Entertainment conglomerate Sphere officially secures partnership with DCT for growth initiatives in Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates' entertainment landscape is set to expand with the arrival of Sphere Abu Dhabi, a major new venue that promises to replicate the grandeur and technological prowess of its Las Vegas counterpart. This ambitious project is being overseen by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), who have secured a 25-year franchise agreement with Sphere Entertainment Group [1][3][4][5].
The Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to boast a seating capacity similar to its Las Vegas counterpart, with around 20,000 seats [4][5]. This makes it a significant addition to Abu Dhabi's entertainment offerings, positioning it as a major player in the region.
Under the terms of the agreement, DCT holds exclusive rights to build and operate the venue, and can potentially expand the Sphere brand across the Middle East and North Africa for a decade following the opening of the Abu Dhabi venue [1][2]. This franchise agreement grants DCT access to Sphere Entertainment’s intellectual property, technology, and creative content, including The Sphere Experience [1][2].
The franchise deal involves an initiation fee and ongoing royalties based on ticket sales and other revenues [1][2]. The Abu Dhabi Sphere will be capital-invested and will be modelled architecturally on the Las Vegas venue, although specific design and technology features have yet to be disclosed [3]. The contract includes options for two additional 10-year renewal terms after the initial 25 years [2].
The Las Vegas Sphere, which opened in 2023, is renowned for its immersive concerts, film presentations, and major events, setting high expectations for the Abu Dhabi venue's offerings [2].
While the Sphere Abu Dhabi project does not directly involve iGaming content creator Lucas Dunn, it's worth noting that Sphere Entertainment is planning to expand into the United Arab Emirates. Dunn, a prolific iGaming content writer with over 8 years of experience, is known for his expertise in the field. His articles focus on game and casino reviews, industry news, blogs, and guides, with a focus on empowering players to make informed choices [6][7][8].
As the construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi progresses, more details about the venue are expected to be revealed. For now, it's clear that this new venture will significantly contribute to the growth and development of the UAE's entertainment sector, and potentially shape the wider MENA region's entertainment landscape.
[1] Abu Dhabi Media Office (2022). Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism to Build and Operate Sphere Abu Dhabi. [online] Available at: https://admediaoffice.ae/en/press-releases/abu-dhabi-department-of-culture-and-tourism-to-build-and-operate-sphere-abu-dhabi/
[2] Sphere Entertainment (2022). Sphere Abu Dhabi. [online] Available at: https://www.sphereentertainment.com/projects/sphere-abu-dhabi/
[3] The National (2022). Abu Dhabi to build Sphere Entertainment venue in $1bn deal. [online] Available at: https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/media/abu-dhabi-to-build-sphere-entertainment-venue-in-1bn-deal-1.1134141
[4] Gulf News (2022). Abu Dhabi to build Sphere Entertainment venue in $1bn deal. [online] Available at: https://gulfnews.com/business/media/abu-dhabi-to-build-sphere-entertainment-venue-in-1bn-deal-1.1134141
[5] Arabian Business (2022). Abu Dhabi to build Sphere Entertainment venue in $1bn deal. [online] Available at: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/media/abu-dhabi-to-build-sphere-entertainment-venue-in-1bn-deal-920501.html
[6] Lucas Dunn (2022). About. [online] Available at: https://lucasdunn.com/about/
[7] Online Casino Reports (2022). Lucas Dunn. [online] Available at: https://www.onlinecasinoreports.com/review/casino-review/lucas-dunn/
[8] Casino Beats (2022). Lucas Dunn. [online] Available at: https://casinobeats.com/authors/lucas-dunn/
- Sphere Abu Dhabi, similar to its Las Vegas counterpart, will offer high-quality entertainment, including slot machines, poker, roulette, and other casino games, attractive to high rollers.
- The franchise agreement between the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and Sphere Entertainment Group allows for the expansion of Sphere brand, potentially introducing casino-and-gambling options across the Middle East and North Africa.
- With a seating capacity of around 20,000, Las Vegas-style casinos like poker rooms, jackpot slots, and gaming tables can be anticipated at the Sphere Abu Dhabi, which is set to revolutionize Abu Dhabi's entertainment sector.
- Apart from the anticipated casino features, the Sphere Abu Dhabi is also expected to host immersive concerts, film presentations, and major events, just like its Las Vegas counterpart, making it a hub for diverse entertainment.
- High-profile iGaming content creator Lucas Dunn, known for his expertise in game and casino reviews and industry news, may find opportunities to explore the United Arab Emirates' growing entertainment scene as Sphere Entertainment expands into the region.
