Former names Dubai Opera House Classification Arts complex Completed 2016 Phone +971 4 440 8888 Construction started March 2013 | Type Multi-format venue Country UAE Opened 2016 Architecture firm Atkins Architect Janus Rostock | |
Address Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Near Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates Architectural styles Deconstructivism, Postmodern Architecture Similar The Address Downtow, The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Creek Profiles | ||
A first look inside dubai opera ahead of its grand opening
Dubai Opera is a 1901-seat, multi-format, performing arts centre, which is located within The Opera District in Downtown Dubai. It is being developed by Emaar Properties to host a variety of performances and events including theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, conferences and exhibitions. Its plans were announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in March 2012 and was completed in 2016. It opened on 31 August 2016 with a performance by Placido Domingo.
Contents
- A first look inside dubai opera ahead of its grand opening
- Dubai opera house in downtown dubai
- Description
- Other structures
- References
Dubai opera house in downtown dubai
Description
Dubai Opera is part of The Opera District within Downtown Dubai. The 1901-seat performing arts centre, was designed by Janus Rostock of Atkins. The theatre was conceived and briefed by Theatre Projects Consultants, it can be converted into a traditional theatre, concert hall, banquet hall or exhibition space. Using hydraulic lifts and seating wagons to relocate 900 of the 2,000 seats, the space can be used for other events while the extra seating is stored in garages beneath the theatre.
Dubai Opera is designed to resemble a dhow, a traditional sailing vessel, in which the 'bow' of the structure will house the opera's main stage, orchestra and seating, while the elongated 'hull' will have waiting areas, taxi drop-off areas, and parking.
In January 2015, Emaar named Jasper Hope as the Chief Executive of Dubai Opera. Hope was the COO of London's Royal Albert Hall. Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) is the main contractor for the development, having worked with Emaar in building The Dubai Mall.
An earlier proposal to build a cultural centre on an island in the Dubai Creek designed by architect Zaha Hadid were announced in 2008 and shelved during the property crash in Dubai. This venue, located in The Lagoons, would have accommodated an opera house with a 2,500 seating capacity, an 800-seat playhouse, a 5,000-square-metre (54,000 sq ft) arts gallery, a performing arts school, and a '6-star' themed hotel.
Other structures
The Opera District was launched by Emaar Properties in Downtown Dubai in 2013. Aside from Dubai Opera, the district, which faces Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, includes art galleries, museums, design studios, and other cultural venues. The area includes several hotels, a retail plaza, recreational spaces and residential towers.
Dubai has more than 50 art galleries and hosts cultural events such as Design Days Dubai, Art Dubai, and the SIKKA Art Fair.