All You Need to Know About These 3 Newly Launched Purpose-Built Venues in Dubai

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | November 3, 2016 | Feature

Dubai Opera The Autism Rocks Arena UAE

The last few years have witnessed a spate of announcements on new purpose-built entertainment venues to be developed in the UAE, predominantly in Dubai. While announcements of even more venues continue to keep the entertainment space exciting, three much-awaited ones have opened their doors in Dubai in the last few months/ are set to do so very soon: The Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and Dubai Opera.

The opening up of all three venues confirms that the region is committed to growing its already successful events and entertainment industry, and that much can be expected in the next few years: more large-scale events and concerts, a variety of top-quality programs, a boost to tourism, and the establishment of Dubai as a globally recognised cultural hub.

Here’s a glimpse into what they have to offer, what they are doing to attract audiences and entertainment producers, and how they envision themselves as a unique contributor to and participant in this thriving industry.

1. Dubai Opera

A radiant centre of culture and arts in Dubai and the shining pearl of The Opera District, Dubai Opera passionately embraces its role as the creative heart of the city, producing and hosting the finest, most authentic, and engaging performing arts experiences from Dubai and the world. The iconic dhow-shaped building of Dubai Opera is a masterpiece of contemporary design, and a stylish tribute to Dubai’s maritime history.

Dubai Opera is located at what’s billed as ‘the most prestigious square kilometre in the world’ in Downtown Dubai, The Opera District.

A sophisticated cultural hub, the Opera District contains luxury hotels and service-apartments, waterfront promenades, a retail plaza, parks and other recreational venues.

The building’s exquisite design, by architect Janus Rostock, gives the exceptional ability to transform into three modes; from a theatre into a concert hall, and into a ‘flat floor’ mode becoming a banquet or event hall.

In Theatre mode, the space is suitable for large-scale drama productions, musicals, ballets, lectures, and conferences, seating up to 2,000 people, depending on configuration. When transformed into a concert hall, a series of towers and reflectors on stage and overhead are designed to create an acoustic shell around the orchestra, enabling an impeccable acoustic environment for a perfect sound quality. The building’s unique architecture allows to also host a variety of events such as weddings, trade shows, art galleries and exhibitions, receptions and parties, using its “flat floor” mode.

Dubai Opera also boasts a number of spaces and venues, including a stunning rooftop restaurant and sky garden with views of The Dubai Fountain and the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa.

With its unique 2000-seat multi-format theatre, Dubai Opera is a definitive international destination for performing arts and world-class entertainment productions.

Following the success of the opening evening, Jasper Hope, Chief Executive of Dubai Opera said, "We are very much looking forward to welcoming many more people to the venue over the next few days, weeks and months and firmly intend for Dubai Opera to make a major and lasting contribution for the future."

2. Dubai Parks and Resorts

A property of DXB Entertainments, Dubai Parks and Resorts is set to become the Middle East’s largest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination, and opened on October 31 with LEGOLAND Dubai and Riverland Dubai, the retail dining and entertainment district.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is located in Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite Palm Jebel Ali, equidistant to Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports.

DPR will comprise three separate theme parks to begin with: Motiongate Dubai, a Hollywood movie inspired theme park concept; LEGOLAND Dubai, the first LEGOLAND theme park in the Middle East; and Bollywood Parks Dubai, a first-of-its-kind entertainment destination that will showcase the authentic Bollywood movie experience. It is home to LEGOLAND Water Park, the region’s first water park catering to families with children aged 2-12. Expected to open in late 2019, Six Flags Dubai will be destination’s fourth theme park and the region’s first Six Flags theme park.

The entire destination will be connected by Riverland™ Dubai, a uniquely themed retail and dining destination at the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts, and guests can stay at the Lapita Hotel, a Polynesian themed family hotel part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND Water Park and the Lapita Hotel will open to the public on November 15 while Motiongage Dubai will premiere on December 16. Riverland Dubai offers over 50 themed retail, dining, and entertainment experiences set across a waterfront district.

On the features of DPR, Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO, DXB Entertainments PJSC, the owner of Dubai Parks and Resorts, says, “Building the Middle East’s largest integrated theme park destination in three years has been an incredible experience. With over 100 rides and attractions spread across 25 million square feet of land, we are focused on delivering a destination which exceeds international standards on every level. We have a long term vision to redefine the leisure and entertainment industry in the region and, as DXB Entertainments, we have plans to expand our portfolio of amazing family attractions and experiences. We believe there is great potential in the region for future growth of the entertainment industry and we want to be at the forefront, spearheading this expansion.”

3. The Autism Rocks Arena

A purpose-built 21,000 capacity temporary venue, the Autism Rocks Arena, was launched by 117 Live with Nicki Minaj in March 2016 and will host a 24 month schedule of top international talent before the completion of the permanent venue in 2018.

Upcoming events at the Autism Rocks Arena include Elton John Live in Dubai on December 15; Chic featuring Nile Rogers on December 23; as well as a few festivals to be announced soon. Past events have included Gabriel Iglesias in June, Morris Day & The Time in May, Flo Rida and Tyga in April and Nicki Minaj in March.

The Autism Rocks Arena is located at Outlet City Dubai, on Al Ain Road. While the venue is located in a part of the city still being developed, the Dubai Outlet Mall operates a shuttle bus from hotels in Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai and Deira.

The Autism Rocks Arena is a 21,000+ capacity temporary venue with features like an 80,000 square metre arena, over 350 meters of F&B service, a 100 meter long cross arena zip line, a 44m (W) X 16M (H) international standard stage and 4,000 car parking spaces.

In an interview with EVENTFAQS on the venue and its offerings, Thomas Ovesen, CEO, 117 Live spoke at length about how the features come together to make planning events extremely advantageous for organisers and producers. “Once the outer perimeter fencing, grand stands, VIP platforms, stage, generators, etc. have been installed for the season, each and every event will benefit from a shorter build up and break down operation and thus cash in on major savings which hopefully will help more organisers put on more events that what we currently see,” he said.

More on what these 3 venues and how their offerings contribute to Dubai’s events, entertainment and tourism industries can be found in the complete feature in the latest issue of ExM Magazine.