MGM Resorts International has announced a new project in Dubai called The Island. Located on Bluewaters Island, the resort will have three separate hotels – MGM, Bellagio, and Aria. But what’s even more interesting is that the complex will have a special round-shaped event space, in other words, a Sphere-like building, much like the Las Vegas one.
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle said that the Dubai Sphere won’t be as big as the one in Las Vegas, but it will still be very impressive. The capacity is rumored to be less than 1000, as opposed to the Las Vegas Sphere which holds 20,000 people in standing capacity. He explained the Dubai Sphere will have a smaller space for shows and other events, but it will offer a unique experience that tells the story of Dubai’s history.
Take a look at the picture above. The Dubai Sphere is set to be the round object in the middle of the take.
MGM originally planned to have a casino in the project, but they have decided not to include one because of current UAE laws. However, Hornbuckle said that they hope gaming might be allowed in the future.
The Island project is a partnership between MGM Resorts and Wasl Hospitality and Leisure, a Dubai-based hotel company. Construction is happening now, but the opening date is not yet known. The Island will compete with other big resort projects in Dubai, such as Wynn Resorts’ $4 billion project and Caesars Entertainment’s existing properties.
Hornbuckle clarified that the Dubai Sphere is not a part of Sphere Entertainment, the company behind the Las Vegas Sphere. Right now, MGM is doing the venue itself but would be open to finding a partner later down the line.
Execs at Sphere Entertainment have said previously they’d license a smaller space if it meant growing the global footprint. MSG executive chair and CEO Dolan told medium Variety last year it was “definitely a big part of the business plan, to build more Spheres all over the world”. “And by the way, different-size ones too – probably not much bigger than the one in Vegas, but we’ve actually gone through already architectural drawings and designs for smaller Spheres for smaller markets.”
[H/T] Casino.org