His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that the strong cultural activity in the UAE helps cementing its position as a beacon for thoughts and creativity in the region, along with its keenness to maintain its role in enrich the Arabic cultural life as it is the case with its contribution to other economic and cultural areas.
HH Sheikh Mohammed expressed his satisfaction on the momentum that dominate the Emirati’s cultural scene across the country and the various areas, given the direct impact of this momentum on enflaming creativity and enhance positive interaction between creative people, as well as its positive impact on members of the society and their involvement in various cultural activities.
“Culture is a key pillar among the various pillars of life…. A corner stone for the development of society…. A reflecting mirror of the progress of people and their progress… a propulsion power towards creativity and distinction,” HH Sheikh Mohammed said. “Cultural Development has always been there as part of our development plans and future vision… we have provided supporting infrastructure… And we look forward for new achievements that help the UAE drafts new chapters in the Arab and global creativity booklets.”
Sheikh Mohammed remarks came during his visit to Dubai Opera, which was inaugurated today. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied with HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, where he praised the launch of this important cultural monument, which represents a distinctive addition to the UAE and regional cultural achievements, given its addition as a new platform for artistic movement and effective cultural bridge, as well as a window for knowledge to learn about global arts and creativity, and a space for fruitful artistic interaction between the region and the world.
During the tour, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed with Mohamed Ali AlAbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality, where he reviewed the various components of the Opera, and its iconic design which combines originality and modernity that it is inspired from the traditional sailing vessels of the Arabian Gulf, the classic wooden dhows that are synonymous with the world-famous Dubai Creek.
His Highness was also briefed about the abilities that the advanced design of the Opera provides, can be converted into a traditional theatre with a capacity of 2000 seats, concert hall, banquet hall or exhibition space. Meanwhile, the flexibility of seating relocation offers an opportunity to host a variety of performances and events including theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, conferences and exhibitions.
Dubai Opera is part of The Opera District within Downtown Dubai, which faces Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, includes art galleries, museums, design studios, and other cultural venues. Dubai Opera amenities are designed to serve people with special needs, including wheelchair accessible trails parking, and lifts among many other facilities.
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