AtkinsRéalis and ALEC have announced a partnership to deliver the iconic Sphere Abu Dhabi project on Yas Island, set for opening in 2029. The development is intended to combine advanced immersive technologies, world-class design and engineering, and a high level of technical execution to create a landmark entertainment destination in the UAE capital.
A next-generation entertainment venue for Abu Dhabi
Sphere Abu Dhabi is being developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi as part of the emirate’s strategy to strengthen its position as a global destination for culture, entertainment and innovation. The venue is designed to offer an entirely new dimension of immersive storytelling in the region, reshaping how audiences engage with live and digital experiences at scale.
The attraction will feature a fully programmable LED exosphere, along with a panoramic interior screen capable of delivering visually striking 16K content. It will also be supported by advanced Beamforming Audio technology, enabling sound to be directed to specific seats.
Built on complementary expertise
Delivering a project of this size and technical sophistication requires exceptional capabilities in design, engineering and construction. The partnership brings together two firms with deep and complementary experience in entertainment, cultural and major infrastructure projects around the world.
Both companies also have extensive experience working on technically complex destinations in the region, including the Qiddiya City project in Saudi Arabia, where AtkinsRéalis serves as design consultant and ALEC is carrying out construction works at several key sites. That experience includes the technical and logistical demands of next-generation entertainment infrastructure on a large scale.
AtkinsRéalis has been appointed the lead multidisciplinary design and supervision consultant, responsible for overall coordination of the design work across architecture, structural engineering and specialist immersive experience technologies.
Leadership views on the project
Peter Wilmot, Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East at AtkinsRéalis, said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a completely new kind of immersive destination in the Middle East. Through our collaboration with ALEC, we are combining advanced design, engineering and immersive technologies to create a destination that will redefine entertainment globally.”
Sean McCoy, Managing Director of ALEC Construction, said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is one of the most technically demanding and culturally significant projects we have worked on, and it requires an integrated, collaborative delivery model, which is what our partnership with AtkinsRéalis provides. This project lays a strong foundation for delivering the world-class standards it deserves, by combining their design leadership with our construction expertise and deep regional presence.”
Sphere’s global benchmark
The announcement comes after Sphere Las Vegas became the highest-grossing entertainment venue in the world in its first year of operation, helping to reset audience expectations for live entertainment experiences.
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About AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is a new company formed from a longstanding legacy of organisations dating back to 1911. It is a global engineering services and nuclear company focused on creating a better future for our planet and its people. The company develops sustainable solutions that connect people, technology and data to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems.
It brings global capabilities to local projects for clients, offering a unique full asset lifecycle service across advisory, environmental services, smart networks and cybersecurity, design and engineering, procurement and project management, construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning and capital services. Its clients operate across key strategic sectors including engineering services, nuclear and capital. For more news and information, please visit www.atkinsrealis.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.
About ALEC Holdings
ALEC Holdings PJSC is a publicly listed engineering and construction company and a subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Dubai. It provides a broad range of services and operates in both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, offering construction solutions that emphasise innovation, quality, reliability and operational excellence.
ALEC delivers integrated solutions across construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), fit-out, marine works, oil and gas, modular construction, energy efficiency solutions and solar projects, as well as heavy equipment rental, technology systems and asset maintenance. Through this comprehensive portfolio, the company serves a wide range of sectors, including airports, retail, hotels and resorts, high-rise buildings and specialist entertainment projects. For more information, please visit https://alec.ae/.
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Razan Katbe
Director of External Communications for Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa
Email: [email protected]