A Dubai Opera Travel Guide
It may be known as the modern city in the middle of the desert but Dubai is also a highly cultural metropolis with buildings dedicated to promoting the city’s culture and the arts.
The Dubai Opera is the city’s first performing arts theater, and it’s become the venue of many musicals, dramas and shows since it was launched in 2016.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the famous Dubai Opera.
What is the Dubai Opera?
The Dubai Opera is a performing arts theater located in Downtown Dubai where dramas, operas and theater shows are held.
Designed by Architect Janus Rostock, the Dubai Opera resembles a “Dhow” or traditional boat that was used by fishermen in Dubai before.
The building covers 35,000 square meters of space over eight floors with a stunning chandelier in the heart of the structure.
Aptly named “Symphony,” this three-storey high cascading chandelier was created by Czech company LASVIT and adds to the glamorous ambiance of the opera.
But the Dubai Opera isn’t just your typical theater because this building can transform from a traditional theater setup to a flat floor plan to cater to other events in the city.
As a theater, the Dubai Opera can accommodate up to 2,000 guests and when it’s flat, it can transform into a 36 x 56 meter space for concerts, lectures and other events.
Best Time to Go
Since the Dubai Opera is an indoor facility, you can enjoy shows at any time of the year.
Just make sure to book tickets ahead since shows can get easily sold out, especially during peak season.
Things to Know
If you’re ready to see your first show at the Dubai Opera, here are some tips that will help you make the experience more memorable:
- Book your tickets ahead. The Dubai Opera has regular shows throughout the year. So, if you plan to watch one of these shows, make sure to book a ticket ahead to secure your seat.
- Dress appropriately. There’s no strict dress code in the Dubai Opera. But since the venue is designed for glamorous shows, most people wear dresses and suits to watch them.
- Parking is easy. The Dubai Opera has a dedicated parking zone for guests, so you don’t need to worry about finding a spot. But if you want to park near the venue, it’s best to go early.
How to Get Around
Trains: Take the M1 Metro line and stop at the Financial Center Metro Station. From here, the Dubai Opera is just an eight-minute walk away.
Buses: Bus lines 27 ,28 and 81 all stop at bus stations near the Dubai Opera. The Clover Bay Tower station is the nearest stop with the opera being a 10-minute walk away. Other stations include the Burj Khalifa, Palace Hotel Station, Dubai Mall Landside Metro Bus Stop, Sheikh Zayed Road Safestway-01 Sation, Dubai Mall-01 Station and Mazaya Center Station.
Taxis: Taking a taxi is the most convenient form of public transportation to the Dubai Opera. You can book a ride through Uber or Careem or take a taxi from one of the stands around the city.
Car service: If you prefer to travel through a private car, you can arrange for transfers with your hotel or travel agent.
Where to Stay Near the Dubai Opera
Palace Downtown
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 428 7888
Pricing: $$$
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It’s an Arabian palace in the heart of Dubai. Palace Downtown is a five-star hotel combining traditional Arabic design with the Address chain of hotel’s signature service.
But this hotel is unique in that it can customize a holiday experience that fits your preferences best.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with the entire family, you’ll surely have a grand time at Palace Downtown.
And the best part is, you’re right in the middle of Downtown Dubai, so you can visit attractions like the Dubai Opera, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall within minutes.
LEVA Hotel Mazaya Center
Address: Mazaya Center – Sheikh Zayed Collector Road – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 526 6000
Pricing: $$
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With hotels around the world, LEVA Hotel is known for its contemporary design and unique modern concept.
This hotel guarantees comfort with its well designed rooms, a restaurant serving healthy food and accessibility to some of the city’s top destinations.
So, if you’re looking for a good hotel that doesn’t break your bank, LEVA Hotel Mazaya Center is definitely a great choice.
Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai
Address: Boulevard Street – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 330 7330
Pricing: $$$
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Accessibility is one of Ramada by Wyndham’s biggest advantages. Being in the middle of Downtown Dubai, attractions like the Dubai Opera, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are a few minutes away.
This hotel is also known for its spacious rooms and it boasts of dining, entertainment and health amenities that you can enjoy during your stay.
They even have a kids’ club for the little ones in the family to enjoy while you get some time off to relax and pamper yourself.
Address Dubai Mall
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 438 8888
Pricing: $$$
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If you want to be at the heart of Dubai’s biggest shopping destination, Address Dubai Mall is the perfect place to stay during your holiday.
This modern hotel brings you rooms and suites with stunning views of Burj Khalifa, world-class amenities like a fitness center, spa and lounge, and unparalleled accessibility.
Stepping outside the hotel, you already have the Dubai Mall where you’ll find everything from retail stores to the best restaurants in the city.
Taj Dubai
Address: Burj Khalifa Street – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 438 3100
Pricing: $$$
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The hotel that brings India to Dubai, Taj Dubai combines beautiful Indian design with pure luxury where you’ll feel like true royalty on your holiday.
This five-star hotel boasts of stunning suites with views of the city, different restaurants and other amenities that will truly make your stay unforgettable.
The best part is, you’re in the middle of the city, so you have access to tourist spots without traveling too far.
Where to Eat Near the Dubai Opera
Belcanto Restaurant at the Dubai Opera
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd. – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 456 0936
Pricing: $$$
Website
Located at the top of the Dubai Opera, Belcanto Restaurant is as sophisticated as the opera itself.
Serving authentic Italian cuisine with recipes from Tuscany, Chef Giacomo Lombardi’s menu will surely leave you wanting for more.
The restaurant’s luxurious interiors combined with delicious offerings like the classic Burrata, Truffle Ziti Pasta and Neapolitan Pizza make for a perfect pre-show meal.
Kohantei Japanese Kaiseki Restaurant
Address: Plaze Unit 6 – Dubai Opera – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 243 4951
Pricing: $$$
It’s the first kaiseki restaurant in Dubai and one of the best Japanese restaurants in the city.
Located at the Dubai Opera, Kohantei Japanese Kaiseki Restaurant highlight’s Japan’s famous beef through multi-course kaiseki menu designed by Executive Chef Hisao Ueda.
Treat yourself to a unique Japanese dining experience with only 28 covers a night to make sure that you get the best service possible.
Address: Stand Point – Tower B Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd. – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 56 879 2607
Pricing: $$
Navat is more than just your typical Kyrgyz restaurant. Located right next to the Dubai Opera, Navat is known for serving good food in a relaxing indoor-outdoor setup.
In fact, you wouldn’t feel lonely eating at this restaurant if you’re going alone because its al fresco dining area has teddy bears on every table to keep you company.
With 19 restaurants around Central Asia, Navat is known for bringing Kyrgyz flavors to Dubai with famous dishes like Boso Laghman and Samsa that you must try.
Thiptara Restaurant
Address: The Old Town Island – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 428 7961
Pricing: $$
Website
Just a few minutes away from the Dubai Opera is one of the best Asian restaurants in Downtown Dubai.
Specializing in Royal Thai cuisine, this elegant restaurant highlights Bangkok-style seafood in a relaxing environment by the water.
Dine inside the restaurant or al fresco, so you can see the Dubai Fountain Show while enjoying your favorite Asian fusion dishes.
What to Do in the Dubai Opera
Explore the Building
Whether you want to watch a show or not, you need to explore the Dubai Opera building.
Aside from the theater, the opera also has an auditorium, a studio, promenade and garden that can be used for events.
Of course, you have to see the famous chandelier that’s the highlight of the entire structure.
Dine in Style at One of the Restaurants
The Dubai Opera isn’t just the perfect venue for theater shows and events. It’s also home to some world-class restaurants where you can dine in style before or after the shows.
Whether you’re craving for traditional Italian food or a Japanese kaiseki meal, you’ll surely find the right dining spot at the Dubai Opera.
Where to Shop Near the Dubai Opera
The Dubai Mall
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 382 246255
Website
There’s only one place in the city that will give you the best retail experience. The Dubai Mall is 502,000 square meters of retail paradise, the largest of its kind in the city.
The mall is home to 1,200 stores carrying international and local brands, a long list of restaurants and attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Dubai Festival City Mall
Address: Dubai Creek – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 332
Website
The Dubai Festival City Mall may not be the biggest mall in the city, but it has more than 400 retail stores including international brands like IKEA, Marks and Spencer and Zara.
The mall also offers waterfront dining with more than 50 restaurants, cafes and Dubai’s largest food court.
Souk Al Bahar
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 362 7011
Website
If you want to experience shopping in a traditional Middle Eastern market but you’d rather stay within the city center, head to Souk Al Bahar.
This modern recreation of a souk has 20 local shops and 17 restaurants with views of the water.
So, if you want to go shopping for local handmade products or munch on good food, this is the place to be.
What to Expect from Weather in the Dubai Opera
Winter: From December to March, Dubai experiences the best weather conditions making it the perfect time to explore the city, especially the outdoors. Although Dubai only experiences occassional rainfall and no snowfall, temperatures can drop to 16 degrees Celsius during winter.
Summer: Being in the Arabian desert, Dubai has very hot summers. From June to September, the city experiences the hottest days with temperatures soaring to 50 degrees Celsius during the day. During this time, people tend to stay indoors and explore attractions that don’t require them to be outside.
Transition period: In between seasons, Dubai goes through transition periods from April to May and October to November.
Apps to Download When Visiting the Dubai Opera
Visit Dubai: The app to use for tourists who want to learn more about Dubai’s top attractions including the Dubai Opera
iOs | Android
Uber: The convenient way to book a taxi or private car service going to and from the Dubai Opera
iOs | Android
Careem: The local alternative to Uber when booking a car
iOs | Android
RTA Dubai Drive: The app to use if you’re renting a self-drive car because it helps you navigate your way around the city and even find parking
iOs | Android
S’hail: The app to use if you want to commute during your trip because it contains all the information about Dubai’s public transport systems including the Metro, Bus and even water taxis
iOs | Android