The Dubai Opera House forms the centerpiece of Dubai's new downtown Opera district. Inspired by traditional Arabian dhows, the 2,000-seat multi-format theater can transform between a theater, concert hall, and flat floor event space. It is scheduled for completion in March 2016 near the Burj Khalifa and will feature pedestrian areas, parks and luxury developments. The Opera House aims to establish Dubai as a global arts hub and strengthen its cultural events season.

1. DUBAI OPERA HOUSE

2. The city of dubai is ready to add to its roster of impressive architecture with a new cultural complex,
designed by Atkins, to be built opposite the world’s tallest building. the ‘Dubai Opera’, initiated by global
property developers EMAAR, forms the centerpiece of the city’s downtown opera district – a region that
will eventually include a range of luxury hotels and residences, a retail plaza, restaurants, recreational spaces
and parks.
Accessed from Mohammed Bin Rashif boulevard, the district is connected with pedestrianized walkways
and animated streets. Not only will the shaded plaza encourage people to spend time outdoors, but also guide
pedestrians towards the landscaped waterfront promenade.
Dubai’s grandest attractions among many under construction, Dubai Opera, which will be the centerpiece of
the Opera District in Downtown Dubai årea, is set for completion in March 2016, according to its developer.
“The scheduled completion for Dubai Opera is March 2016 with concrete, steel structure, block work,
electromechanical and finishing works are in progress,” Emaar Properties, Dubai’s largest developer. The
Dubai Opera will be as iconic in appearance as the world-famous Sydney Opera House, the developer has
said.

3. Sydney Opera, which opened on 20 October 1973, is among the busiest performing arts centres in the world,
hosting over 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people. More than 7 million people
visit the site each year.
The ‘Dubai Opera’ forms the centerpiece of the city’s downtown Opera district.
As for Dubai Opera, the Arabian dhow has been the inspiration behind its architecture. The 2,000-seat,
multi-format performing arts venue in the emirate will have the ability to transform into three modes; from a
theatre to a concert hall and into a “flat floor” form, becoming a banquet of event hall. In theatre mode the
space will be suitable for opera, musicals, ballet and dance performances, large-scale drama productions,
lectures and conferences. It will seat between 1,940 and 2,040 depending on the configuration, the company
states.

4. Transformed into a concert hall by a series of towers on stage to create an acoustic shell that surrounds the
orchestra, reflectors overhead will enhance the acoustics and reflect sound.

5. The ‘dubai opera’ is a 2,000 seat multi-format theater whose design is born from the city’s maritime history,
in particular arabian sailing vessels. The ‘Bow’ of the structure contains the main stage, orchestra and
seating areas, while the elongated ‘hull’ features waiting areas for spectators, a taxi-drop off area and
parking amenities. The scheme boasts a number of versatile spaces including a lounge positioned at the
uppermost level, with the restaurant, which also contains a small stage for performances, presenting
sweeping views across the neighbouring lake and towards the towering Burj Khalifa.
As for Dubai Opera, the Arabian dhow has been the inspiration behind its architecture. The 2,000-seat,
multi-format performing arts venue in the emirate will have the ability to transform into three modes; from a
theatre to a concert hall and into a “flat floor” form, becoming a banquet of event hall.
In theatre mode the space will be suitable for opera, musicals, ballet and dance performances, large-scale
drama productions, lectures and conferences. It will seat between 1,940 and 2,040 depending on the
configuration, the company states.
The district is connected with pedestrianized walkways and animated streets.
Importantly, the complex has the ability to transform into three different modes;
- A Theater,
- A Concert hall, and
- A ‘Flat Floor’ – an open space for a variety of banquets or special events.
In theater mode, the space is suitable for opera, musicals, ballet and dance performances, large scale drama
productions, lectures and conferences – seating between 1,940 and 2,040 guests depending on configuration.

6. The design stems from the city’s maritime history, and in particular Arabian sailing vessels
In order to transform the venue into a concert hall, a series of towers on stage create an acoustic shell
that surrounds the orchestra, while overhead reflectors enhance the hall’s acoustics. In addition, the
concert platform can vary in size to suit the ensemble. In the third arrangement – ‘flat floor’ mode – the
room caters for a number of events, including weddings, with banquet-style seating able to accommodate up
to 1,000 guests. The volume offers the flexibility to be configured for trade shows and exhibitions where
furniture can be supplied or removed accordingly.
The scheme guides pedestrians towards the landscaped waterfront promenade

7. Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of EMAAR properties, said: ‘the Opera district highlights the vision of his
highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and ruler of
Dubai, to develop a vibrant cultural community and events destination in the city which will encourage our
talented local artists and also promote global cultural exchange.
‘Dubai Opera, which is central to the new arts and lifestyle district, will be a spectacular addition to
downtown Dubai, already home to global icons such as Burj Khalifa. The State-of-the-art Opera house
and the varied lifestyle components of the opera district will energize Dubai’s events and tourism sectors.
with the city establishing its global reputation as an arts hub, the new development will also strengthen the
‘Dubai Art Season,’ which brings together the city’s vibrant arts initiatives.’ The complex is on track to
open its doors to the public in 2016.
In ‘Flat Floor’ mode, the room caters for a number of events with banquet-style seating.
In theater mode, the space is suitable for opera,
musicals, ballet and dance performances.
As a Concert hall, a series of towers on stage
create an acoustic shell that surrounds the
orchestra.

8. The site is accessed from Mohammed Bin Rashif boulevard
The ‘Dubai Opera’ viewed in front of its waterside location
The region will eventually include a range of
luxury hotels and residences, a retail plaza and
restaurants.
The Opera House is located directly adjacent to
the world’s tallest building.