Sphere Abu Dhabi takes major step with appointment of design and construction partners

The $1.7 billion project is expected to become a new landmark within one of the UAE’s fastest-growing leisure destinations.

Sphere Abu Dhabi has taken a major step towards its planned 2029 opening after appointing AtkinsRéalis and ALEC to lead the design and construction of what is set to become one of the world’s most technologically advanced entertainment venues.

The appointments mark the project’s transition from planning into delivery, with the two companies tasked with bringing the landmark immersive entertainment destination to life on Yas Island.

Developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Sphere Abu Dhabi will be the first Sphere venue outside the U.S and forms part of the emirate’s wider strategy to cement its position as a global tourism, culture and entertainment destination.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2029, with the project representing a $1.7 billion investment during the construction phase.

The venue will feature the signature programmable LED exosphere that has become synonymous with the original Las Vegas Sphere, alongside a wraparound 16K-resolution interior display and beamforming audio technology capable of directing sound to individual seats.

The combination of immersive visuals and advanced acoustics is designed to redefine live entertainment, concerts, sporting events and large-scale brand experiences.

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed as lead multidisciplinary design and supervision consultant, overseeing architecture, structural engineering and the integration of specialist immersive technologies.

ALEC Engineering and Contracting will be responsible for procurement, construction and overall project delivery.

Peter Willmott, COO for the Middle East at AtkinsRéalis, described the project as a landmark opportunity for the region.

“Sphere Abu Dhabi is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a completely new kind of immersive destination for the Middle East,” he said.

Design and delivery

Sean McQue, Managing Director of ALEC Construction, said the project’s complexity requires close collaboration between design and construction teams from the outset.

“Sphere Abu Dhabi is one of the most technically demanding and culturally significant projects we have undertaken, and it demands exactly the kind of integrated, collaborative delivery model that our partnership with AtkinsRéalis enables,” he said.

The companies also bring experience from some of the region’s largest entertainment developments, including Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City giga-project, where AtkinsRéalis is serving as design consultant while ALEC is delivering construction works across multiple attractions.

The latest appointments build on momentum generated in May when DCT Abu Dhabi confirmed Yas Island as the location for Sphere Abu Dhabi.

Positioned between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the 20,000-capacity venue is expected to become a new landmark within one of the UAE’s fastest-growing leisure destinations.

The Las Vegas Sphere has demonstrated the commercial potential of the concept, becoming the world’s highest-grossing arena within its first year of operation and hosting major concert residencies, immersive productions and global corporate events.

Abu Dhabi hopes to replicate that success while creating a venue tailored to regional audiences and international visitors.

Sphere Abu Dhabi is one of several major tourism projects underway in the emirate, alongside the expansion of Yas Island’s attractions and the continued development of Saadiyat Cultural District.

Officials expect the venue to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a year-round destination for entertainment, culture and innovation while supporting broader economic diversification efforts.