Yas Island
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Construction of Abu Dhabi’s Dhs6.4bn Sphere is gathering pace just months after ALEC Holdings secured the landmark contract, with the project now moving from early-stage preparation into active delivery.

ALEC was awarded the Abu Dhabi project in May 2026 by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Valued at around Dhs6.4bn, it is now the largest single contract in ALEC’s Dhs32.5bn backlog and is scheduled for delivery through 2029.

Speaking exclusively to Gulf Business, ALEC Holdings CEO Barry Lewis said the project has already advanced significantly since the award, with Atkins onboarded as lead designer, permit applications submitted and major procurement packages — including structural steel and technology partners — concluded. Ground works and piling are also under way.

Sphere Abu Dhabi will be approximately 150 metres in diameter and comprise two distinct envelopes.

The internal envelope contains the amphitheatre and immersive LED screen, while the external envelope — the Exosphere — houses individually controllable LED elements.

That creates an unusually complicated construction sequence.

“Each stage is tightly interdependent, and once that sequence is established, there is very little room to deviate from it,” Lewis said.

Source: https://gulfbusiness.com/en/2026/abu-dhabi/abu-dhabi-sphere-alec-construction-update/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Topgolf Yas Island, Abu Dhabi set to open in winter 2026

Topgolf Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is on track to open its doors this year, marking the brand's second UAE location and one of the most anticipated additions to Yas Island's entertainment lineup. The venue is being developed by Miral in partnership with Viya, the UAE's authorized Topgolf franchise partner.

Spanning three levels and 6,500 square metres, the complex is built around a 19,000-square-metre outfield driving range fitted with TopTracer ball-tracking technology, and 82 climate-controlled hitting bays, including eight VIP bays, designed to cater to both first-time players and experienced golfers.

Source: https://topgolf.ae/abudhabi/secondary-links/news

https://www.instagram.com/stories/alzaabiofficial/3975918782408596982

Topgolf:



https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alyssa-rush-51804150_topgolfyasisland-abudhabi-ugcPost-7485978634521001984-LRjn/

Topgolf:



https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rob-hetherington-58569728_nets-going-up-at-topgolf-miral-progress-share-7481615736042479616-VAgT/

Disneyland site:

Sphere Abu Dhabi pile driving:



https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rob-hetherington-58569728_entertainmentreimagined-share-7470748576223076353-3GPL/

Sphere Abu Dhabi to open on Yas Island in 2029

The 20,000-capacity Sphere Abu Dhabi will host three categories of events: Sphere Experiences or proprietary immersive productions that feature multisensory storytelling; concert residencies; and brand events that include everything from combat sports and conferences to product launches.

Yas Island was selected to home Sphere Abu Dhabi's thanks to its existing infrastructure and the breadth of experiences it already offers, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, tells The National.

“Yas Island is a place where you can experience everything from theme parks, hospitality and shopping, to golfing, beach experiences, nightlife, food and beverage, all in one destination,” he says.

Source: https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music-stage/2026/05/14/sphere-abu-dhabi-to-open-on-yas-island-in-2029/

Sphere location on Yas: