AtkinsRéalis and ALEC Partner to Deliver Sphere Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, UAE – AtkinsRéalis and ALEC have announced a partnership to deliver Sphere Abu Dhabi, a landmark entertainment venue on Yas Island scheduled to open in 2029. The project will combine immersive technologies, advanced engineering and world-class design to create one of the world's most technologically advanced entertainment destinations.

Sphere Abu Dhabi will feature a fully programmable LED exosphere and a wraparound interior display capable of delivering 16K-resolution visuals, supported by advanced beamforming audio technology that can direct sound to individual seats.

The original Sphere in Las Vegas became the highest-grossing arena in the world within its first year of operation, setting a new benchmark for live entertainment experiences.

Design and construction partnership

The project brings together AtkinsRéalis' global design expertise and ALEC's regional construction capabilities to deliver a venue of significant technical complexity.

Both companies have extensive experience delivering major entertainment, cultural and infrastructure projects worldwide, including work on Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia, where AtkinsRéalis serves as design consultant and ALEC is delivering construction works across several landmark venues.

This experience provides both organisations with first-hand insight into the technical and logistical requirements of next-generation entertainment infrastructure.

Defined roles under Design and Build framework

Sphere Abu Dhabi is being delivered under a Design and Build framework, with AtkinsRéalis appointed as lead multidisciplinary design and supervision consultant. The company will oversee overall design coordination across architecture, structural engineering and specialist immersive technologies.

ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC has been appointed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to oversee procurement, construction delivery and project completion.

Peter Willmott, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis, said:

"Sphere Abu Dhabi is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a completely new kind of immersive destination for the Middle East. Together with ALEC, we are integrating cutting-edge design, advanced engineering, and immersive technologies to deliver a venue that will redefine what entertainment means globally."

Sean McQue, Managing Director of ALEC Construction, said:

"Sphere Abu Dhabi is one of the most technically demanding and culturally significant projects we have undertaken, and it demands exactly the kind of integrated, collaborative delivery model that our partnership with AtkinsRéalis enables. Their design leadership combined with our construction expertise and deep regional presence gives this project the right foundation to deliver to the global benchmark this venue deserves."

Supporting Abu Dhabi's cultural strategy

Sphere Abu Dhabi is being developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi as part of the emirate's strategy to strengthen its position as a global destination for culture, entertainment and innovation.

The venue will introduce a new dimension of immersive storytelling to the region, redefining how audiences experience live and digital entertainment at scale.