Culture, art, and sports are vital components of a city’s soft power and serve as key drivers in promoting the economic diversification of Macao. Sands China has consistently supported the SAR government’s policy direction of enriching non-gaming offerings, striving to foster deep integration across industries by organising and introducing large-scale cultural, tourism, and sports events – thereby continuously contributing to strengthening the multifaceted appeal of Macao’s “tourism+” strategy.
To date, the company’s cumulative investment in Macao has exceeded MOP 134.5 billion, with the majority allocated to non-gaming development. The total number of visitor arrivals to Sands China’s properties has also surpassed 1.1 billion. This is not only a significant milestone for the company, but also a testament to the popularity of Macao tourism and its related products. This achievement reinforces our confidence in the vitality and sustainability of Macao’s economic development.
Establishing a world-class multi-purpose venue
Sands China continues to enhance Macao’s infrastructure, with key investments including comprehensive upgrades and renovations to the Cotai Arena located at The Venetian Macao, now reintroduced as The Venetian Arena. Positioned as a premier multi-purpose venue in Asia, the arena accommodates 14,000 spectators and is equipped with cutting-edge hardware – making it an ideal place for hosting large-scale live entertainment performances, world-class sports competitions, MICE events, e-sports tournaments, and other shows with a professional setting.
Introducing international sports competitions, highlighting Macao as a ‘City of Sports’
Organising and sponsoring large-scale international sports mega events is a core direction of Sands China’s efforts in establishing Macao as a “City of Sports.” Highlighted events have included the Macao International 10K, Macau Open Badminton Tournament, Macau Grand Prix, Asian Youth Elite Fencing League, and 15th edition of the National Games Volleyball (Women’s Adults) – demonstrating the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting the development of Macao’s sports industry and promoting the integration of tourism and sports.
Sands China has organised and sponsored large-scale international sports mega events throughout the years, demonstrating the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting the development of Macao’s sports industry and promoting the integration of tourism and sports.
The Venetian Arena was one of the venues for the adult women’s volleyball competitions of the 15th National Games of China. Photo credit: Preparatory Office for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games in Macao.
To further bring local sports to the global stage, Sands China and the NBA announced a multi-year collaboration last year, including bringing The NBA China Games to Macao beginning in 2025. In October this year, two exciting matchups between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns brought together basketball legends and fans from across the globe at The Venetian Arena. In addition to the games, there were over 100 auxiliary activities, including the NBA House, NBA Fan Day, Community Impact Week, and a fireside chat – all delivered to the NBA’s high standards. This globally anticipated basketball extravaganza showcased Macao’s strengths in hosting large-scale events to the world, ushering in a new chapter in highlighting the charm of “Vibrant Macao” and “Cultural Macao.”
Promoting art exchange and appreciation to showcase Macao’s diversified status
Macao serves as a window for cultural exchange between China and the West. Sands China has regularly invited local and internationally renowned artists to host high-level art exhibitions at Sands Gallery – the company’s permanent art space at The Grand Suites at Four Seasons – with the aim of further enriching the art experience of Macao residents and visitors. Since the launching of the gallery, Sands China has organised more than 10 art exhibitions featuring Chinese and international artists, playing an active role in promoting artistic diversity and facilitating cultural and artistic exchange and cooperation. In addition, the company’s Sands Performing Arts Programme has presented nearly 20 premier national and international performing art projects, encompassing a range of genres such as music, dance, and Cantonese opera – bringing the local cultural and creative industries to life.
The Sands Performing Arts Programme has presented nearly 20 premier national and international performing art projects, encompassing a range of genres such as music, dance, and Cantonese opera.
This year, Sands China continued to fully support Art Macao, the city’s mega cultural and art extravaganza. Held from July to October, the company unveiled its Special Exhibition “Dopamine: Fountain of Happiness” at The Venetian Macao, showcasing exquisite artworks crafted by nine internationally renowned contemporary artists who intertwined Sesame Street characters with ancient Roman mythology – creating a photo hotspot for local residents and visitors.
The exhibition traversed space, time, and culture, portraying Macao’s distinctive image as a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures. Running simultaneously with the Special Exhibition, the Collateral Exhibition “Beyond the Frame: International Contemporary Masterpieces” at Sands Gallery featured six of the invited artists to explore artistic boundaries in today’s global context. Both exhibitions featured in total more than 80 artistic creations, highlighting Macao as a window to international culture.
Earlier this year, Sands China partnered with globally acclaimed British contemporary pop art master Philip Colbert to bring his iconic Lobster to Macao. More than 40 larger-than-life installations and themed sculptures crafted by the artist were at display at six prominent locations in Macao, highlighting the city’s unique coastal beauty while creating a new, exclusive landmark. The art tour was another testament to Macao’s development of new tourism products. Looking ahead, Sands China hopes to bring in more internationally influential cultural exhibitions and shows, and related exchange activities to showcase Macao’s unique advantages as a hub for the integration of Chinese and Western cultures and its prominent cultural charm.
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