The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has awarded a construction contract for the $1.7bn Sphere Abu Dhabi project to UAE-based ALEC Engineering and Contracting.

The contract award comes closely after DCT Abu Dhabi and Sphere Entertainment selected Yas Island as the location for the “immersive entertainment” venue.

Sphere Abu Dhabi will be the first venue of its kind outside the US and the second globally, following the opening of the original Sphere in Las Vegas in September 2023.

Depending on the event set-up, the venue will accommodate up to 20,000 people. It will use advanced technologies to create an immersive experience unlike traditional venues.

The venue is planned to host three main categories of events including immersive Sphere Experiences with multi-sensory storytelling, concert residencies by local, regional and international artists, and large-scale events such as sports, conferences and brand activations.

Completion of the venue is scheduled for the third quarter of the financial year 2029; however, no official opening date has been announced.

DCT Abu Dhabi will coordinate with organisations such as the Department of Municipalities and Transport and its Integrated Transport Centre, the Department of Energy, Taqa, Etihad Rail, and Aldar to align road improvements, site access, and infrastructure development with other assets on Yas Island.

In a statement on LinkedIn, ALEC said: “This landmark project reinforces ALEC’s position as a homegrown UAE contractor capable of delivering globally iconic infrastructure at the highest international standards.

“The Sphere Abu Dhabi will also strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination for immersive entertainment and cultural experiences. We are honoured by the trust placed in ALEC and look forward to delivering a venue that reflects the ambition, engineering excellence, and long-term vision of Abu Dhabi.”