The Sphere in Las Vegas has attracted tens of millions of visitors since its opening last year and has instantly become an iconic fixture on Sin City's skyline. Now, after some debate over where to build a second Globe, officials have chosen the home of the world's second Globe.
Sphere Entertainment and Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) have announced their partnership to bring a new Sphere to the capital of the United Arab Emirates in the coming years. Its sibling, Dubai, often attracts more global attention for its ostentatious and breathtaking buildings, but the decision to build in Abu Dhabi is part of local authorities' efforts to support the capital's cultural and entertainment offerings in the future.
“Sphere's vision has always included a global network of venues, and today's announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal,” Sphere Entertainment CEO James L. Dolan said in a statement. “Sphere is redefining live entertainment and expanding the scope of its transformative impact. We are proud to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi to develop Sphere in their city.”
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, similarly looks forward to “delivering an extraordinary new form of entertainment to our residents and visitors.”
“Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits,” he said. “This partnership aligns with our 2030 Tourism Strategy, establishing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation. By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we are not only raising our global profile, but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings.”
City authorities hope to increase annual tourist arrivals to the Emirati capital by the beginning of the next decade and increase Abu Dhabi's contribution to the country's GDP. Meanwhile, here in America, the question of who will headline the Vegas venue for the next residency is still up in the air.