Dubai Opera confirmed that the new venue, called Dubai Opera, will hold 2,000 people and will stage operas, theatre shows, concerts, exhibitions, performance art and various other cultural highlights.

According to the Dubai Opera website, “The Opera District is set to become the arts and cultural hub of Dubai… Art interaction is one of Downtown Dubai’s guiding principles. The visionary Opera District is poised to be a global arts exchange through visiting artists and performers as well as showcasing local talent.”

The design of the new opera house is based on Arabian sailing ships, with an elongated ‘hull’ area for spectators.

Emaar Properties, the developer behind the project, told Albawaba Entertainment: “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.”