2 min
It was only a matter of time before the Dubai Sphere project buzzes our city again; Dubai has a very strong penchant towards the most challenging, unique and space-defying structures, making it a staple in the architectural wonders of the world- and with that being something we may never forget with almost weekly-to-daily new plans being announced; here's one you're going to have fun with: MGM resorts share their own Dubai Sphere project.
CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle promises it will be “equally compelling as the Las Vegas Sphere.”
How artists envisioned Dubai Sphere's rendition
But in reality...the $2 billion original project that MGM has been working on since 2017 was suspended in time ans has seen scarce progess ever since; despite the fact that it was approved upon declaration by the ruler of the emirate, there hasn't been much action going on around it until this year when the construction contract was awarded.
The development will feature three MGM Resorts brands: MGM, Bellagio, and Aria, with the Sphere positioned at the center.
Aerial shot of MGM Resorts
Let's crunch some numbers: the Dubai Sphere will have a smaller capacity compared to its Las Vegas counterpart. Original designs mapped out a 110-meter-high entertainment tower at the resort, designed to host 3D light and sound shows welcoming 300 guests at a time. Whilst the Las Vegas Sphere stands at 112 meters tall, accommodating 18,600 seats. It is also important to note that this project is independent from Las Vegas' Sphere Entertainment.
We do not have at this point an officialy opening date announced by MGM Resorts in Dubai however Hornbuckle indicated that progress is being made. Thus far the venue is a non-gaming complex, however just as anything is possible in Dubai, discussions about the potential for a casino license is out there. Hornbuckle suggested that with the cultural landscape in the country progressively shifting, possibilities for such developments in the future are now a concrete reality.
Las Vegas Sphere
14 min
