massive 160,000-square-foot wraparound LED screen regularly captivates tourists and locals alike with visuals for ad campaigns and seasonal displays. These include a snow globe, a Jack-o’-lantern, an eyeball, and even Earth.
Covering the size of two city blocks, the arena also has 167,000 individual speakers.
Choppy efforts to build a second Sphere abroad
Efforts to build a second Sphere abroad have faced challenges. Last year, London Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected a proposal to build one in the city’s east due to concerns such as light pollution.
Abu Dhabi is actively working to differentiate itself as a travel destination, aiming to compete with its neighbouring city, Dubai, within the UAE, a federation of seven energy-rich sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula.
The UAE is also preparing to open its first casino. Currently, the only one under construction is in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, but other sheikhdoms are reportedly considering their own casino developments.
The Sphere concept is the brainchild of James Dolan, the executive chair of Madison Square Garden and owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers.
Stock in Sphere closed more than 6% higher Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange to $48.91 a share. That’s a major boost after Benchmark last month downgraded Sphere Entertainment to “sell” over “concerns regarding the Sphere’s “scalability, high production costs and a potentially underwhelming profitability outlook.”
Meanwhile, several projects in the UAE have either failed to be built or have faced delays for years after being announced, particularly during economic downturns.
Trademark filings indicate that Sphere Entertainment Co. has also registered trademarks in Japan, Oman, and Qatar. However, there are currently no announced plans for similar venues in these locations.
Companies frequently protectively trademark their names in various markets, even without immediate intentions to establish a business there.
With inputs from AP