Opera
There is not a National Opera company in Dubai, but visiting opera performances
provide a varied programme of events. A new opera house, designed by Baghdad-born
architect Zaha Hadid, the first woman winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize,
has been announced, although construction dates have yet to be confirmed. When
complete, it will accommodate 2500 people and it is to be located on a man-made
island in the Creek area.
Theatre
Dubai has a selection of theatres and amphitheatres:
- Theatre Madinat
Jumeirah, Dubai Tel +971 4 366 6546 plays host to visiting as well as
local performers
- Media City amphitheatre
- Creek Park amphitheatre
- Zabeel Park amphitheatre
Museums
Visitors wanting to learn more about the history of Dubai will find Dubai
Museum (+971 04 3531862) fascinating.
Housed in the Al Fahidi fort, one of the oldest buildings in Dubai, it is located
in Bur Dubai behind Al Fahidi St.
The museum contains exhibits of weapons, traditional costumes and musical instruments
and in the courtyard you will find good examples of ‘arish huts and wooden boats.
The new underground section of the museum houses wonderfully lifelike exhibits
of an ancient souq, a quran school, typical Arabic households and an oasis.
There is also a display on the desert by night with interesting local wildlife.
A separate room is dedicated to lively modern exhibits of pearl diving and fishing.
Archaeological finds are displayed near the shop. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily,
Fridays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (04 3937139). The house
was built in 1896 as a residence for the ruling family. The traditional coral-block
structure has four elegant windtowers and a large central courtyard. Carved
teak wood doors, wooden lattice screens and balustrades have all been restored
to their former glory.
The house now contains a photographic museum, providing a fascinating view of
old Dubai. Open 8.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily., Fridays 3.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Next door you will find the Heritage and Diving Village
(04 3937151), featuring reconstructions of Dubai’s maritime past and pearl diving
history.
Displays include a tented bedouin village with traditional weapons, chests and
household utensils. Shops sell handicrafts and camel and donkey rides are sometimes
available. Folk dance and music performances are staged from time to time.
The village boasts a number of cafeterias and a seafood restaurant. Opening
hours are Saturday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and
4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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