Abu Dhabi has awarded a $1.7 billion contract to build a next-generation immersive Sphere venue.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has awarded a US$1.7 billion contract to UAE-based ALEC Engineering and Contracting to build Sphere Abu Dhabi, a next-generation immersive entertainment landmark slated for completion by 2029. The project is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader effort to expand its global tourism appeal and reinforce its position as a hub for cultural and experiential entertainment.
Sphere Abu Dhabi is set to redefine global entertainment. Under the Letter of Award (LOA), ALEC will handle the full design, procurement, and construction of the venue, which will feature advanced immersive technologies, complex structural engineering, and integrated sustainable building solutions.
The project adds a major flagship asset to ALEC’s portfolio and further reinforces its role in delivering some of the UAE’s most ambitious infrastructure developments.
The Sphere project is expected to significantly strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global tourism appeal, with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi stating that it will boost international visitation and tourism revenues while positioning the emirate as a hub for next-generation immersive experiences.
The original Sphere in Las Vegas is widely regarded as one of the world’s highest-grossing entertainment venues, generating strong global demand and ticket sales, and the Abu Dhabi version aims to build on that success as a landmark destination attraction.
The US$1.7 billion contract also marks a major milestone for ALEC, which described the award as a defining moment for the company and a strong endorsement of its capabilities as a UAE-based contractor delivering large-scale, high-value projects. ALEC CEO Barry Lewis said the project reflects confidence in local expertise to deliver globally significant infrastructure aligned with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision.
He added that Sphere Abu Dhabi will help position the emirate as a world-leading destination for immersive entertainment and cultural experiences.
Inside the challenge of building a mega-venue
According to ALEC, the project demands precise execution across design integration, supply-chain coordination, and construction delivery, supported by advanced digital engineering capabilities.
ALEC Construction Managing Director Sean McQue said the development’s scale and complexity will set a new global benchmark for immersive venue construction, with a strong emphasis on quality, efficiency, and delivery standards.
