Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island

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.

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.

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.