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Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from an aircraft window

Home›Tomorrow›Amazing Things Being Built›Sphere Abu Dhabi

Amazing Things Being Built

Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island

Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island will be the first Sphere outside the United States, bringing the Las Vegas venue's giant LED globe and immersive shows to the Gulf's leading entertainment island.

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At a glance

Sphere Abu Dhabi at a glance

Status
To be confirmed (construction targeted to finish by end of 2029)
Capacity
Up to 20,000 guests
Investment
About $1.7 billion
Location
Between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

What Sphere Abu Dhabi will be

Announced by Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism with Sphere Entertainment Co., the venue will echo the scale of the Las Vegas Sphere, which opened in 2023. Its outer skin, the Exosphere, is a programmable LED globe that will also show the work of Emirati artists.

Inside, expect immersive Sphere Experiences filmed for the dome, concert residencies, and marquee events from combat sports to product launches, with seating for up to 20,000 depending on the setup.

For Abu Dhabi, Sphere is part of a long-term plan to make the capital a year-round stage for live entertainment, alongside Etihad Arena, the Grand Prix and the coming Disney resort. Visitors can expect the island's events calendar to grow steadily as these venues come together.

Laser beams and stage screens lighting up a concert crowd at Etihad Park, the open-air venue on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Photo: Showsdaynite · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Status and timeline

To be confirmed

Sphere Abu Dhabi

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Construction is reported as targeted for completion by the end of 2029. No official opening date has been announced; we will update this page when it is.

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Yas Island hotels

Yas Island hotels and things to do today

Yas Island already hosts Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Etihad Arena and the Formula 1 circuit. Stay close by: see our guide to hotels on Yas Island. Next door, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is also planned, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes over the island each winter.

Abu Dhabi is about 13 hours nonstop from New York and eight to nine hours ahead of US Eastern time. Plan the rest of your trip with our Abu Dhabi guide.

Abu Dhabi property near Sphere

Yas Island's homes, from waterfront apartments to golf villas, sit minutes from the site. Read Abu Dhabi Luxury Real Estate and investing near the new landmarks.

Why Yas Island

Yas Island was built for big entertainment. Its theme parks, arena, marina, golf course and Formula 1 circuit already draw millions of visitors, and it sits about ten minutes from Zayed International Airport. Placing Sphere here, between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, puts it at the heart of the island's walkable leisure district.

Sphere in Las Vegas has changed what a concert or show can be, with a 16K wraparound screen and sound delivered to each seat. Abu Dhabi's venue is expected to bring the same technology, with shows created especially for it.

Getting there and around

Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport is the closest gateway, with nonstop Etihad flights from six US cities, including New York JFK and Chicago, and a short drive to Yas Island. Dubai International is about an hour away by road. On the island, hotels, Yas Mall and the theme parks are linked by free shuttle buses, and autonomous ride services also operate on Yas.

For the full picture of new landmarks across the region, see amazing things being built.

Questions travelers ask

When does Sphere Abu Dhabi open?

No official opening date has been announced. Construction is reported as targeted to finish by the end of 2029.

How big will it be?

It is planned to echo the scale of the Las Vegas Sphere, with up to 20,000 guests depending on the event.

Where should I stay?

Yas Island's hotels are minutes away; Saadiyat Island's beach resorts are about 15 minutes' drive.

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Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.