Curtain up on new cultural hub

The UAE’s latest cultural destination, Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District, was announced on Wednesday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Located in Emaar’s flagship development Downtown Dubai, the complex aims to further strengthen the UAE’s emerging role as a cultural hub of the region. The development will add to the city’s current repertoire of over 50 art galleries and globally acclaimed art showcases, including Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai and Sikka. Shaikh Mohammed said: “The cultural accomplishments of a nation define its character and individuality. Having demonstrated our credentials in hosting world-class cultural events, the UAE has established itself as a thriving destination for culture and the arts. We will continue to strengthen the infrastructure framework for promoting cultural initiatives, through projects such as Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District. This will not only encourage our talented local artists but also facilitate global cultural exchange.” Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “We are thankful to the visionary guidance of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed, who continuously inspires us to implement initiatives that contribute to the city’s long-term growth. With Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District, we are further building on the support that Emaar extends to arts and culture. “It will be Dubai’s definitive entertainment destination that stimulates creativity, supports the arts sector, and also offers visitors their choice of hospitality and leisure. The focus of Dubai Modern ?Art Museum & Opera House District is to stimulate the city’s cultural and artistic milieu through an opera house, modern art museum, galleries and design studios — in short, the entire infrastructure for arts and culture to thrive.”  In addition to Dubai’s first dedicated opera house, a modern art museum and several new galleries that will be built within the precinct, the district will host two new art hotels, an array of leisure components and several residential apartments and design studios. Emaar has also added to the cultural scene of Dubai with The Pavilion, a dedicated art gallery located in Downtown Dubai, and recently hosted Design Days Dubai, a contemporary fair for high-end design collectibles at a customised venue overlooking the Burj Khalifa. To standout from existing architectural icons in Downtown Dubai, the new district will feature plazas, high streets, shaded colonnades, courtyards, sikkas, alleyways, waterfront promenades and parks in close proximity.  The district is intended to serve the lifestyle demands of the thousands of residents in Downtown Dubai while also being a magnet for tourists and art enthusiasts. It will incorporate the modern tenets of sustainable buildings with an emphasis on environmental modelling. The design and architectural elements of Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District are now being finalised and work will commence shortly. Emaar Boulevard, which will anchor the district, stretches for more than 3.5km. It winds through the Downtown Dubai community and offers spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa. The waterfront promenade gives uninterrupted views of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.