Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera
4.5
About
In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, where cultures unite, Dubai Opera stands tall, as the main lighthouse for the performing arts in the Middle East. A global stage, where artistic languages, creative expressions, from all over the world converge and blend every day. Dubai Opera serves, unifies and inspires the community of Dubai and beyond. Through excellence in the arts, Dubai Opera aims to build a more vibrant and inclusive society, placing Dubai at the forefront of the global cultural scene.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Dubai Opera and nearby attractions
The area
Neighbourhood: Downtown Dubai
You can’t fail to miss Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It towers over the city and resides in the prestigious Downtown development. Once an old army base, Downtown is now the jewel in Dubai’s crown, a beautiful residential and leisure area housing not only the world’s tallest building, but the world’s largest fountains and mall. Wide marble sidewalks are perfect for strolling, with restaurants, art galleries and children’s play areas. Specially commissioned sculptures line the roads and Downtown is often used as a canvas for modern art displays and community events such as Classic Car Shows and National Day parades. In the cooler months, cross one of the many bridges to the Burj Khalifa park and enjoy a picnic alongside residents and visitors, or enjoy a lunch or dinner watch the dancing fountains. Because of its mixed use, Downtown is a fantastic place to mix with Dubai residents and locals and watch real life unfold in a cosmopolitan environment.
How to get there
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,484 within 5 kms
Attractions
287 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Nafeesa V435 contributionsBeautiful theatreWe have gone to see both the Nutcracker ballet and the Matteo Bocelli show at the Dubai opera. The Dubai Opera is a beautiful well organised theatre. Delightful staff and beautiful setting. We enjoyed both shows thoroughly.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten December 21, 2023
- Merc9SLK1,506 contributionsBeautiful VenueFelt like film stars arriving at the Opera House on 21st December to see Matteo Bocelli. Red carpet arrival and the venue is beautiful with views over the dancing fountains from the bar areas. Fabulous auditorium and would argue everyone would have an excellent view. We booked one of the boxes close to the stage and it was amazing! The bathroom facilities are lovely with a beautiful light fitting which looks like morano glass in the centre of the room with glass basins beneath, spotlessly clean. Would recommend and if in Dubai again will definitely be seeing what is on for another excellent experience.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten December 23, 2023
- Husni TDubai, United Arab Emirates250 contributionsA modern and sophisticated cultural hubI came here for the second time and never got disappointed from the moment I stepped inside to those popular and international performances that I did not want to miss. I love the staff's friendliness, making you feel comfortable. The interior design of the place is worth staring at. It was indeed a wonderful experience.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,325 reviews
Excellent
856
Very good
285
Average
88
Poor
52
Terrible
44
chingquit_auh
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates129 contributions
Sept 2021
We went last weekend to watch Mama Mia. The show was great and the venue was as beautiful as ever. This was my 4th time going there to watch shows. But it was my first time going during covid times.
They advertise that safety protocol will be strictly implemented. It sounds good, theoretically, but in reality, some people were not keeping their masks on and no social distancing when queuing for drinks.
Firstly, upon entering, no temperature checks, no checking of Al Hosn app for green status. It says on the website that vaccination is not required, ok but at least people should show a green status on the app.
Secondly, a group of people on the U and V section were talking and laughing out loud without wearing a mask. When I pointed this out to the ushers, they just looked at them but did not do anything, not even to ask them to put on their mask. Guess they were intimated as they were a big group. And I asked them twice but I was ignored. Also the people on box 4 were openly not wearing masks, people can see them from below.
There were children and old guests present on the show so it is the social responsibility of the people to follow a simple rule and certainly a job of the ushers to see this implemented.
The government is doing a great job with the vaccination and testing but this covid is still not over. If people won't do their part in keeping safe, I won't be surprised if there will be a fourth or fifth wave of this virus.
They advertise that safety protocol will be strictly implemented. It sounds good, theoretically, but in reality, some people were not keeping their masks on and no social distancing when queuing for drinks.
Firstly, upon entering, no temperature checks, no checking of Al Hosn app for green status. It says on the website that vaccination is not required, ok but at least people should show a green status on the app.
Secondly, a group of people on the U and V section were talking and laughing out loud without wearing a mask. When I pointed this out to the ushers, they just looked at them but did not do anything, not even to ask them to put on their mask. Guess they were intimated as they were a big group. And I asked them twice but I was ignored. Also the people on box 4 were openly not wearing masks, people can see them from below.
There were children and old guests present on the show so it is the social responsibility of the people to follow a simple rule and certainly a job of the ushers to see this implemented.
The government is doing a great job with the vaccination and testing but this covid is still not over. If people won't do their part in keeping safe, I won't be surprised if there will be a fourth or fifth wave of this virus.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NextTripAtlanticRoad
4 contributions
Apr 2021
In April 2021 we have visited Dubai Opera, in our holiday. The edifice is unique: it has built to serve various purposes: opera hall, ceremonies place, meeting space, cultural landmark, indoor and outdoor concert plaza. From an historical point of view it represents the cultural heritage of UAE and the modern geo-economical context that welcomes you here. We have had the privilege of having Mr. Patkyam, our Opera host who has come along with us and he has presented each and every place there. He is a documented presenter and passionate guide, so that our 1h30 tour was a true lesson of urban history Dubai. We appreciate the professionalism of Mr. Patkyam who offered us this nice experience in Dubai Opera. We recommend this place for visiting.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NICHOLAS T
Dubai, United Arab Emirates9,794 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
This is a spectacular venue for shows with no bad seats on the house.
We were there for Mamma Mia, which was an excellent production.
There are several bar areas for pre show, interval and post-show drinks and snacks. Prices are broadly standard for Dubai - AED 60 for a glass of wine or bottle of beer.
A great venue.
We were there for Mamma Mia, which was an excellent production.
There are several bar areas for pre show, interval and post-show drinks and snacks. Prices are broadly standard for Dubai - AED 60 for a glass of wine or bottle of beer.
A great venue.
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Papoo
40 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
It’s not my first time to attend a show at the dubai Opera. But it’s my first time to be disappointed. We were watching the Gypsy Kings yesterday. First I was shocked at the dress code. Few Men were in short and sandals as if they were attending a teen concert. People need to understand that there a dress code proper to the Opera. Which it was a shame to see this cheap dress up. And the disappointment was , in the second half, people were standing up and blocking the view. I do understand the excitement but there’s the respect for others. You cannot simply ignore the presence of people behind you and block the view carelessly. I hope in the futur, the Dubai Opera management consider a proper dress code and not allowing people to stand up during the show.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taleed A
Dubai, United Arab Emirates35 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
I truly enjoyed the night out with my friend to Opera Dubai we watched Inspirations from Kazan which was truly impressive the music played by the orchestra is world class. The venue is also very pretty and clean, I loved the fact that the show started on time. Everything around the Opera is a walking distance we had an early dinner than walked to the show. Truly a night to remember. During the show we weren’t allowed to use our phone also masks are mandatory. Loved feeling safe
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Birthday girl
Dubai, United Arab Emirates2 contributions
Dec 2021
Ok so where do i start from? went to watch the Nutcracker today and have to say what a disappointment this show turned out to be. I regretted not going to my friends house warning party, that would have been more fun. I was expecting some fantastic ballet from the Russian ballets. Instead i thought i was watching a pantomime. The first half was so uninteresting that it was easy to lose track on the storyline and what we were watching.
The whole time was spent thinking "is this what we paid 700 dirhams for?? and had recollections of my childhood school panto being better than this. It was only after the intermission did it feel like a ballet and picked up. You would rather forget this ballet nothing to rave about .
I thought it was just me but then asked some folks behind me and their thoughts was exactly the same as mine a " child panto" nothing like how we see ballet in the UK.
Didn't help with the chav British woman in the seat infront, talking throughout and taking a video of the ballet whilst its light glared in full view. Had to call a steward to tell her it wasn't allowed. But hey what can you do, when you let in untrained uneducated chavs who dont know the simple principal of etiquette when seated at the Opera. I would say save your 350 dirams and not watch this you will have a better time seeing the Nutcracker on TV
The whole time was spent thinking "is this what we paid 700 dirhams for?? and had recollections of my childhood school panto being better than this. It was only after the intermission did it feel like a ballet and picked up. You would rather forget this ballet nothing to rave about .
I thought it was just me but then asked some folks behind me and their thoughts was exactly the same as mine a " child panto" nothing like how we see ballet in the UK.
Didn't help with the chav British woman in the seat infront, talking throughout and taking a video of the ballet whilst its light glared in full view. Had to call a steward to tell her it wasn't allowed. But hey what can you do, when you let in untrained uneducated chavs who dont know the simple principal of etiquette when seated at the Opera. I would say save your 350 dirams and not watch this you will have a better time seeing the Nutcracker on TV
Written December 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RichardUpshall
Dubai, United Arab Emirates1,561 contributions
Jan 2022
What a venue, from the approach outside with the fountains all they way through to leaving at the end.
The venue is superb, we were in a Royal box which was great value at USD 1000 for the 5 of us, and amazing view and space and comfort. Great to see Dubai get this construction so very right, and Ill look forward to going again and perhaps sampling the restaurant too
My only criticism would be of the bar which was too crowded with no masks in my view when you had to wear a mask in a box inside the theatre
So that was the Venue, the show we saw was Chicago, and I found the production to be sadly lacking, a little amateur in reality.
The venue is superb, we were in a Royal box which was great value at USD 1000 for the 5 of us, and amazing view and space and comfort. Great to see Dubai get this construction so very right, and Ill look forward to going again and perhaps sampling the restaurant too
My only criticism would be of the bar which was too crowded with no masks in my view when you had to wear a mask in a box inside the theatre
So that was the Venue, the show we saw was Chicago, and I found the production to be sadly lacking, a little amateur in reality.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,731 contributions
Jan 2023
Since 2016 Dubai has an opera. The building can also be used for other purposes as the architect Janus Rostock designed the place to be multifunctional. A good idea as there are relatively few people in Dubai who like customary opera.
The structure has the shape of a dhow (traditional cargo ship) and is of modest measurements compared to the surrounding skyscrapers. At first I though it was because oil, finance and shopping in Dubai are regarded as far more important than opera. However, the main reason was the 2008 financial crisis forced the government to abandon a plan to build a much larger cultural center designed by Zaha Hadid on an island in Dubai creek.
Prices of the tour of the opera building start at 75 dirham (20USD).
Price indication for attending a performance 195 dirham (53USD) Tchaikovski Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra 16FEB2023
The structure has the shape of a dhow (traditional cargo ship) and is of modest measurements compared to the surrounding skyscrapers. At first I though it was because oil, finance and shopping in Dubai are regarded as far more important than opera. However, the main reason was the 2008 financial crisis forced the government to abandon a plan to build a much larger cultural center designed by Zaha Hadid on an island in Dubai creek.
Prices of the tour of the opera building start at 75 dirham (20USD).
Price indication for attending a performance 195 dirham (53USD) Tchaikovski Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra 16FEB2023
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damiangaleax
Dubai, United Arab Emirates74 contributions
May 2020
It is totally in Dubai style. This Opera House is in the shape of a Dhow boat from the outside and modern and clean on the inside. The stage is not bad but some of the boxes you can hardly see from so choosing your seats carefully is imperative. Various performances are held here from Operas to concerts and recitals. If you're in town, go and visit
Written February 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
THoward
Dubai, United Arab Emirates4 contributions
Dec 2020
Went to the Santa Baby Christmas show, and being on crutches after a broken foot was a bit apprehensive but the staff/logistics were great in helping me. Special mention goes to Patrick, who - upon showing us to our regular seats - offered my three guests and I a complimentary box instead, for my leg to be more comfortable. A lovely and most welcome gesture. Thank you, again!
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Has anyone watched the New Year fireworks from the Opera? Is the view good? I read that last year they had a 'dedicated area' to watch them, not sure this year.
If there isn't a good view, would I be allowed to go outside the opera to watch and then come back to my dinner table? or is the whole area packed?
Written December 2, 2020
Hi! Will there be a big difference inside the Dubai Opera if you take the Morning Tour compared to the evening tour? Like for example, will the lights inside the opera house itself be the same? Thank you!
Written September 4, 2019
Of corse evening lights always special !
But to see backstage my opinion day tour will be nice as well! Perfect to see both : day tour and evening show - you’ll want regret it 👌🏻😊
Written September 28, 2019
Has anyone else had to fight with them to get a refund for a cancelled gig? 3 months and still arguing and emailing them!!
Written January 30, 2019
You are missing the point we couldnt rebook/ change dates we live in England!! If we ever visit dubai again would avoid this place😡😡
Written February 12, 2019
Hi,
We are looking to book seats at the Dubai Opera and wondered which seats have the best view? We plan to pay for either silver or gold only. Thanks
Written January 21, 2019
Hi, Kayw2511. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Can you please let me know how and where you booked your tickets for the opera?. Thank you
Written August 15, 2018
Hello, I would like to purchase a souvenir from the opera house as a gift while I am in Dubai visiting the next few days. Is there a gift store and if so what are the operating hours?
Written July 20, 2018
I was only visiting, but didn’t see one. Maybe write to venue direct.
Written July 20, 2018
Hi
Are there any shows which are good for kids aged 8 and 12? (As in enjoyable to them)
Also what are approximate ticket prices for an average seat?
Thanks
Written May 1, 2018
Hello you can visit the Dubai Opera website and check out there upcoming shows. The tickets price is depends on which show. Hope this could help. Have a great day!
Written May 1, 2018
Eli_H1987
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hi, is it possible to only get some drinks in the Dubai Opera (to see the venue)?
Written February 20, 2018
Bonjour, j'aimerais savoir comment obtenir des promo codes pour les billets.
Written October 10, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 22
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing