Sphere Abu Dhabi Moves Into Delivery Phase With Key Design and Construction Appointments

Sphere Abu Dhabi will feature a programmable LED exterior similar to the system used at the original Sphere in Las Vegas. Inside, the plans include a wraparound 16K display and beamforming audio technology designed to direct sound to specific seating areas.

The systems are designed to support concerts, live entertainment, sporting events, immersive productions, and large corporate events. The venue is planned to accommodate around 20,000 people, adding another large-scale entertainment destination to Yas Island.

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed as the lead multidisciplinary design and supervision consultant. Its responsibilities will include architecture, structural engineering, and the integration of specialized immersive technologies. ALEC Engineering and Contracting will oversee procurement, construction, and overall project delivery. The project’s technical complexity is expected to require close coordination between the design and construction teams will be required from an early stage, particularly as specialized entertainment systems are integrated into the building.

Both companies have worked on major entertainment and leisure developments in the Middle East. At Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City development, AtkinsRéalis is providing design services, while ALEC is carrying out construction work across several attractions.

The appointments follow DCT Abu Dhabi’s confirmation in May that Sphere Abu Dhabi will be developed on Yas Island. The venue will be located between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, placing it within one of the UAE’s main leisure and tourism districts. Its location will connect the new development with the island’s existing hotels, theme parks, retail destinations, and event infrastructure.

The original Sphere in Las Vegas has hosted major concert residencies, immersive productions, and corporate events since its opening. The Abu Dhabi venue is expected to follow a similar format while adapting its programming and visitor experience for regional and international audiences.

Sphere Abu Dhabi is also part of a wider pipeline of tourism and cultural development in the emirate, including the ongoing expansion of Yas Island and projects within the Saadiyat Cultural District. The project is expected to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s year-round tourism offering, support major international events, and contribute to the emirate’s economic diversification plans.

The move into the delivery phase is expected to generate demand across a wide range of construction and specialized technology packages. In addition to conventional building works, the project is likely require complex structural systems, LED façade installations, audiovisual infrastructure, digital controls, specialized acoustics, mechanical and electrical systems, seating, fit-out, and event technology.

The technical requirements will make coordination between designers, contractors, specialist subcontractors, and equipment suppliers particularly important. The building structure, exterior display, interior screen, sound systems, and operational technology will need to be integrated throughout the design and construction process. As procurement progresses, further packages are expected to become available across the project’s construction and technology supply chain.