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The Lifestyle
All the world's a stage
The Dubai Opera sets the standard for theatre, ballet, classical music and living.
Words by Dyuthi Prakash in The Lifestyle · May 18th, 2016
Dubai has long established itself as a city of progressive landmarks, modelled after metropolises like New York, Sydney and Singapore. Following the star studded opening of the Burj Khalifa in 2008, there has been a string of new icons that have emerged along the Dubai skyline. This has rendered Dubai as a city with confident architecture and a penchant for futuristic design.
The city's attempts at creating a cultural front include the carefully preserved Bastakiya district and the artist-centric Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. In order to personify culture and streamline performances, EMAAR commissioned the design of the Dubai Opera House in Downtown Dubai. The district has blossomed like a troupe of ballet dancers, adding to its record-breaking portfolio of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the stunning Dubai Fountain. This September, the city will be audience to performances, operas, ballet, theatre, fashion shows and conferences by leading artists and musicians.
The first-of-its-kind complex has been designed by leading architect, Janus Rostock, and is reminiscent of the traditional dhow, a popular favorite among the public. The humble boat has been used as a concept for popular buildings like Burj Al Arab, the National Bank of Dubai, and Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht club. It invokes a feeling of nostalgia, reminding people of the history of pearl fishing in the country.
The multi-format theatre appears to float above the Dubai Fountain, guarded by two towers on either side. The area strives to be the cultural beating heart of the city; an epicentre that attracts aficionados from all over the world. A promenade leads up to the nautical exoskeleton, flanked by asymmetrical fountains and sleek street lights. The 2000-seat theatre has been designed to accommodate three modes; a “flat floor” for a banquet or event, a theatre and a concert hall. The building also boasts a fancy rooftop restaurant that overlooks the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, perfect for a post-performance dinner.
Living in new developments like Blvd Crescent and Forte will give you front-door access to the Dubai Opera. You can wake up to the Burj Khalifa, the stunning Dubai Fountain and the beautifully lit Emaar Boulevard at night. The towers are set on podiums, that house fashion boutiques and trendy restaurants. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the abundance of options for dining and shopping.
The Dubai Opera is strategically similar to the distinctive Sydney Opera House in Australia, the skyline-dominating performance and arts centre. The building is in the foreground of a flagship development called Darling Harbour, that offers luxury living in the coastal metropolis.
The launch of a fully-fledged cultural district in Dubai essentially completes the city’s nerve-centre, and will amass the city’s more discerning audience.