Dubai to Get a Las Vegas-Inspired Sphere: MGM’s Big Move in the Middle East
Dubai’s already home to towering skyscrapers, man-made islands, and the world’s tallest building—but now, it’s about to get a slice of Sin City’s sparkle. MGM Resorts is stepping up to the plate with a project that’s turning heads: a Las Vegas-inspired Sphere right in the heart of Dubai.
If you’ve heard the buzz about the massive Vegas Sphere, think of this Dubai edition as its more compact but equally dazzling sibling. According to MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle, this smaller Sphere will be “equally as compelling.” The structure is set to become the crown jewel of MGM’s trio of Dubai properties: MGM, Bellagio, and Aria. That’s right—the iconic hotels are making a splash in the UAE, and the Sphere will be the showstopper.
But let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t just a Vegas knockoff. The Dubai Sphere is trading neon lights and blackjack tables for storytelling and culture. Forget about all-night casino vibes for a minute—this venue is set to take visitors on a multi-sensory journey through Dubai’s rapid rise from a quiet desert to the global powerhouse it is today. Hornbuckle revealed to Skift that the Sphere will offer a deep dive into Dubai’s history, featuring immersive technology that will make it feel like you’re traveling through time.
Despite the fanfare, this project has been slow on the uptake. Originally announced in 2017, the Dubai Sphere had hit pause on progress for a while. But fast forward to November 2023, and construction contracts were finally awarded, giving this vision the green light to go full throttle. However, when can we expect the grand opening? MGM isn’t spilling any details just yet, but there’s speculation that the Dubai Sphere could open alongside its Las Vegas counterpart. Double the reveal, double the fun!
One thing missing, though: don’t expect a roulette wheel just yet. While MGM is clearly eyeing the gaming scene in the Middle East, there’s no casino license for Dubai… at least not for now. Hornbuckle hinted that gaming could be part of the future, with Abu Dhabi already showing interest by applying for a casino license.
In the meantime, the Las Vegas Sphere has already established itself as an icon, making waves in the entertainment scene. The venue has hosted groundbreaking events like Afterlife’s New Year’s Eve show, with Anyma, an Interscope recording artist, bringing the first-ever EDM show to its stage. While the Dubai Sphere isn’t directly connected to the one in Vegas (which is run by Sphere Entertainment), MGM’s vision for the UAE version may still evolve with partnerships down the road.
So, is Dubai ready for its Sphere moment? It’s certainly gearing up to bring a new level of spectacle to the city’s entertainment landscape, and we’re all watching to see how MGM’s gamble pays off. Who knows, this could be the next must-visit venue for house and electronic music fans alike.
