Tourexpi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT
Abu Dhabi) and Sphere Entertainment Co. have announced plans to develop Sphere
Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, marking the first Sphere venue outside the United
States.
The project will be built between Yas Mall and
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
According to DCT Abu Dhabi, construction costs will total around USD 1.7
billion.
With a capacity of up to 20,000 guests, the venue is
designed to host immersive entertainment productions, concert residencies,
sporting events, conferences and large-scale brand experiences. The spherical
exterior LED screen, known as the Exosphere, will also showcase Emirati art,
culture and visual storytelling.
Strengthening Yas Island as a global entertainment hub
The new venue forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader
strategy to strengthen Yas Island as an international tourism and entertainment
destination. Located close to Zayed International Airport and existing
attractions on Yas Island, Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to complement projects
including the Saadiyat Cultural District and the planned Disney resort
development.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu
Dhabi, described the project as a long-term investment in the emirate’s
cultural and tourism infrastructure.
“Sphere Abu Dhabi will be a platform for Emirati
culture, Emirati talent and Emirati storytelling, shared with the world on the
grandest stage ever built,” he said.
Immersive technology and live entertainment
Like the original Sphere venue in Las Vegas, Sphere
Abu Dhabi will combine advanced visual and audio technologies with
multi-sensory entertainment experiences. Planned programming includes immersive
productions, concerts featuring regional and international artists, and major
live events.
James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere
Entertainment, said Abu Dhabi’s international positioning and cultural
ambitions made it a natural location for the company’s first global expansion.
Once operational, the venue is expected to create
thousands of jobs and further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position in the
international events and entertainment market.
Image Credit: © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
The most interesting news
Read the News

WTTC aims to support one million tourism SMEs worldwide
New research suggests that improving productivity among smaller tourism businesses could generate an additional US$63 billion in direct tourism GDP across eight major economies
Read the News

European travel and tourism growth to reach 3.1% in 2026
WTTC forecasts stronger growth than the wider economy as more than 1,000 industry leaders gather in Malta for the organisation’s Global Summit
Read the News

Atlas Ocean Voyages expands Antarctica programme for 2028/29
The cruise line introduces 25 polar expeditions, more fly-and-sail departures and extended itineraries reaching South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Circle
Read the News

Lufthansa named Best European Airline at Asian travel awards
Travel industry professionals across Asia recognise Lufthansa as the airline prepares to introduce its new Allegris cabins on flights to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur
Read the News

Biman Bangladesh Airlines orders 10 Airbus aircraft for fleet expansion
The national carrier plans to introduce A350-900 and A321neo aircraft from 2033, strengthening long-haul and regional operations alongside major Boeing orders
Read the News

Ryanair to suspend all Bremen flights from April 2027
The airline plans to withdraw 500,000 annual seats from the German airport, citing high operating costs and aviation taxes as it shifts capacity to other European markets
Read the News

LOT Polish Airlines launches direct Warsaw–Bangkok flights
The new connection strengthens Thailand’s access to Central European markets, with five weekly flights planned for winter and Polish arrivals expected to reach 250,000 in 2026
Read the News

Six Mexican beaches rank among the Americas’ best in 2026
Tulum takes second place in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, while destinations in Baja California Sur, Jalisco and Nayarit also receive recognition
Read the News

Da Nang strengthens MICE appeal with new Marriott event facilities
Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River offers 13 meeting venues, a rooftop event space and 296 rooms as the Vietnamese city targets nearly 93,000 business event visitors in 2026
Read the News

Delta expands free Wi-Fi to trans-Pacific flights in October
The airline has secured regulatory approval to extend Delta Sync connectivity across its Pacific network, completing the final major stage of its global Wi-Fi rollout
Read the News

Thailand plans tourism experiences for transit passengers
New partnership between tourism and aviation organisations aims to turn longer flight connections into short visits to local attractions, restaurants and communities
Read the News

IHG opens InterContinental Taipei with 347 rooms and seven restaurants
Located within the Taipei Dome complex, the new luxury hotel strengthens IHG’s presence in Taiwan and expands its partnership with Farglory Group
Read the News

TransNusa increases Jakarta–Singapore flights to four daily
Indonesian carrier expands capacity on the busy regional route, offering additional evening connections for business and leisure travellers
Read the News

Marriott identifies local cuisine as Asia Pacific’s leading dining trend
New Future of Food 2027 report highlights growing demand for regional flavours, informal dining spaces and shorter fine-dining experiences
Read the News

Delta postpones Atlanta–Riyadh flights until March 2027
The US airline delays its planned nonstop service to Saudi Arabia amid regional developments, offering affected passengers flexible rebooking and refund options
Read the News

Thailand launches nationwide travel sales campaign in Spain
Tourism Authority of Thailand partners with Viajes El Corte Inglés to promote winter holidays, targeting 20 million consumer impressions and 3,000 package bookings
Read the News

WTTC honours Türkiye’s Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy
The Global Champion Award recognises public-private cooperation and tourism development as Türkiye’s travel economy is forecast to grow further in 2026
Read the News

WTTC identifies eight priorities to strengthen European tourism
New research forecasts Europe’s travel and tourism economy will reach US$3.8 trillion by 2036, but warns that investment, connectivity and workforce shortages require urgent policy attention
Read the News

Marriott Bonvoy brings 14 Hong Kong hotels to Wine & Dine Festival
The four-day culinary event will feature leading chefs, mixologists and new tasting experiences celebrating Hong Kong’s diverse food culture
Read the News

Anantara opens luxury safari camp in Zambia’s Kafue National Park
The new 13-suite riverside retreat combines wildlife safaris, conservation initiatives and private wellness experiences in one of Africa’s largest national parks
Read the News

EXPO 2027 Belgrade strengthens tourism cooperation with North Macedonia
Business networking in Skopje highlights joint travel opportunities as Serbia prepares to welcome an estimated four million visits during the international exhibition
