The Dubai Opera – Downtown’s cultural centrepiece
There is plenty to see and do in the commercial and residential hub of Downtown Dubai. If the luxurious skyscrapers and stunning Dubai Fountain aren’t enough to engage you, the Dubai Opera will certainly stun the culturally inclined folks in the city. Today MyBayut brings you the complete guide on the iconic attraction in Downtown Dubai, including popular upcoming shows in the Dubai Opera for 2019.
Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, this is the first performing arts theatre in the city. Contrary to popular belief, musicals and dramas are not the only things you can enjoy at the Dubai Opera. Stand-up comedy, jazz performances, musical concerts and other notable events are held in the Dubai Opera. Let’s take a closer look at the acclaimed cultural centre of the city.
The mind behind the design
The dhow-shaped masterpiece was designed by famous architect Janus Rostock. In an interview to PressReader, he stated:
This is not just an opera house; it is a performance venue, a cultural building and cultural exchange enabler, which allows different cultures to express themselves.”
The Dubai Opera has eight floors built across 35,000 sq.m. The construction of the theatre, which took four years to complete, was inspired by the maritime culture of Dubai. It has a gorgeous cascading chandelier as the stunning centrepiece. Czech company LASVIT built this beautiful three-storey-high masterpiece using individually-built glass pearls. The stunning structure, which they titled ‘Symphony’, is one of the first things you notice on entering this venue.
Since its opening in 2016, the Dubai Opera has been redefining the cultural experience in Dubai. This opera house is located in the boulevard at a walking distance for tenants of the apartments in Standpoint Towers. It has become a buzzing hotspot for both residents and tourists in the city.
It’s not just your conventional opera house
What makes the Dubai Opera unique is that it can transform from its conventional theatre mode to a flat floor plan and even into a concert hall. The innovative design has enabled this level of flexibility.
In its horseshoe-shaped theatre mode, the Dubai opera seating plan accomodates over 2,000 people at one time. Culture vultures in the city can enjoy lectures, musicals, and large-scale drama productions.
In concert mode, viewers enjoy a fantastic surround sound experience thanks to the creative design that takes the acoustics into account. The proscenium arch disappears leaving both performers as well as viewers on the same platform.
In flat floor mode, it becomes an empty 36-by-56-metre floor having no stalls.
The restaurant at the Dubai Opera
If you thought the only thing that makes the Dubai Opera stand out is its cultural significance, get ready for another surprise! Situated on the rooftop of the theatre is the experiential-dining restaurant called ‘The Loft’. It has recently replaced the popular restaurant named after famous British chef Sean Connolly at the theatre.
This Dubai Opera restaurant overlooks the city’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa. It is divided into five sections. The pleasant Loft Terrace which is the heart of the of the restaurant; the Loft Bar, which serves bar bites, signature cocktails, and premium beverages; Chef’s Table, which is an open kitchen; Raw Bar, where people can enjoy chef-approved raw food, and the main dining area.
This new restaurant in Dubai Opera, which serves European cuisine, remains open Saturday to Thursday from 05:00 pm to 02:00 am, and every Friday from 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm and 05:00 pm to 02:00 am.
Notable Dubai Opera shows for 2019
The Dubai Opera has hosted some spectacular Broadways hits and worldwide sensations. Renowned musicals and dramas such as Cats, Mary Poppins, The Nutcracker and I, Swan Lake, Othello and many more have already been showcased at the Opera. As a result, its status as a formidable cultural attraction in the city has been cemented. There is a lot to look forward to at the Dubai Opera this year too.
There are several notable performances coming to Dubai Opera in 2019. Kicking off things into high gear will be ‘Thriller’, inspired by the life of global Pop music legend Michael Jackson. It is due to run from March 26.
The highlight of 2019 at Dubai Opera is, however, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous theatre production The Phantom of the Opera. The famed production is debuting in Dubai in collaboration with Broadway Entertainment Group. From October 16 this year, the Dubai Opera will start hosting the show. This blockbuster show, based on the French novel Le Fantôme de L’Opéra, has already won more than 70 international theatre awards.
It is the story of a Phantom who possesses and lives inside an Opera House and falls in love with a talented and beautiful soprano, Christine. The show will air from Monday to Thursday at 08:00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 02:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
There are many exciting events at the Dubai Opera to look forward to in the coming months. These include a ballet of Sleeping Beauty, a tribute to George Michael and a few stand-up comedy acts including famed British comedian Al Murray.
Things to remember while visiting the Dubai Opera
You can find lots of attractions at Dubai Opera, which has been enriching the culture and arts scene in Downtown Dubai. Furthermore, the opera house has evolved into an unmissable experience for those looking to discover the finer things in life. Be sure to look at the upcoming events in the Dubai Opera to catch a show of your choice. Tickets to the Dubai Opera can often sell out, so book ahead if you are keen on seeing one of the more popular musicals or theatrical events. You can book your Dubai Opera tickets online or buy them at the venue.
Although there is no strict Dubai Opera dress code, the opulence of the venue means that most people dress to impress. Guests will be happy to know that there is a dedicated Dubai Opera parking zone, so you won’t need to spend ages looking for the perfect spot.
The nearest metro station is Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall. There are also a couple of bus routes that ply the area.
One of the most iconic attractions in the city, the Dubai Opera house has become central to the success of Downtown Dubai.d In fact, master builder Emaar is developing a whole Opera-themed district in Downtown Dubai, so the popularity of the venue is obvious. If you want to move close to this attraction, check out apartments for rent in Downtown Dubai.
Alternatively, you could also consider investing in Downtown Dubai apartments and capitalise on the area’s popularity for a sound return on investment.
