Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Opera House hosts different types of events, such as concerts, theater, conferences, operas, ballet performances, exhibitions and more. Surrounded by the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the famous Dubai fountain, and residential towers, the first-ever opera house in the United Arab Emirates is the country’s newest attraction. Built to look like a traditional Arabian dhow, the building’s unique architecture is sure to catch your eye. Going on a Dubai Opera Tour and experiencing the luxury and glamour behind the scenes is an experience all opera lovers must go for.
Here's all you need to know about the Dubai Opera House and taking a Dubai Opera tour.
Dubai Opera House - In a Nutshell
Dubai Opera House - Things to know
| 📍 Location: | Downtown Dubai |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 1 Hour |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Between November and March |
| 🎟️ Dubai Opera House Tickets: | Coming soon |
Dubai Opera House Opening Hours
10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
Dubai Opera House Address
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd,
Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Get Directions
Dubai Opera House
The Dubai Opera House was developed by Emaar Properties, and took around three years to complete. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the plans for the Opera House in May 2012, and on August 31st 2016, the Opera House hosted its first performance by Placido Domingo, the King of Opera. The structure’s distinctive architecture was designed by an award-winning architect, Janus Rostock, who was inspired by the traditional dhow boats of pearl divers in UAE. The Dubai Opera House with a capacity to seat 2000 guests, is made of glass with a transparent foyer to let in as much as natural light as possible.
Why You Must Visit The Dubai Opera House
The multi-purpose building is designed to optimize the quality of the sound. It is structured in such a way that, depending on the type of performance, it can transform itself from a concert hall to a theater to a flat floor banquet hall. This is also to enhance the acoustics and reflect sound around the hall.
For concerts, a stage with a series of towers and reflectors overhead creates a hi-tech acoustic shell to ensure the highest quality of sound is transmitted throughout the hall. When in flat floor mode, the hydraulic lifts transfer 900 seats to a storage area beneath the theater. The building’s elegantly designed marble interior boasts a dramatic multi-story 11,000-pound glass chandelier that contains 2900 LED lights.
With an extensive lineup of world-class performances, the Dubai Opera House will not disappoint. From classic musicals to fashion shows, the opera house is sure to deliver mind-blowing live performances that rival Manhattan's Broadway and London's West End. Although it is known for being luxurious, depending on the type of show, Dubai Opera House hosts performances that are suitable for any budget. The Opera House is also equipped with a rooftop restaurant and a sky garden that provide majestic views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
Your Dubai Opera Tour Experience
The Dubai Opera House Tour allows you to explore its facilities and marvel at the artworks and sculptures created exclusively for the Dubai Opera House. You can learn about the intriguing history that inspired the design of the building, and discover the secrets behind each architectural detail. This Opera House tour gives you access to the multi-format auditorium where you can learn about the modern technologies driving the mechanism of the stage’s transformation. The Dubai Opera tour also allows you to check out the exclusive VIP hospitality suite, the Majlis. The Dubai Opera Tours are conducted in English or Arabic and tours in other languages are available on advance request.
Timings of Tour
9 slots for this tour are conducted daily, starting from 9:30 AM. The tour timings are - 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM,4:30 PM and 5:30 PM
Tickets can be purchased online or from the Box Office, either in advance or on the day of the tour (subject to availability). It is best advisable to buy your Dubai Opera Tour tickets online for an assured reservation.
Duration of Tour
Tours last approximately one hour and depart from the Box Office.
Dubai Opera Tour Tickets
- Explore one of Dubai’s most iconic cultural destinations, blending visionary architecture with moments of magic.
- Guided Tour of the Dubai Opera House and visit to the VIP hospitality suite, The Majlis
Behind-The-Scenes Dubai Opera Tour
The Dubai Opera House recently launched exclusive backstage tours of the unseen areas of the theater, giving you an insight into how the building operates. This Behind- The- Scenes Backstage tour covers the auditorium, backstage areas and the 21 dressing rooms, piano and trap room, sound room, and the seat storage area when the auditorium transforms into flat floor mode. This exclusive tours offer a fascinating story behind each and every detail of the magnificent structure that it is. Learn more about the Dubai Opera Backstage Tour
Timings
These exclusive backstage tours take place once a month at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM
Duration
Each Behind-The-Scene tour lasts for 75 minutes with an additional 45 minutes to enjoy some refreshments at the Dubai Opera Café.
Know Before You Go To Dubai Opera House
Dubai Opera Dress Code
While there is no specific dress code, you are encouraged to dress formally, as you would to a ballroom event, i.e. black tie and suit with closed shoes for men, and gowns or formal dresses with sandals or heels for women.
Visitor facilities
- Café : Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at the Dubai Opera Café after the tour.
- Washrooms : Each floor of the building has a washroom for men, women and disabled guests.
- Wheelchair Accessibility : The Dubai Opera House is wheelchair-friendly. Designated seats are available for wheelchair-bound guests and their companions in the auditorium.
Dubai Opera House - Opening Hours & Directions
Opening Hours of the Dubai Opera House
The Dubai Opera House remains open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
The Box Office remains open from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Getting to Dubai Opera House
Dubai Opera House's Address is as follows :
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd ,Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Find it on Google Maps.
Use the Dubai Opera Map to find your way to the Opera House:
- By Bus
- By Metro
- By Car
Get off at the stop in front of the Dubai Mall metro station and take the walkway to the Dubai Opera House from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
Get off at the Burj Khalifa station on the red line and take the walkway to the Dubai Opera House from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
From Abu Dhabi : Continue on Sheikh Zayed Road E11. Take Exit 50 toward Burj Khalifa/ Financial Center Road (lower level). Follow the road and take the first exit on the right on to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Go straight and follow the Dubai Opera signage. You will pass the Dubai Opera House on the opposite side of the road. Continue to the traffic lights for the second U turn available at the junction near Vida Downtown Hotel. Take the U turn and you will be on the opposite side of the Boulevard. Continue straight for P2/P3 underground parking and follow signage to the Dubai Opera once inside the parking.
From Dubai Creek and Sharjah : Take Oud Metha Rd-E66. Take the exit to Al Asayel Road right before Al-Wasl Sports Club. Follow the road, and then take the exit on the right at School Street towards Dubai Fountain Street. Continue on Dubai Fountain Street past the roundabout via the second exit. Turn left to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Follow the road, and then turn right near Reem Al-Bawadi Restaurant. Continue straight, and the Dubai Opera is located to your left.
A paid valet parking facility is available 24 hours.
Tips For Your Dubai Opera House Visit
- For the best Dubai Opera House experience, book a Dubai Opera Tour afterwhich you catch a Dubai Opera show. You can view the full list of currently running Dubai Opera shows here.
- Before buying your Dubai Opera show tickets, make sure to read our detailed guide on the best Dubai Opera shows.
- Purchase your Dubai Opera Tour and Dubai Opera Show tickets from Headout for extra discounts and deals!
- Doors to the auditorium open 30 minutes prior to beginning of the performance.
- Mobile display of your ticket is not allowed so ensure you print your ticket beforehand.
- Preorder your snacks for the interval to avoid the long lines at the food stalls during the break.
- Avoid carrying a bag that is bigger than a rucksack, as it will have to be checked by a member of the security team and cloaked with one of the ushers, which can be inconvenient for you.
- ATMs are available in the car parking area.
- The stage, which is deep and wide, has subtitles above it. Written in both English and Arabic, it allows you to follow the story easily.
- The seats in the middle offer the best sound quality, while the seats in the front offer the best view of the performance, as it gives you a close-up view of the actors’ expressions.
Dubai Opera House Tour Reviews
We were the only people on the 11.30 am tour and felt so special. the building is stunning inside and out. Jennifer our guide was so knowledgeable about every aspect of the design and the technical aspects too. There was nothing she couldn't answer. The. Tour included the VIP reception areas, the Royal and VIP boxes, auditorium and boxes, the rehearsal studio and many other areas front of house. The toilets are just as beautiful and the attention to detail everywhere was astonishing. Our tour lasted about 90 minutes and I can't recommend it highly enough. You can't wait to see a show after visiting this fantastic addition to Dubai. Jennifer and the rest of the box office team are a credit to Dubai Opera and great ambassadors for Dubai.
- 790R51790, October 2022
We had an absolutely wonderful tour of the Dubai Opera with Patrick and Eren. Patrick was so knowledgeable and friendly. He gave us a wonderful background on the facility and how it can be used in so many ways. He answered every question we had in great detail and helped us appreciate this absolutely amazing building. Unfortunately, there was not a music event available during our stay in Dubai, but his fantastic tour of the facility makes us eager to return on our next trip to Dubai. We were both so impressed with him and want to let all the administrators know what a fantastic job Patrick is doing with these tours. And we were impressed with how much he has learned about operas and their composers in the very short time he has held this position. Thank you Patrick, for a very enjoyable time in this magnificent spot.
- Kathy J, October 2022
Everybody seems to say "take the tour!". We agree too. Read more about what others have to say about the Dubai Opera Tour before booking your tickets.
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