Dubai: The city’s first purpose-built multi-format performing arts theatre, Dubai Opera, will open its doors later this year with a line-up of world-class performances, it was announced on Wednesday by master developer Emaar.
The 2,000 seat venue will welcome a varied programme of cultural and lifestyle events including operas, ballet, classical performances, musicals, Arab and World music, comedy, film, family entertainment, as well as rock, pop and jazz concerts.
Located near Burj Khalifa in the Opera District development in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Opera, with a transparent all-glass foyer, has drawn architectural inspiration from Dubai’s rich heritage, taking cues from the vintage dhows, and has been designed to have three basic formats to support theatre, concert performances and a flat floor mode for events and exhibitions.
With a built-up area of over 35,500 square metres it can seat up to 1,000 for a gala dinner and will offer a proscenium arch theatre, an acoustic concert hall and 2,000 sq m floor event space.
Mohammad Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Dubai Opera is our tribute to our city and the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a seat of arts, culture, performing arts and world-class events.”
“An architectural masterpiece, it draws design inspiration from our own heritage, while the focus on bringing exclusive and accomplished performing arts places it in the league of the world’s finest theatres.”
Alabbar said Dubai Opera adds a new dimension to cultural entertainment in the city while adding value to the surrounding hospitality, retail, touristic and residential developments. “With this sterling addition to the city, we are supporting our leadership’s focus on establishing Dubai as a ‘City of Happy, Creative and Empowered People.’”
Jasper Hope, chief executive of Dubai Opera, said: “The Emiratis used to sing as divers searched for pearls, and in 2016 visitors to Dubai will be able to seek out new cultural gems in a sensational home for the arts in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Dubai Opera will unquestionably help the city broaden its global appeal as a hub for culture and the arts and, when the curtain rises, will help entice artists and audiences from across the world.”
Access to the venue will be through the Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard with dedicated parking spaces to be available to visitors.
