Abu Dhabi: UAE-based Blue Rhine Industries has secured a major contract to install and commission the giant LED exterior of Sphere Abu Dhabi, a $1.7 billion entertainment development planned for Yas Island. The contract was awarded by ALEC Engineering and Contracting, which is responsible for delivering the main construction project.
The venue’s outer surface, known as the Exosphere, will feature a fully programmable LED display covering the exterior of the planned 112-metre-high structure. The digital system will be capable of displaying moving artwork, entertainment visuals and cultural content. According to Blue Rhine Industries, the assignment is its largest audiovisual integration project in 20 years.
Sphere Abu Dhabi is being developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in partnership with Sphere Entertainment. Located between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the venue is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 people for immersive shows, concerts, sporting events and other large-scale experiences.
Construction is targeted for completion by the end of 2029, making it the first planned Sphere venue outside the United States. However, the award of the LED installation contract does not mean the exterior screen has already been installed or activated. A confirmed public opening date and the value of Blue Rhine’s individual subcontract have not been announced.
