Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has signed a deal for the exclusive rights to build Sphere venues across the Middle East and North Africa over 10 years, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing by US-based Sphere Entertainment.
The first Sphere, which opened in Las Vegas in 2023, is 115 metres tall and 157 metres wide, and is considered to be the world’s biggest spherical structure. The 20,000-capacity entertainment venue is famed for its 16K resolution wraparound screens, and has hosted immersive concerts by the likes of U2, the Eagles and most recently Backstreet Boys.
The DCT Abu Dhabi deal with Sphere Entertainment follows the announcement of Sphere Abu Dhabi in October last year. The filing was made on July 28, 2025.
“Subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement, DCT also has the exclusive right to build and operate additional Sphere venues in the geographic region spanning the Middle East and North Africa for a period of at least 10 years after the opening date of Sphere Abu Dhabi, on terms and conditions to be negotiated in good faith and mutually agreed by Sphere Entertainment Group and DCT,” the document reads.
Sphere sits just off Vegas's famed Strip, near the Venetian resort. It reportedly cost $2.3 billion to build, making it the city's most expensive venue.
While an opening date or location for Sphere Abu Dhabi is yet to be revealed, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said during the announcement that the attraction will “seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits”.
“By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we're not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings,” he added.
Sphere Entertainment chief executive James L Dolan described the group's first international expansion as a “milestone”. He said: “The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues. Sphere is redefining live entertainment and extending the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi.”
The five pillars of Islam
Walls
Louis Tomlinson
3 out of 5 stars
(Syco Music/Arista Records)
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Du Football Champions
The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
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Turkish Ladies
Various artists, Sony Music Turkey
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
