The Dubai Sphere is coming — and MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle promises it will be "equally compelling" as its Las Vegas counterpart. The 110-metre spherical entertainment venue is the showpiece of The Island, a $2.5 billion beachfront mega-project that will also house three iconic Las Vegas hotel brands: MGM, Bellagio, and Aria.
What Is the Dubai Sphere?
MGM Resorts is set to introduce a sphere inspired by the Las Vegas Sphere in Dubai, marking a new frontier for entertainment in the Middle East. The Dubai Sphere will stand 110 metres tall — the same height as the original in Las Vegas — but its entertainment area will seat approximately 300 people, functioning as a more intimate, immersive showroom rather than a mass-capacity venue.
Importantly, the Dubai Sphere is a separate venture from Sphere Entertainment, the company behind the Las Vegas original. It will be developed and operated under the MGM Resorts umbrella as part of the wider Island project.
The Island: Dubai's Vegas-Style Mega-Project
The Dubai Sphere serves as the focal point of The Island, a landmark development modelled on Las Vegas's famous entertainment district. The project is being developed in partnership with Wasl Asset Management Group near Jumeirah Beach and the Burj Al Arab, and will feature more than 1,400 hotel rooms and serviced apartments across the three flagship MGM brands.
The primary role of The Island hub is to deliver luxury hospitality and world-class entertainment — bringing the MGM Resort experience to the Gulf for the first time.
Inside the Sphere: A Visual Journey Through Dubai's Rise
Among the planned shows inside the Dubai Sphere, visitors will be immersed in a visual history of the UAE, charting Dubai's transformation from a desert landscape into one of the world's most recognisable modern cities — a journey spanning just 35 years.
While the venue will differ from the Las Vegas Sphere in scale and capacity, Hornbuckle has made clear it will have its own distinct appeal tailored to the region.
Casino Questions and Gaming Prospects
Speculation remains about whether The Island could eventually open to gaming. MGM Resorts has reportedly sought a casino licence in Abu Dhabi, and while there are currently no licensed casinos in Dubai, Hornbuckle has indicated the region could potentially open to gaming in the future. No firm timeline or confirmation has been announced.
Opening Date: 2028
The opening dates for both the Dubai Sphere and The Island were not confirmed at the time of the original announcement, but MGM's CEO has since stated that construction is on schedule. The Bellagio, Aria, and MGM Grand hotel towers are targeted to open in the third quarter of 2028, with the sphere expected to debut simultaneously.
Together, the Dubai Sphere and The Island are set to deliver residents and visitors a brand-new destination for luxury, entertainment, and immersive experiences unlike anything currently on offer in the region.
