- MGM Resorts says the Sphere will be just as exciting as the one in Las Vegas
- Planned for Sphere to have 300 seats and mini showroom
- Dubai Sphere is not linked to the Las Vegas Sphere
A huge Sphere is set to be built in Dubai in the coming years as part of a $2 billion project after years of doubt.
MGM Resorts has confirmed plans for a Dubai Sphere to be built. Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts, outlined plans for it at the recent Skift Global Forum in New York City.
Part of huge project
The Sphere will be part of a £2 billion project that will also include resorts. The project has been in doubt for some years, but a construction contract for the development was awarded earlier in 2024 and now it seems to be progressing.
The Las Vegas Sphere has quickly become iconic, and a feature of events such as the Formula One Grand Prix held around the streets of Sin City.
However, this new Sphere is not linked to the one in Las Vegas, which is run by Sphere Entertainment. MGM is making this venue by itself, although is said to be open to partnering on it down the line.
The Dubai Sphere will be smaller than its Las Vegas counterpart. It is planned to be 110 meters tall – compared to 112 meters in Vegas – and have 3D light and sound effects shows for up to 300 guests. The Vegas Sphere has 18,600 seats.
However, there is no opening date yet announced for the Dubai Sphere and the complex that it will be part of.
Sphere let down
There have been plans for other Spheres around the world, but as yet none have come to fruition. There was talk of a Sphere being built in London, but London mayor, Sadiq Khan, turned down the proposal on three key grounds – concerns about light pollution from it for local residents, its green credentials – especially in terms of its electricity consumption – and the impact on local heritage sites.
