Abu Dhabi Secures Exclusive Deal to Build Sphere Venues Across MENA

Abu Dhabi, UAE – August 8, 2025 - In a landmark move set to transform the regional entertainment landscape, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed an exclusive agreement with US-based Sphere Entertainment to develop Sphere venues across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) over the next decade.

The agreement was disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing by Sphere Entertainment on July 28, 2025, and grants DCT Abu Dhabi the exclusive right to build and operate Sphere venues in the region for at least 10 years following the opening of Sphere Abu Dhabi.

Global Expansion Begins in Abu Dhabi

The deal follows the official announcement of Sphere Abu Dhabi in October 2024, though its location and opening date are yet to be confirmed. According to the SEC filing:

“Subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement, DCT also has the exclusive right to build and operate additional Sphere venues in the geographic region spanning the Middle East and North Africa for a period of at least 10 years after the opening date of Sphere Abu Dhabi, on terms and conditions to be negotiated in good faith and mutually agreed by Sphere Entertainment Group and DCT.”

This agreement marks the first international expansion for Sphere Entertainment, whose flagship venue in Las Vegas, which opened in 2023, quickly became one of the world’s most iconic entertainment destinations.

The Las Vegas Sphere stands at 115 metres tall and 157 metres wide, and is hailed as the largest spherical structure globally. With a 20,000-seat capacity and a 16K resolution wraparound screen, it has hosted cutting-edge performances by artists including U2, the Eagles, and the Backstreet Boys.

Read more: Abu Dhabi’s Sphere Project Advances as MENA’s First Immersive Venue

A Vision for Immersive Cultural Tourism

“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,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi.

“The attraction will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits.”

A Milestone in Live Entertainment

James L. Dolan, CEO of Sphere Entertainment, described the partnership as a pivotal step in the company’s international strategy.

“The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues. Sphere is redefining live entertainment and extending the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi.”

As Abu Dhabi positions itself as a leading global cultural and entertainment hub, the Sphere project aligns with the emirate’s wider efforts to blend innovation, tourism, and economic diversification, setting the stage for a new era of immersive live entertainment across the region.