Exciting New Attraction: The Dubai Sphere

Dubai is set to welcome a new landmark with MGM Resorts announcing its own version of the famous “Sphere.” While it won’t be as large as the Las Vegas Sphere, MGM’s CEO, Bill Hornbuckle, promises that the “Dubai Sphere” will be just as captivating. This project is part of a larger $2 billion development that includes three MGM brands: MGM, Bellagio, and Aria.

What to Expect from the Dubai Sphere

The Dubai Sphere has been in the works since 2017, but construction gained traction this year. Located at the center of MGM’s complex, it will be an entertainment hub, offering a unique experience to visitors. Hornbuckle noted that the Dubai Sphere will have about 300 seats, featuring a mini showroom and impressive visuals.

While the Las Vegas Sphere seats 18,600 people and towers at 112 meters, the Dubai version will be slightly smaller at 110 meters. It aims to deliver an intimate, high-tech experience, showcasing Dubai’s transformation from a desert town to a bustling metropolis through stunning 3D light and sound shows.

An Independent Venture

Unlike the Las Vegas Sphere, which was developed by Sphere Entertainment, the Dubai Sphere is an independent project by MGM Resorts. Hornbuckle mentioned the possibility of future partnerships but emphasized that the Dubai Sphere is designed for a more personal audience.

Interestingly, the Dubai Sphere is currently a non-gaming venue, but Hornbuckle hinted that this could change as Dubai’s cultural landscape evolves. He mentioned the potential for gaming to be introduced in the future, especially given the large expatriate population in the region.

MGM’s Vision for Dubai

The $2 billion development will not only include the Sphere but also feature three luxury MGM hotels interconnected by a podium. MGM’s interest in Dubai reflects the city’s growth as a global center for luxury, tourism, and entertainment.

MGM is partnering with Wasl, a major real estate developer in Dubai, to bring this ambitious project to life. Additionally, MGM has applied for a casino license in Abu Dhabi, indicating a growing interest in the UAE as a potential gaming destination.

Hornbuckle noted that while there’s no official plan for gaming in Dubai yet, changing social norms could make the city an attractive location for casinos in the future.

Global Expansion of Sphere Concepts

Even though the Dubai Sphere is separate from the Las Vegas project, Sphere Entertainment is looking to expand its concept worldwide. They are considering building more Spheres, including smaller versions tailored for different markets.

MGM’s plans for the Dubai Sphere align with their vision of creating a monumental impact. Dubai’s commitment to innovation, as demonstrated by projects like the Sphere, continues to solidify its status as a top global destination. As Hornbuckle expressed, they aim to tell the remarkable story of how a city transformed from desert to one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

Dubai to Introduce the World’s First Museum of Candy

Dubai is gearing up to launch an exciting new attraction: the world’s first Museum of Candy. Located in the city center, this unique museum promises an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages, combining delicious sweets with immersive, interactive exhibits.

Covering an expansive 2,800 square meters, the Museum of Candy will feature more than 15 themed rooms, each dedicated to various confections such as gummy bears, candy canes, lollipops, and ice cream. Each room invites guests to embark on a whimsical journey through the delightful world of sweets.

Visitors can engage in a variety of fun activities, including the Gummy Bear Pool, where they can dive into a sea of soft candies, and the Cotton Candy Bath, which brings this classic treat to life. Additionally, there will be multiple candy stations showcasing rare and uniquely crafted sweets to satisfy every sweet tooth.

One of the museum’s highlights is the Sugar Rush Room, a space designed for creativity where guests can write messages and express their imaginations, making their visit even more special.

The Museum of Candy also aims to be educational, featuring interactive screens and games that allow visitors to learn about the history and science of their favorite treats. Guests can expect a captivating 60-90 minute tour through this sugary wonderland.

To complete the experience, the museum will house a café offering candy-themed milkshakes, ice cream, and coffee. Shoppers will find a selection of sweets to take home, allowing them to cherish their visit long after they leave.

Slated to open in early September, the Museum of Candy will add a vibrant and sweet new attraction to Dubai’s already impressive lineup. Keep an eye out for ticket and visitor information, which will be available soon on the museum’s official website!

Yas Winter Fest: Abu Dhabi’s Ultimate Holiday Celebration

Get ready to immerse yourselves in festive cheer as Yas Winter Fest returns to Abu Dhabi! Taking place at Yas Island Gateway Park South from December 13 to 22, this winter wonderland promises fun for all ages.

Snowy Adventures and Santa’s Workshop

Experience the magic of winter with an artificial Snow Zone featuring thrilling snow-inspired activities. Don’t miss the chance to visit the North Pole, where you can write and post your letters to Santa. Capture memorable moments in Santa’s workshop, complete with ornament decorating, crafts, and gingerbread decorating—perfect for some holiday photos!

Culinary Delights and Carnival Fun

For those looking to spice up their holiday cooking, enjoy interactive sessions where professional chefs will teach you classic holiday recipes. If you’re seeking thrills, the Carnival Zone has rides for both adults and kids, along with skill games and various retail outlets for your Christmas shopping needs.

Entertainment Galore

From morning to night, the Festive Stage will be buzzing with entertainment, featuring live bands, Christmas carol sing-alongs, school choirs, jugglers, magicians, and special appearances by Santa Claus himself.

In keeping with last year’s tradition, attendees can enjoy a grand tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 PM each day, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display at 9 PM.

 

New Attractions and Seasonal Events

This year, Yas Winter Fest will also introduce Bubble World, an interactive experience sure to delight both the young and the young at heart. Additionally, the Liwa Village and Liwa International Festival will return, offering live music, thrilling activities, and delicious culinary offerings against the stunning backdrop of Al Dhafra’s desert landscape.

Ticket Information

Advance tickets for Yas Winter Fest are now available at AED 15 for children and AED 20 for adults through Platinumlist. Season tickets for all ten days are also offered, making it easier for families to enjoy everything the festival has to offer.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Abu Dhabi! Don’t miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories at Yas Winter Fest!

Coldplay Abu Dhabi: Your Essential Guide to Tickets

Coldplay has announced their highly anticipated concert in Abu Dhabi, marking it as their only performance in the GCC. With demand expected to be intense, here’s everything you need to know about securing your tickets.

Ticket Prices for Coldplay Abu Dhabi 2025

The ticket prices for the concert have been revealed as follows:

  • Deluxe: AED 1,495
  • Premium: AED 995
  • Ruby: AED 695
  • Gold: AED 595
  • Silver: AED 495
  • Restricted View: AED 395
  • General Admission Standing: AED 395
  • Bronze: AED 295
  • Standard: AED 195

Stay tuned for additional exclusive experience packages that will be announced soon!

Ticket Sale Dates

To ensure you secure a spot for this must-see event, take note of the following sale dates:

Registration for pre-sales is currently open, so make sure to register to improve your chances of securing tickets before the general public.

Concert Details

Coldplay will take the stage in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Zayed Sports City Stadium. This venue was chosen to accommodate the high demand, as it offers more capacity than Yas Island’s Etihad Arena.

The British band is currently on their Music of the Spheres World Tour, which began in 2022. They have performed across various continents, including North America, Australia, Asia, South America, and major European cities.

With hit songs like “Paradise,” “Clocks,” “Yellow,” and “The Scientist,” fans can expect a memorable performance that reflects their extensive discography.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic concert in Abu Dhabi!

Coldplay Returns to Abu Dhabi for Music of the Spheres World Tour in January 2024

British rock band Coldplay is set to make their grand return to Abu Dhabi, bringing their acclaimed Music of the Spheres World Tour to the Zayed Sports City Stadium on January 11, 2024. Promoters Live Nation Middle East have confirmed that this will be the band’s only stop in the region during the tour, which has seen them play to massive audiences around the globe, including more than 100,000 fans at Glastonbury Festival in the UK earlier this year.

How to Get Tickets to Coldplay in Abu Dhabi

Fans eager to catch the show can now sign up for pre-sale access via Coldplay’s official website, with tickets becoming available online at noon GST on September 25. Additionally, pre-sale tickets can be registered for through the Live Nation Middle East website, going on sale the following day, September 26, also at noon. General tickets will be available starting September 27 from the Live Nation Middle East website.

Ticket prices have yet to be announced, but as a reference, tickets for Coldplay’s Melbourne concert on October 31, part of the same tour, start at around Dh250.

Inside the Music of the Spheres Tour

Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour, named after their ninth studio album, has been their most ambitious and expansive tour to date, performing in front of over nine million fans across more than 30 countries since 2022. According to Billboard, the tour is now the highest-grossing rock tour of all time, bringing in more than $945 million so far.

The tour is also notable for its eco-conscious initiatives. Coldplay has made significant efforts to reduce their environmental impact, implementing sustainable measures such as building stages from low-carbon, reusable materials, using low-energy LED lighting, minimizing private flights, and installing kinetic dance floors that generate energy from audience movement to help power the show.

The band has been transparent about its progress, sharing annual sustainability reports with fans. Their latest report, published in June, revealed that CO2e emissions from the tour are 59% lower than their previous 2016/17 stadium tour, on a per-show basis.

Coldplay’s UAE History

Coldplay’s upcoming concert in Abu Dhabi adds to the band’s long-standing connection with the UAE. They have performed in the capital three times previously: twice on New Year’s Eve in 2011 and 2016, at the Abu Dhabi Corniche and Etihad Park, and during their 2009 debut at Emirates Palace, where they performed to a rain-soaked crowd. More recently, the band played at Expo 2020 Dubai in 2022, solidifying their love affair with the UAE.

The Zayed Sports City Stadium concert will also mark the first stand-alone show at the venue since George Michael and Alicia Keys performed to a sold-out audience in 2008.

Fans can expect a high-energy, unforgettable performance from Coldplay as they bring their global tour to Abu Dhabi once again.

Gymshark Flexes Into Dubai Mall: A Bold Move in Global Expansion

A New Chapter for Gymshark: Expansion Beyond the UK

Two years after the debut of its flagship store on London’s Regent Street and the opening at Westfield Stratford City this past summer, Gymshark is gearing up for the launch of its third store by late 2024.

Dubai Mall: The Perfect Fit for Fitness Enthusiasts

The new location is confirmed to be on the ground floor of Dubai Mall, near the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Partnering with Al Tayer Insignia, Gymshark will join an impressive lineup of luxury and lifestyle brands, ranging from fashion and beauty to jewellery and home décor

Regional Success: E-Commerce Paves the Way for Physical Presence

This physical expansion into the UAE comes after the successful launch of Gymshark’s regional e-commerce services, offering a dual-language platform, exclusive limited-edition releases for the Middle East, and same-day delivery.

A Strategic Partnership with Al Tayer Insignia

Gymshark’s founder and CEO, Ben Francis, shared his excitement, stating: “As we expand our omnichannel strategy beyond the UK, Al Tayer Insignia gave us the perfect opportunity to open in one of the world’s most visited malls. With Dubai’s strong fitness culture and the overwhelming response to our localized online store in the Middle East, this move felt inevitable.”

Building the Gymshark Community in the Middle East

Echoing this sentiment, Dee Sarai, CEO of Al Tayer Insignia, commented: “Dubai Mall is the world’s most iconic shopping destination, making it the ideal spot for an e-commerce-driven brand like Gymshark to establish its first physical store outside the UK. The GCC’s response to our online launch exceeded expectations, and we’re excited to bring the Gymshark community together in this region through a dedicated store.”

Emaar Plans to Build Dubai’s Next Super Tower: A New Era of Architectural Innovation

Emaar Properties is set to redefine Dubai’s skyline with its ambitious new project—a towering marvel that aims to challenge existing global records in height and innovation. According to Arabian Business, this “super tower” could potentially become the world’s second-tallest building, marking a new chapter in Dubai’s storied architectural evolution.

Surpassing the Burj Khalifa

While the Burj Khalifa currently holds the title of the tallest building in the world at 828 meters, Emaar is preparing to surpass its own landmark with this upcoming project. The design concepts for the new super tower are already turning heads with their bold and futuristic approaches. From sleek glass tubes to rocket-inspired structures, the designs reflect Dubai’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural and engineering innovation.

Prime Locations and Purpose

Potential sites for the new super tower are being evaluated, with prime locations near the Burj Khalifa and along Dubai Creek being considered. The tower is expected to feature a blend of luxury offices, high-end hotels, and exclusive residences, all integrated with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies. This combination of functionality and opulence aims to set a new standard for skyscrapers globally.

Competing in the Global Arena

The new tower will enter a competitive field of tall buildings under development. Notable competitors include Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, which, despite facing construction delays, is designed to surpass 1 kilometer in height. Dubai’s own Burj Azizi, expected to reach 725 meters by 2028, is another significant contender in the race for skyscraper supremacy.

A Sustainable Vision

Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar’s founder, is at the helm of this groundbreaking initiative, emphasizing the integration of sustainable technologies. The super tower’s design will incorporate advanced materials and eco-friendly elements, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to environmental responsibility alongside its architectural ambitions.

A Symbol of Excellence

As Dubai continues to set new benchmarks in architecture and urban development, Emaar’s proposed super tower is poised to become a defining symbol of the city’s relentless pursuit of excellence. This ambitious project will not only enhance Dubai’s skyline but also reinforce its status as a global leader in innovative and sustainable design.

Emaar’s super tower represents a bold step into the future of skyscraper design and urban living, showcasing Dubai’s unwavering dedication to advancing architectural and engineering standards on the world stage.

Akon to Headline World Tennis League Concert Series in Abu Dhabi for a Second Year

Pop and R’n’B superstar Akon is set to make a highly anticipated return to Abu Dhabi, bringing his electrifying performance to the World Tennis League’s post-game concert series for the second consecutive year. Scheduled for December 21, 2024, this event will see Akon, the acclaimed artist behind chart-topping hits like “Smack That,” “Lonely,” “Locked Up,” and “Beautiful,” take the stage at the Etihad Arena.

Akon’s inclusion as the third artist in the series adds to an already stellar lineup. The concert series kicks off with Bryan Adams, renowned for his classic hit “Summer of ’69,” who will perform on December 19. Following Adams, on December 20, the series will feature Anastacia, the Chicago-native artist celebrated for her powerful voice and hits such as “I’m Outta Love.”

Between 2005 and 2010, Akon dominated global music charts, with numerous tracks achieving instant popularity and becoming staple party anthems. His impressive discography from this era includes several successful collaborations with other leading artists, further cementing his status as a major force in the music industry.

Last December, Akon delivered a memorable performance alongside fellow R’n’B star Ne-Yo, also as part of the World Tennis League at the Etihad Arena. This year, fans in Abu Dhabi can look forward to another evening of Akon’s greatest hits and high-energy showmanship, ensuring an unforgettable experience as part of this premier event.

Dan Bilzerian Hits Up Dubai, links Up with Tam Khan at TKMMAFIT

Dan Bilzerian, the poker pro and social media star, recently touched down in Dubai and made a splash by connecting with Tam Khan at his top-notch gym, TKMMAFIT. Known for his over-the-top lifestyle and big social media presence, Bilzerian’s visit was a hot topic online.

Bilzerian’s Dubai trip wasn’t just about sightseeing; he hit up TKMMAFIT, a favorite spot for celebrities and athletes. The gym has hosted big names like Khamzat Chimaev and Tyson Fury, making it a go-to for those looking to stay fit while rubbing shoulders with the famous.

Tam Khan, who runs TKMMAFIT, has built a reputation for bringing high-profile figures together. His gym provided the perfect setting for Bilzerian’s visit. They spent time working out and chatting about future opportunities, showcasing the gym as a key spot for networking in Dubai.

This visit highlights Dubai’s growing appeal as a hotspot for global celebrities and influencers. With TKMMAFIT at the center of it all, it’s clear that the UAE is becoming a must-visit destination for those in the spotlight.

Etihad Rail Unveils Locations for Main Passenger Stations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah

Etihad Rail has officially revealed the locations of its main passenger stations for the conventional speed railway, set to enhance connectivity across the UAE. Here’s a closer look at where these stations will be situated:

Station Locations:

  • Dubai: The station will be located behind the Jumeirah Golf Estates metro station on the Red Line. This site ensures easy access to the heart of Dubai and integration with the existing metro network.

  • Abu Dhabi: Positioned along the pipeline corridor between Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, the station will be located between Dalma Mall and Musaffah bus station, adjacent to Phoenix Hospital.

  • Fujairah: The station will be situated parallel to Al-Hilal Street within the Al-Hilal City development, strategically placed to serve the eastern part of the UAE.

Construction Details:

The elevated stations are being constructed by China Railway International Group, with design work handled by China Southwest Architectural Design & Research Institute (CSWADI) and local firm Jouzy Consulting Engineers. The project also includes spur lines to connect the stations to the main Etihad Rail network.

  • Dubai Spur Line: The line will diverge from the spur serving Jebel Ali Port, running from Al-Yalayis Street, opposite Dubai Investment Park, and connecting to the Jumeirah Golf Estates metro station. It will then link to the Dubai Metro Red Line.

  • Abu Dhabi Spur Line: This line will split from the main track between Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan International Road and Al-Rawdah Road, extending to the Abu Dhabi station.

  • Sharjah University Station: A separate contract has been awarded for the spur line connecting this station to the main line, with construction managed by Tristar Engineering & Construction.

Project Timeline and Future Developments:

The construction of these stations and spur lines is expected to take between 18 to 24 months. Once completed, the conventional speed railway will travel up to 200 km/h along the existing 1,200 km Etihad Rail freight network, linking Al-Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east.

This conventional speed railway will serve as a precursor to the planned high-speed railway, which aims to connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai at speeds exceeding 250 km/h. Early work and soil testing for this ambitious high-speed project have already commenced, with full operational status anticipated by 2030.

Overall Impact:

These new stations are set to significantly improve regional connectivity and travel convenience, reinforcing Etihad Rail’s role in transforming UAE’s transportation infrastructure.