Neighbourhoods

Pomp & Splendour at The Opera District

An emerging arts & culture destination in Dubai, The Opera District will grow into its own as a community.

Words by Aneesha Rai in Neighbourhoods · Mar 16th, 2017

One of Dubai’s most iconic moments in 2016 was the launch of the long-awaited Dubai Opera. Stunning in shape and form, the Dubai Opera resembles a ‘dhow’, which is a traditional sailing vessel, in which the ‘bow’ of the structure houses the opera’s main stage, orchestra and seating, while the elongated hull has waiting areas, taxi drop-off areas, and parking. A worthy testament to the birth of the burgeoning arts and culture movement in Dubai.

The opening night in itself hosted high profile singer Placido Domingo, who wowed audiences right from the start. Thousands were on the waiting list for that much awaited for performance.

All the critics of Dubai’s lack of “culture” were almost immediately silenced by the advent of this beacon in the Downtown area. Since its opening, the Dubai Opera has been host to a season of class acts, including Les Miserables, The Barber of Seville, and more. Cats and West Side Story are two other much-awaited and long love acts that most are awaiting for. The Opera is just not a stage; it is a versatile enough venue to host aconcert hall, banquet hall or exhibition space.

The first of these projects released by Emaar is Opera Grand. The 66-storey Opera Grand has 60 storeys of residences, two storeys of residential amenities, two storeys of cafes, restaurants and shops outlets and a grand entrance lobby at the lower level.

The 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes feature spacious living areas, with most residences overlooking the spectacular views of The Dubai Fountain.With three to five units only per floor, each residential unit assures the highest level of privacy to residents. Each residence also has large balconies offering sweeping views of Downtown Dubai and the city’s skyline.

If you prefer living in a world-class hotel either as a residence or investment, The Address Residences Dubai Opera is a viable choice. It stands beside the Burj Khalifa Lake, where a dazzling waterfront area is planned to encompass Burj Park.

Located at the entrance to Dubai Opera, the opulent, integrated residential environment is being heralded as one of the world’s most coveted luxury urban addresses.The exclusive range of apartments caters for permanent residents, as well as short-term and longterm visitors with a choice of serviced offerings.Exclusive residential amenities such as a pool and health club are located on the terrace level over the retail podium offering unobstructed views of Burj Khalifa, Burj Park, and Burj Lake. 

Other options also include Forte, a two tower residential development. Set apart by its distinctive location and aesthetic architecture which adds to the ambiance of The Opera District. The apartments offer direct views of Dubai Opera, the lively Opera Plaza and The Dubai Fountain.

The all-new ‘Act One | Act Two’ residences are seated in exceptionally designed 52- and 46-storey towers that take their façade design cues from the rhythmic sway of The Dubai Fountain. The homes open to spectacular views of Burj Khalifa and the bustling Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.

Act One | Act Two feature just 718 residential units including one, two, and three-bedrooms, and a limited collection of penthouses located on the highest two levels. A dedicated promenade opens to the majestic view of the Dubai Opera with high-end retail and exclusive cafes, and rich amenities including a health club, spa, infinity pools and swimming pools are a part of the Act One | Act Two lifestyle.

Also a newly released project in 2016 is Il Primo, a prestigious residential tower. It consists of large apartments, some occupying the full floor.

Rising 77 storeys, the marvellous residential complex comprises 119 units, surrounded by enchanting views and exceptional benefits. Amenities include a gym, cigar lounge, games room, library, movie theatre and spa.

BLVD Crescent overlooks the lively Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Located a stone’s throw away from the Dubai Opera. The complex is designed exclusively by the Brewer Smith Brewer Gulf group, which has garnered recognition for projects like The Opus and Masdar City.

The mixed use development houses a range of luxurious 1 to 3 bedroom apartments, adding up to over 300 units. The two towers of 39 and 21 storeys meet at the podium level and entertain a series of lush pools, intimate spaces and landscaping. An infinity pool meanders through intimate pavilions, interconnected walkways and landscaped parks, and eventually finds its way to the edge where it gushes over the podium to the boulevard below. One of the fascinating features is the gymnasium, which is enclosed in a glass cube, that appears as if it is floating. on water. 

The ground level consists of retail stores you can retire to after a morning of shopping at Dubai Mall or sightseeing around the Downtown area. The BLVD Crescent has been designed with careful consideration of the range of cultures Dubai caters to, resulting in a tower that mirrors the classic International style with a touch of Arabesque features. The two towers have been oriented so that they allow ample daylight indoors and do not compromise breathtaking views to the urban sprawl at night.

There are several other burgeoning projects taking place in the Downtown area in close proximity to the Opera District. This includes the latest developments from Emaar called Downtown Views I & II, Imperial Avenue, BLVD Heights, Boulevard Point, The Address Fountain Views, The Address Sky Views and the recently opened The Address Residence The BLVD. 

As an integral part of Downtown Dubai, residents of The Opera District becomes part of one of the most happening lifestyle destinations. They live in close proximity to The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. 

Further retail and leisure choices include Souk Al Bahar, a modern shopping mall which draws inspiration from Arabesque architectural elements.It also serves as the home next-door to corporate offices in Downtown Dubai’s Emaar Square, Boulevard Plaza, The Corporate Suites in Burj Khalifa, The Offices, and Al Saha Offices in The Old Town Island. Residents have easy access to world-class hospitality & leisure facilities including – Armani Hotel Dubai, the world’s first Armani Hotel located in Burj Khalifa; The Address Downtown Dubai; The Address Dubai Mall; The Palace Downtown Dubai; Manzil Downtown Dubai and Vida Downtown Dubai hotels.Burj Park is a spectacular green heart of Downtown Dubai, where residents can unwind in the evenings or join with family and friends to watch the spectacular Downtown Dubai New Year’s Eve Gala and other celebrations. Downtown Dubai offers convenient access to the business nerve centres of the city including the Dubai International Convention Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre.