As part of a new step to strengthen its position as a global entertainment hub, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi has awarded a $1.7 billion contract to a subsidiary of Alec Holdings to construct the “Sapphire Abu Dhabi” entertainment complex, which is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2029.

The project is the result of a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and Sapphire Entertainment, marking the first international expansion of the Sapphire platform outside the United States. It is inspired by the well-known Las Vegas model, Sapphire Las Vegas, one of the notable innovations in the field of immersive shows.

Giant Hall with immersive technologies

The new project will feature the design of a giant dome covered with LED screens and a capacity of about 20,000 people, making it one of the largest entertainment theaters of its kind in the region. It is expected to offer musical experiences and interactive shows using the latest visual and audio presentation technologies.

According to a statement from Alec Holdings to the Dubai Financial Market, the execution of the project requires a high level of engineering precision, including design integration, supply chain management, and quality assurance across all phases of implementation.

Government financing and technical franchise agreement

The construction work will be financed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, while Sapphire Entertainment will receive franchise fees in exchange for the use of its technologies and intellectual property rights, in addition to annual fees related to content, operations, and advisory services.

Strong financial performance for 'Alec'

In a related context, Alec Holdings recorded an annual increase in net profits to AED 230 million (US$62 million) in the first quarter of 2026, driven by a significant rise in revenues of AED 4.6 billion (about US$1.25 billion).

Notably, the company was established in 1999 and became part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai in 2017, with a track record of prominent projects in the UAE, including One Za'abeel and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, as well as major entertainment and tourism developments.

Abu Dhabi expands Its entertainment map

The Sapphire project is part of a broader expansion of Abu Dhabi’s entertainment infrastructure, particularly on Yas Island, which already features major attractions such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the Formula 1 racetrack.

Moreover, the emirate expanded its entertainment plans in May 2025 following the announcement of a partnership between Walt Disney and Miral to develop a new theme park on the island.

With this project, Abu Dhabi continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s leading entertainment destinations by attracting unprecedented technological models and immersive experiences outside the United States.