Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism department has awarded a $1.7 billion construction contract for Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island to Alec Engineering and Contracting.
Construction on Sphere Abu Dhabi, the first Sphere venue outside of the US, is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Sphere Abu Dhabi will be built on a plot of land between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, in close proximity to Yas Island's other theme parks and experiences.
With a capacity of up to 20,000, the new entertainment destination will offer immersive experiences, concert residencies, sporting events and brand activations.
Alec's CEO Barry Lewis said that securing the construction contract is "a profound endorsement of our capability as a homegrown UAE company".
The company will deliver "a globally iconic venue that will attract millions of international visitors and establish Abu Dhabi as a world-leading centre for immersive entertainment and cultural experience", he added.
UAE company to build Sphere
The project encompasses the complete design, procurement and construction of the new Sphere venue, featuring state-of-the-art immersive technology systems, advanced structural and mechanical engineering, bespoke manufacturing and installation, and integrated sustainable building systems, Alec said in a statement.
The original Sphere, which launched in 2023 in Las Vegas, is the largest spherical structure in the world with an exterior featuring 580,000 square feet of LED lighting.
It boasts state-of-the-art technologies, including the world’s highest resolution LED screen, the world’s most advanced concert audio system, and atmospheric elements such as wind and scent.
Sphere Abu Dhabi will be built on a plot of land between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
"The Sphere Abu Dhabi is both technically complex and architecturally ambitious," said Sean McQue, managing director at Alec.
"It will demand precision at every level, from design integration and supply-chain orchestration to on-site execution and quality assurance."
Sphere Abu Dhabi will be "a world-class venue that's rooted here, built here, and managed by a company committed to the emirate's long-term vision", added Lewis.
Images courtesy of DCT Abu Dhabi
