This Middle Eastern country set to have a magical dome like Las Vegas Sphere

The state-of-the-art Las Vegas Sphere in the US opened to much fanfare in 2023. The second such magical dome is coming to the Middle East soon. Plans have been revealed for the UAE capital to have the giant dome entertainment complex.

Sphere Entertainment and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi announced the plan late on Tuesday. Under the deal, the emirate is going to pay to build the structure, besides annual fees to the company “for creative and artistic content”.

The $2.3 billion Las Vegas Sphere opened as the gambling capital’s most expensive entertainment venue. It has a 17,500-seat audience. The stunning spherical structure has already hosted successful concerts and sporting events.

Together with Sphere Entertainment Co. we have announced our plan to bring the world's second Sphere to Abu Dhabi. Echoing the scale of the 20,000-capacity Sphere in Las Vegas, this venue promises to redefine entertainment in the region. pic.twitter.com/JG3HFPJJsW

— Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) October 15, 2024

UAE preparing to open the first casino in the country

Efforts to build a second Sphere abroad have been prone to challenges. For example, London Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected a plan to build one in the city’s east over several concerns last year, including light pollution.

Sphere is the brainchild of James Dolan, the executive chair of Madison Square Garden. Stock in Sphere closed more than 6% higher on Tuesday on the NYSE to $48.91 a share. That’s a major boost, according to media reports.

Besides the Sphere, the UAE is also preparing to open the first casino in the country. The only one currently under construction is in Ras al Khaimah, but other emirates are also believed to be actively considering having one.

Together with Sphere Entertainment Co. we have announced our plan to bring the world's second Sphere to Abu Dhabi. Echoing the scale of the 20,000-capacity Sphere in Las Vegas, this venue promises to redefine entertainment in the region. pic.twitter.com/JG3HFPJJsW

— Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) October 15, 2024

MGM Resorts reveals plans for Dubai Sphere

MGM Resorts earlier made landmark announcements on plans for Dubai Sphere. The Chief Executive Officer and President Bill Hornbuckle touts the planned spherical venue in one of the most coveted tourist destinations to be “equally compelling” as the Las Vegas Sphere.

Dubai Sphere is set to become the centrepiece of a proposed $2 billion resort complex called ‘The Island’. There is no opening date announced, yet. But the CEO further mentioned that there are going to be three properties sitting on a large podium.

Compared to the 18,600-capacity of the dome in the US, Dubai Sphere is set to have just 300 seats. To date, MGM Resorts has been constructing the Dubai venue independently, but it seems the company is going to be open to finding a partner.