The project follows the success of the original Sphere in Las Vegas, which became the world’s highest-grossing arena within its first year of operation
AtkinsRéalis and ALEC have been appointed to deliver Sphere Abu Dhabi, the next-generation immersive entertainment venue on Yas Island, with the landmark project scheduled to open in 2029.
Developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the project forms part of the emirate’s strategy to strengthen its position as a global destination for culture, entertainment and innovation.
Sphere Abu Dhabi will feature a fully programmable LED exosphere and a wraparound interior display capable of delivering 16K-resolution visuals, alongside advanced beamforming audio technology designed to direct sound to individual seats, creating an immersive entertainment experience.
The project follows the success of the original Sphere in Las Vegas, which became the world’s highest-grossing arena within its first year of operation.
The development will be delivered under a Design and Build model, with AtkinsRéalis serving as the lead multidisciplinary design and supervision consultant, overseeing architecture, structural engineering and specialist immersive technologies. ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC has been appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi to lead procurement, construction and project delivery.
The two companies said their collaboration builds on experience gained from delivering complex entertainment and cultural projects across the region, including Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia, where AtkinsRéalis is the design consultant and ALEC is responsible for construction across several major venues.
Peter Willmott, chief operating officer, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis, said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a completely new kind of immersive destination for the Middle East. Together with ALEC, we are integrating cutting-edge design, advanced engineering, and immersive technologies to deliver a venue that will redefine what entertainment means globally.”
Sean McQue, managing director of ALEC Construction, added: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is one of the most technically demanding and culturally significant projects we have undertaken, and it demands exactly the kind of integrated, collaborative delivery model that our partnership with AtkinsRéalis enables. Their design leadership combined with our construction expertise and deep regional presence gives this project the right foundation to deliver to the global benchmark this venue deserves.”
The partners said the project’s complexity requires close integration between design, engineering and construction to deliver one of the world’s most technologically advanced entertainment venues.
Once completed, Sphere Abu Dhabi will introduce a new format of immersive storytelling to the region, combining advanced visual, audio and digital technologies to create large-scale live and interactive entertainment experiences.
Walking, cycling, metro: Inside Dubai’s new plan to change daily commute by 2030
The initiative is designed to strengthen links between residential neighbourhoods and public transport stations while improving first- and last-mile connectivity for residents and visitors
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a five-year plan to significantly expand the emirate’s soft mobility network by 2030, marking another step in the city’s broader strategy to create a more connected, sustainable and commuter-friendly transport ecosystem.
The initiative is designed to strengthen links between residential neighbourhoods and public transport stations while improving first- and last-mile connectivity for residents and visitors. By integrating walking, cycling and other individual mobility options with Dubai’s wider public transport network, the authority aims to make journeys safer, more convenient and increasingly seamless.
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Under the plan, RTA will develop soft mobility infrastructure across 25 residential areas and upgrade the urban environment surrounding 63 public transport stations by 2030. The project aligns with Dubai’s wider vision of developing an integrated mobility network that supports sustainable urban growth and enhances quality of life.
Areas selected for the programme have been prioritised based on several factors, including the availability and usage of public transport services, population density, land-use patterns, whether residential, commercial or mixed-use, and the current condition of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Future development plans under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan also formed part of the selection criteria.
Soft mobility positioned as a key pillar of future transport
Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the initiative reflects Dubai’s long-term ambition to remain one of the world’s leading cities for liveability while supporting sustainable economic and urban development.
“The plan forms part of RTA’s efforts to reinforce Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live in, and to develop an integrated and sustainable transport system that keeps pace with urban and population growth while enhancing quality of life.
“Soft mobility has become one of the strategic enablers of the future mobility ecosystem and a key pillar in strengthening integration across transport modes. It reinforces public transport’s position as the preferred mobility choice and supports Dubai’s sustainability and quality-of-life objectives, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.”
Al Tayer said transport infrastructure worldwide is increasingly being measured by how effectively it delivers connected and seamless journeys rather than simply expanding road capacity.
“The global mobility sector is undergoing a fundamental shift in the philosophy of infrastructure development. Success is now measured by a mobility system’s ability to deliver an integrated, safe and seamless journey that allows residents and visitors to move between different transport modes with ease, efficiency and safety.
“Dubai has succeeded in building one of the world’s most advanced public transport systems by strengthening integration between the road network, public transport modes and individual mobility modes. Pedestrian journeys rose from 326 million in 2024 to 342 million in 2025, a growth of 5 per cent, while the maturity of infrastructure surrounding public transport stations reached 87 per cent and pedestrian satisfaction across Dubai rose to 89 per cent. Cycling trips increased from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, a growth of 23%, and e-scooter trips rose from 32.3 million in 2024 to 39.6 million in 2025, a growth of nearly 23 per cent.”
Focus on making public transport more attractive
RTA believes improving the areas surrounding metro and bus stations will play a critical role in encouraging more residents to shift towards public and shared transport.
According to Al Tayer, investing in the urban environment around transport hubs helps maximise the value of existing transport infrastructure while making public transport a more attractive option for everyday travel.
He said facilities such as pedestrian and cycling tracks, safer pedestrian crossings, infrastructure for People of Determination, shaded walkways and urban beautification features will make journeys more comfortable and accessible. The plan also includes expanding stations and parking facilities for shared mobility services, including Careem Bike and e-scooter rental operators, further improving connectivity between neighbourhoods and transport hubs.
Al Tayer added that the next phase of the programme will focus on completing the final stage of customers’ journeys by strengthening first- and last-mile connectivity between residential communities, business districts, major destinations and metro and bus stations.
He said the objective is to transform every public transport station into an integrated mobility hub that delivers greater flexibility, efficiency and sustainability for commuters.
Infrastructure rollout to continue through 2030
The latest programme will expand soft mobility infrastructure into 25 additional residential areas, bringing the total number of targeted communities to 34 by the end of the decade.
Construction is already underway in five locations, Dubai Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga and Al Muraqqabat, where soft mobility elements are currently being implemented.
Alongside neighbourhood improvements, RTA plans to upgrade the infrastructure surrounding 63 public transport stations by 2030, making metro and bus stations easier to access while further strengthening Dubai’s integrated transport network.
The authority said the programme supports Dubai’s wider efforts to increase reliance on public transport and sustainable mobility by creating an accessible infrastructure network that better connects residential developments, commercial districts, major destinations and transport stations.
Key elements of the project include cycling tracks, pedestrian crossings, shaded pathways, landscaped rest areas, bicycle parking, vehicle parking facilities, passenger pick-up and drop-off zones and dedicated infrastructure for shared mobility services.
Together, these improvements are intended to make active travel more practical while supporting safer and more efficient journeys across the city.
Building on earlier phases
The new expansion builds on previous soft mobility projects already completed across nine residential areas: Al Mankhool, Al Qusais, Al Karama, Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, Hor Al Anz, Abu Hail and Al Souk Al Kabeer.
RTA has also completed upgrades around 37 metro stations, including Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, ONPASSIVE, Gold Souq, BurJuman, Baniyas Square, Sharaf DG and Abu Hail.
Those projects introduced integrated pedestrian and cycling networks, upgraded pavements, safer pedestrian crossings, facilities for People of Determination, mobility hubs, shared mobility stations and urban beautification initiatives.
According to RTA, these improvements have strengthened first- and last-mile connectivity while delivering greater integration between different transport modes across Dubai’s wider mobility network.
Master plan supports long-term mobility strategy
The soft mobility programme forms part of a broader strategy to create an interconnected transport ecosystem that integrates roads with the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis and individual mobility options such as walking, cycling and e-scooters.
RTA said the approach is designed to deliver safer, more efficient and sustainable journeys while supporting Dubai’s economic growth, urban expansion and international competitiveness in smart mobility.
To support the initiative, the authority previously conducted a comprehensive study to develop a master plan for non-motorised transport across the emirate.
The study examined infrastructure requirements for medium- and long-distance journeys, with a focus on improving safety, accessibility and convenience while encouraging greater use of walking and cycling.
It also established a long-term strategy for expanding non-motorised transport by creating infrastructure that is accessible to all residents, including People of Determination, while improving connectivity between residential communities, development projects and major destinations.
In addition, the strategy outlines standards for first- and last-mile infrastructure and transport integration, providing a framework that will be incorporated into future RTA projects across Dubai.
Enhancing transport integration
The soft mobility initiative includes a broad range of infrastructure improvements designed to support safer and more accessible travel throughout the city.
Among the planned upgrades are facilities for People of Determination, raised pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures, dedicated cycling tracks, bicycle parking bays, improved directional and warning signage, pavement enhancements and shared-use lanes for vehicles and non-traditional transport modes.
The programme will also introduce additional shaded pathways, landscaped rest areas, green spaces and seating to encourage walking and cycling, alongside vehicle parking, passenger pick-up and drop-off points and stations for shared mobility services.
Collectively, these measures are expected to improve everyday mobility, encourage greater use of sustainable transport options and further enhance the quality of life for residents as Dubai continues to invest in building an integrated, future-ready transport network.
Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time after Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner secured a deserved 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in a gripping final at the New York New Jersey Stadium
After 90 minutes of relentless pressure but no breakthrough, Torres finally settled the contest in the 106th minute, firing home after Nico Williams headed a high ball back across goal to spark celebrations among the Spanish players.
The victory ends Argentina’s reign as world champions and extends Spain’s remarkable dominance of international football. Sixteen years after lifting their first World Cup in South Africa, La Roja now hold the men’s World Cup, European Championship and Olympic titles, while Spain also remain women’s world champions.
Spain controlled the final from start to finish, enjoying the overwhelming share of possession and chances. Argentina, unbeaten in a major tournament since 2019 and led by Lionel Messi, failed to register a shot during normal time and managed just one effort on target across the entire 120 minutes.
Despite Spain’s dominance, Argentina’s disciplined defensive display—and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who set a World Cup final record for saves—kept the match scoreless deep into extra time.
Argentina’s resistance was further weakened in stoppage time at the end of the second half when Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card, reducing the South Americans to 10 men.
Even with the numerical advantage, Spain had to remain patient before finally breaking through.
“Even against 10 men at the end we had to suffer,” Spain coach Luis De La Fuente said after the match.
“But we like to suffer. We were prepared for everything.”
The decisive moment came after Spain’s 20th shot of the match. Williams won an aerial ball at the back post and nodded it into Torres’ path, with the forward making no mistake from close range to beat Martinez for the only goal of the final.
Spain comfortably saw out the closing stages to seal a famous victory.
For Argentina, the defeat marks a disappointing end to Lionel Messi’s World Cup career. The 39-year-old captain was largely isolated throughout the contest, touching the ball only once during the opening 15 minutes and receiving little service against Spain’s disciplined midfield.
It was Argentina’s fourth defeat in a World Cup final and Messi’s second loss in three appearances in football’s biggest match.
Played before a largely Argentina-supporting crowd, the final had all the ingredients of a classic, but Spain’s technical superiority ultimately proved decisive.
Their patient passing, relentless pressing and tactical discipline gradually wore down the defending champions before Torres delivered the moment that secured Spain’s place in football history.
LIVE UPDATES: Iran says it targeted Amazon infrastructure in Bahrain
As US Central Command presses ahead with nightly attacks on Iranian targets, Tehran has retaliated by striking US-linked facilities in neighbouring countries
The confrontation between the US and Iran continues to escalate, with both sides trading strikes for more than a week in a conflict that is increasingly spilling across the Middle East. As US Central Command presses ahead with nightly attacks on Iranian targets, Tehran has retaliated by striking US-linked facilities in neighbouring countries. Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan have all been targeted in recent days, while reports point to additional attacks in Syria and Iraq. Follow our live blog below for the latest developments as they happen.
Tuesday, 21st July 2026, 10:2o
DUBAI, July 21 (Reuters) – Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted infrastructure belonging to U.S. company Amazon AMZN.O in Bahrain, according to a statements published by state media on Tuesday.
There was no official confirmation from Bahrain. Reuters could not independently verify the incident.
Monday, 20th July 2026, 15:22
July 20 (Reuters) – Iran attacked Bahrain’s civil air navigation systems but operations were not affected, the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement to the state news agency.
Flights and air traffic transit through Bahrain are proceeding normally, the statement said.
Monday, 20th July 2026, 10:04
Bahrain sounds second warning siren as Kuwait intercepts hostile drones
Bahrain activated a second warning siren on Monday morning as regional security tensions escalated, while neighbouring Kuwait said its air defence systems were intercepting hostile drone attacks that it attributed to Iranian aggression.
In a statement, Bahrain’s authorities urged citizens and residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe place, while following official safety instructions and relying only on verified information issued by relevant government agencies.
No immediate details were provided on the cause of the second alert, and authorities did not report any casualties or damage.
In Kuwait, the General Staff of the Army said the country’s air defence systems were responding to hostile drone attacks following what it described as Iranian aggression.
The military added that any explosion sounds heard across the country were the result of air defence systems intercepting incoming threats, urging citizens and residents to remain calm and comply with security and safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
Monday, 20th July 2026, 05:47
DUBAI/CAIRO, July 20 (Reuters) – US forces struck Iran for a ninth consecutive day on Monday as the number of confirmed American military deaths in the renewed fighting rose to three and concerns grew over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, US Central Command said it started “a new wave of strikes” aimed at “degrading” Iran‘s ability to attack commercial vessels in the strait’s vital shipping lanes.
The Central Command announcement gave no further details. But Iran‘s semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing its own reporters, said US missiles struck several Iranian cities early Monday.
Explosions were heard in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini, according to Tasnim.
In the latest American casualty reported in the war, the US military said on Sunday that a service member was killed on Saturday in northern Iraq, where the U.S. has military bases, during a controlled detonation of what Central Command called unexploded ordnance on a downed Iranian attack drone.
Earlier in the weekend, the US military said two of its service personnel died in Jordan and that a third was missing in action. On Sunday, Central Command said in a statement that “unidentified remains” had been found at the site of Friday’s attack and that “an examination process to verify the remains is ongoing.”
The latest casualty announcements brought the total number of US military personnel killed since the war began to 17, with more than 420 others wounded.
For its part, Iran‘s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a surprise strike against “the enemy’s special operations headquarters in Syria’s Al-Tanf area.”
Monday, 20th July 2026, 05:34
July 20 (Reuters) – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Monday that two oil tankers had exploded and been immobilised after attempting to transit what it described as an unsafe southern route through the Strait of Hormuz, alleging they had been encouraged by the US military to use the passage.
The statement gave no details on the vessels’ names, flags, crews or any casualties.
The Guards said the waterway would remain unsafe as long as what it called US “aggression” in the region continued, warning that “this passage will not be safe for the transit of petrochemical products, nor even a single drop of oil and gas.”
They told the US military to prepare for a “punitive operation.”
Kuwait Airways announced on Saturday that it has rescheduled the majority of its commercial flights after a temporary suspension of take-off and landing operations at Kuwait International Airport, citing the ongoing Iranian aggression on the country.
The move comes as authorities continue monitoring the evolving situation and prioritising aviation safety.
In a statement, the national carrier urged passengers to closely monitor the status of their flights. The airline said automated updates and text messages are being sent to the phone numbers registered in booking records, ensuring travellers receive timely information on any schedule changes, Kuwait News Agency reported.
Passenger safety prioritised
The statement added that passengers requiring further information about their flights can contact the customer service centre from within Kuwait by dialling 171, from abroad at (+965) 24345555 ext. 171, or through the dedicated WhatsApp service at (+965) 1802050.
Kuwait Airways expressed its sincere appreciation to customers for their patience, understanding and cooperation during these exceptional circumstances. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest passenger safety and security standards while continuing to keep travellers informed of operational developments as they emerge.
More international airlines are gradually restoring services to the Middle East following the conflict that erupted after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. However, many carriers continue to suspend or delay flights to destinations across the Gulf and wider region.
Several airlines have pushed back the return of services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, Beirut and Tel Aviv into late summer or even October, while others continue to adjust schedules as security conditions evolve.
Below is the latest status of major international airlines.
Airlines with flights still suspended or delayed
Aegean Airlines
Dubai: Suspended until August 31
Erbil and Baghdad: Suspended until September 30
airBaltic
Dubai: Suspended until October 24
Air Canada
Tel Aviv and Dubai: Suspended until October 24
Air France-KLM
Air France: Beirut suspended until August 2
KLM: Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai services were suspended until July 15, according to the airline.
Cathay Pacific
Dubai passenger services resume October 25
Riyadh passenger services resume October 26
Riyadh freight services remain under review
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta–Tel Aviv suspended until December 18
New York–Tel Aviv resumes September 6
Boston–Tel Aviv launch delayed indefinitely
Finnair
Doha suspended until October 2
Continues avoiding the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Israel
Dubai winter services scheduled to restart in October
British Airways (IAG)
Doha resumes August 1
Riyadh resumes August 8
Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv suspended until October 25
Jeddah route discontinued
Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Tel Aviv services will initially return with one daily flight
Japan Airlines
Tokyo–Doha suspended until August 31
Doha–Tokyo suspended until September 1
LOT Polish Airlines
Dubai winter route resumes in October
Beirut returns in the Summer 2027 schedule
Lufthansa Group
The group continues to operate one of the broadest sets of suspensions across the region.
Lufthansa and SWISS Dubai flights suspended until September 13
Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat and Tehran suspended until October 24
SWISS Tel Aviv flights suspended until August
Brussels Airlines suspends Tel Aviv until October 24
ITA Airways extends Riyadh suspension until July 31 and Dubai until October 24
Eurowings expects to resume remaining Middle East destinations during the autumn
Norwegian Air
Planned launches to Tel Aviv and Beirut postponed indefinitely
Singapore Airlines
Singapore–Dubai suspended until October 24
Additional London Gatwick and Melbourne services added to meet demand
Wizz Air
Flights from mainland Europe to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman suspended until mid-September
