DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The world’s second Sphere will be built in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, following the opening of the first in Las Vegas.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and Sphere Entertainment Co. announced late Tuesday the plan to bring a Sphere to the Middle East.
The announcement did not provide any financing information or specify where the Sphere would be built in the Emirati capital. Officials from the Sphere and the Abu Dhabi government did not immediately respond to questions about the project on Wednesday.
The massive $2.3 billion Las Vegas Sphere opened in 2023 as the gambling capital’s most expensive entertainment venue. A high-resolution LED screen envelops the 17,500-seat audience. Concerts and sporting events have been organized there.
Abu Dhabi is trying to differentiate itself as a travel destination from neighboring Dubai in the UAE, an energy-rich federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula. The UAE is also preparing to open the country’s first casino.
However, some projects in the UAE have still not been built or have been delayed for years after being announced during economic downturns.
