World's largest cultural centre in Dubai

The Sydney Opera house took 26 years to build. The London Theatre took centuries to evolve into what it is now. Dubai, however, plans to go one step more.

Plans have been revealed for the world's largest cultural centre in the Emirates. Billed as Dubai’s new cultural icon, master developer Emaar has unveiled detailed plans for the Opera District in Downtown Dubai, which, in four years’ time, will grow to become the world’s largest cultural centre.
Like to know more? Get ready to be surprised.

The 21,530 sq. ft. opera house, will seat 2,000 people and will be designed to look like a traditional Emirati dhow boat, which will sit at the heart of the Opera district. The boat takes inspiration from the traditional sailing vessels of the Arabian Gulf, the classic wooden dhows. The bow of the structure will contain Dubai Opera’s main stage, orchestra and seating areas, as well as the proposed sky garden and restaurants, while the elongated hull area will house waiting areas, taxi-drop off area, and parking.

The Opera District when completed will be a stylish, new, arts destination and Dubai cultural centre and hub of the region, bringing music and art to life. A ‘design masterpiece’, the district, accessed from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, will be a new and exciting destination with its exclusively pedestrianized and animated streets.

The Opera District will feature the ultimate in super luxury, and have posh hotels. Dubai property – comprising of elegantly designed residential and serviced apartments, a retail plaza, restaurants, recreational spaces and parks.

But most importantly, it will be a distinguished by its unique mix of components that focus on the cultural and creative side of Dubai, including multiple venues for theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, orchestra, comedy and films and promote global arts exchange through visiting artists and performers as well as showcasing local talent. Art lovers will be glad to know that performances have already been scheduled, including Placido Domingo and The Nutcracker on Ice for ballet fans. Added feature include state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and support systems to ensure an unrivalled viewing experience.

The project will also comprise a modern art museum, restaurants and shops, and three residential towers. As for the Dubai property towers, to begin with, there's the 66-floor Opera Grand, which will feature 200 luxury apartments with a rooftop pool and sweeping views of Burj Lake and the city’s skyline. Opera Grand will offer the ultimate views of Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain and Downtown Dubai. Residents will also enjoy privileged access to a vibrant arts scene and high quality entertainment, making Opera Grand the ultimate lifestyle destination. Other undisputed privileges include access to unique health club which is located over the retail podium, connected by an overhead link-bridge, a terrace and 2-storeys of shops, cafés and restaurants.

The second residential tower, the Forte, will have two towers of 71 floors and 41 floors. The third tower, The Address Residences Dubai Opera (the Tarbo) is also a twin tower condominium. The buildings are 55- and 65-floors high and will contain apartments and a luxury hotel and penthouses spanning more than 5,000 sq. ft.

And to top it all, The Opera District will be in close proximity to the Needle, which is slated to be the world’s tallest tower. The $1 billion tower will exceed the height of the 828 m Burj Khalifa. Designed by Spanish architects, Needle will feature a slender, streamlined structure with a needlepoint-like tip and green observation decks. It will also have glass balconies that rotate outside the wall of the tower, a luxury hotel and 18 to 20 floors of shops, restaurants and other tourist facilities. Construction of the new tower is expected to begin at the end of June, and be completed in time for Dubai World Expo in 2020.

Catch this marvellous centrepiece of Downtown Dubai soon!