Abu Dhabi to Get Its Own Gigantic Sphere: A Cheeky Commentary
By: CNN
Well, look who’s getting in on the action! While Las Vegas struts about with its gargantuan glowing Sphere—proudly flaunting that $2.3 billion price tag like it’s a designer handbag—Abu Dhabi has decided it wants a piece of the spherical pie. Because why have a mundane skyline when you can have a massive orb lighting up the desert sky?
A Sphere of Influence
You see, this isn’t just any run-of-the-mill “let’s put a big ball in the middle of nowhere” idea. Oh no, my friends! This venture aligns with the UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2030. It’s like putting a cherry on top of a skyscraper-sized sundae.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, president of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, practically drooled over the prospect, declaring that embracing this “cutting-edge entertainment” is their loose interpretation of “being world-class.” Well, if throwing a gigantic sphere onto the landscape doesn’t get you a ticket to the “Innovative Capital” club, I don’t know what will!
Joining the Sphere Club
Now, let’s talk scale. The new Abu Dhabi Sphere is set to rival its Vegas counterpart, which looms at a staggering 366 feet (112 meters) high and 516 feet (157 meters) wide. That’s right; they’re quite literally aiming for the stars! But what’s a sphere without flashy lights? The Las Vegas version boasts the highest resolution surround LED screen in the world, paired with 1.2 million LEDs that could probably summon a UFO if they wanted to. I mean, if lights could talk, that ball would be the life of the party!
What’s the Catch?
You might be wondering, “Where’s the scoop on the new venue’s exact location?” Well, hang tight! The press release is as vague as a politician’s promises. All we know is that there’s going to be a “franchise initiation fee” involved. Ah yes, because nothing screams “cultural treasure” like a hefty admission charge to launch a big ball. But, don’t worry, the construction will be financed by none other than the charismatic Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, so at least someone’s taking the plunge!
When Will It Happen?
The million-dollar question (or should I say billion-dollar question?) is: when is this spectacular sphere going to light up? Unfortunately, details regarding the timing are still under wraps, probably locked away in a vault somewhere near where the world’s lost socks go. It’s a bit like waiting for a bus that never arrives—frustrating but somehow thrilling.
Conclusion: The Sphere That Goes Beyond Borders
In this entertainment escapade, Abu Dhabi isn’t just following in Las Vegas’s luminescent footsteps; they’re forming a spherical alliance that promises to redefine cultural offerings in the Middle East. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll have a world map dotted with Spheres, each bigger than the last, making global travel resemble a quest for the largest fruit in a bizarre game of “fruit is a big deal too.” Until then, keep your eyes peeled for updates; after all, when it comes to giant spheres, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning!
By: CNN
Las Vegas won’t be the only city with a gigantic, glowing Sphere.
Abu Dhabi will become the next venue to showcase multimedia entertainment in the unique spherical structure, Sphere Entertainment Co. and Abu Dhabi tourism officials announced Tuesday.
The planned precinct aligns with the UAE capital’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to “further establish Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub of culture and innovation,” said HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, president of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, in a press release.
“By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we are not only raising our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings,” said Al Mubarak.
James L. Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, said the Abu Dhabi location will build on the company’s vision for a “global network of venues.”
The announcement did not include details about the exact location of the new venue, but indicated that it would reflect the scale of the “20,000-seat Sphere in Las Vegas.”
That venue opened in September 2023 with a series of shows by the rock band U2.
At 366 feet (112 meters) high and 516 feet (157 meters) wide, the Las Vegas structure is said to be the largest sphere in the world. Inside, it has what is considered the highest resolution surround LED screen in the world. Its exterior is equipped with 1.2 million hockey puck-sized LEDs that can be programmed to display large-scale dynamic images, again, reportedly the largest in the world.
The cost of the Sphere in Las Vegas? US$2.3 billion.
The partnership for the second venue, between Abu Dhabi tourism officials and Sphere Entertainment, is “subject to the completion of definitive agreements,” according to the press release. It would involve a “franchise initiation fee” paid to Sphere Entertainment for the right to build it. The construction would be financed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.
A spokesperson for the project said details regarding the timing and projected cost of the Abu Dhabi venue are not yet available.
