Alec Holdings wins $1.7bn contract to build Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island

UAE construction and engineering company Alec Holdings has been awarded a $1.7bn (€1.55bn) contract to lead the design, procurement and construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi, the highly anticipated entertainment venue set to open on Yas Island in 2029. The appointment positions the UAE-headquartered contractor at the centre of one of the most technically demanding construction projects in the Middle East.

The National reported that the contract covers the full scope of the development, which will be built between SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Yas Mall, and will have a capacity of 20,000. Sphere Abu Dhabi will be only the second venue of its kind in the world after Sphere Vegas, the Las Vegas landmark that opened in 2023 and is famed for its 16K-resolution wraparound screen.

Sean McQue, managing director of Alec Construction, said: "It will demand precision at every level, from design integration and supply-chain orchestration to on-site execution and quality assurance. This is infrastructure that will set a global benchmark."

Barry Lewis, chief executive of Alec Holdings, said the award highlights the strengths of UAE-based developers and demonstrates that world-class infrastructure delivery is not dependent on international contractors. He described the venue as one that is rooted in Abu Dhabi, built there, and managed by a company committed to the emirate's long-term vision.

DCT Abu Dhabi is working with US-based Sphere Entertainment, the company behind Sphere Vegas, to develop the venue. The 20,000-capacity Sphere Abu Dhabi will host immersive productions, concert residencies, and brand events ranging from combat sports and conferences to product launches.

Access the complete report on Alec Holdings' $1.7bn Sphere Abu Dhabi construction contract.