A new landmark is coming to Dubai with MGM Resorts building its own version of the iconic “Sphere,” similar to the Las Vegas Sphere but with a unique twist. MGM’s CEO and President, Bill Hornbuckle, revealed that the “Dubai Sphere” will be just as mesmerizing as the one in Las Vegas, though on a slightly smaller scale, as part of a larger $2 billion project that includes three renowned MGM brands: MGM, Bellagio, and Aria.
The Dubai Sphere, long in the works, is set to be a transformative addition to the city’s skyline, offering futuristic entertainment while reflecting Dubai’s remarkable journey as a global city.
The Vision Behind the Sphere
The project has been in development since 2017, with initial approval granted by Dubai’s ruler. However, construction only gained momentum this year after the contract was awarded. Positioned at the heart of a complex featuring MGM Resorts’ three flagship brands, the sphere will serve as an entertainment hub, similar to its Las Vegas counterpart.
Hornbuckle, speaking at the Skift Global Forum, said, “[In Dubai], there will be three properties sitting on a large podium and in the middle of it is a sphere. Not as big as the sphere in Las Vegas by any stretch but equally compelling. It has 300 seats with a mini showroom and the visual things you’d obviously do inside a sphere.”
This Dubai version will not replicate the massive scale of the Las Vegas Sphere, which seats 18,600 people and stands 112 meters tall, but it will deliver an intimate, high-tech experience. The Dubai Sphere will rise to 110 meters and be part of an entertainment tower, offering 3D light and sound shows to around 300 guests at a time. These experiences will visually narrate Dubai’s rise from a desert town to a world-class metropolis, an evolution Hornbuckle referred to as “Las Vegas on steroids.”
“When I first visited Dubai,” Hornbuckle shared, “I thought, this is a city that’s taken the best of what Las Vegas has to offer and amplified it.” He marveled at the speed of Dubai’s growth, adding, “In 1985, it was mostly desert, and now 35 years later, it’s this megatropolis with three million people. We’re going to tell that story.”
Independent of Sphere Entertainment
While the Las Vegas Sphere was developed by Sphere Entertainment, the Dubai Sphere is an entirely separate venture. MGM Resorts is spearheading the project independently, although Hornbuckle hinted that they may consider future partnerships. He emphasized that the Dubai Sphere is designed to stand on its own, catering to a more intimate audience compared to the Vegas venue.
The future of the Dubai Sphere may also hold surprises. Hornbuckle said, “Right now, we’re building a non-gaming venue. But that doesn’t mean it will stay that way.” He indicated that as Dubai’s cultural landscape evolves, there may be opportunities for gaming to be introduced into the city. “Once gaming becomes socially accepted – not for Emiratis, but for the large expatriate population – the region could see a major market for casinos. India, the rest of the Middle East, and China are all potential visitor markets for Dubai.”
MGM’s Larger Dubai Vision
The $2 billion development, besides the Sphere, will feature three luxury MGM hotels: MGM, Bellagio, and Aria, all interconnected by a podium structure. MGM’s focus on Dubai reflects the emirate’s growth as a global hub for luxury, tourism, and entertainment.
Currently, MGM is partnered with Wasl, a significant real estate development group in Dubai, to bring this project to life. Wasl is one of Dubai’s largest hotel owners and developers, with strong ties to the government. Hornbuckle also revealed that MGM has submitted an application for a casino license in Abu Dhabi, signaling a growing interest in the UAE as a potential gaming destination.
Hornbuckle reiterated that while there has been no official declaration of gaming in Dubai, the emirate’s evolving social norms and its appeal to a diverse international audience could make it a prime location for such ventures in the future. “We’re excited about what Dubai presents, and we hope to be there when it opens up to gaming opportunities,” he said.
Global Expansion of Sphere Entertainment
Even though the Dubai Sphere is a separate MGM project, Sphere Entertainment, the company behind the Las Vegas venue, has expressed interest in expanding the Sphere concept globally. In an interview last year, MSG executive chairman James Dolan stated, “It’s definitely part of our business plan to build more Spheres around the world, including smaller versions for different markets.”
This sentiment aligns with MGM’s ambition for the Dubai Sphere, and while its capacity is much smaller than the Las Vegas Sphere, the impact it aims to create is equally monumental.
Dubai’s relentless drive for innovation, exemplified by projects like the Sphere, continues to position the city as a top global destination. As Hornbuckle aptly put it, “We’re going to tell the story of a city that grew out of the desert and became one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.”
