Dubai Opera has hosted impressive shows at its downtown venue in the past year. Photo: Alamy
Dubai Opera has hosted impressive shows at its downtown venue in the past year. Photo: Alamy
Dubai Opera has hosted impressive shows at its downtown venue in the past year. Photo: Alamy
Dubai Opera has hosted impressive shows at its downtown venue in the past year. Photo: Alamy

10 shows coming to Dubai Opera in December, from The Nutcracker to King Farouk


Razmig Bedirian
  • English
  • Arabic

December will be a special month at Dubai Opera.

The venue has hosted impressive shows in the past year, including Footloose The Musical and performances by Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo and French crooner Enrico Macias.

But the city’s premier platform for world-class opera, concerts and theatre is ending the year with a bang.

Here are 10 events being held at Dubai Opera in the next month:

Comedy Night with EKO: December 2

Moroccan comedian EKO, whose real name is Abdul Rahman Ouaabed, will mark his UAE debut at Dubai Opera on December 2. The show is organised by Tunes Arabia and will feature stand-up comedy and singing.

EKO became an instant favourite in the Moroccan comedy scene when he made his debut at the festival Marrakech of Laughter.

Since then, he has become an international name, performing in venues around the world including the Royal Theatre, where he presented his show Ch’tatata to an audience of 1,400.

From 8pm; tickets from Dh250

Guy Manoukian: December 9

Lebanese composer and pianist Guy Manoukian's repertoire consists of modern takes on Umm Kulthum and Abdel Halim Hafez. Photo: Dubai Opera
Lebanese composer and pianist Guy Manoukian's repertoire consists of modern takes on Umm Kulthum and Abdel Halim Hafez. Photo: Dubai Opera

Lebanese-Armenian composer Guy Manoukian has become a staple on Dubai Opera’s calendar.

He will be returning to the venue on December 9 after a particularly busy year, performing in a sold-out concert at L'Olympia in Paris and packed houses at the Sydney Opera House, Greek National Opera, and London Palladium.

Manoukian's new show Ya Ashikata Al Wardi promises to bring a renewed vigour to his signature fusion of modern and classical melodies from the East.

From 8pm; tickets from Dh275

Hooverphonic: December 10

Belgian pop group Hooverphonic will be performing at Dubai Opera on December 10.

For nearly three decades, the trio found success in Europe and Francophone countries through their catchy and psychedelic pop tunes, which include hits such as Mad About You, 2 Wicky, and Badaboum.

The group's music has appeared on popular US television series CSI, Entourage and Cold Case.

From 8pm; tickets from Dh275

Le Trio Joubran: December 11

Palestinian group Le Trio Joubran — three brothers who are all maestros on the oud — will play their biggest UAE show to date on December 11.

Samir, Wissam and Adnan have won numerous awards for their new spin on the instrument, including the Arab Muhr Award at the 2009 and 2011 Dubai International Film Festival, and the Palestinian Order of Merit and Excellence in 2013.

The show at Dubai Opera will present some of their most popular compositions, including those that feature Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry.

From 8pm; tickets from Dh195

King Farouk: December 12

A regal celebration of the golden age of classical Arabic music, the event will feature music and performance vignettes based on the 19th-century period during King Farouk's reign in Egypt.

Egyptian stars will take part in the production, including actors Yousra and Sawsan Badr, as well as singer Najma Abdulla.

From 8pm; tickets from Dh350

Kamal Musallam and Mercedes Lujan: December 13

Guitarists Kamal Musallam and Mercedes Lujan will be presenting an unforgettable blend of Arabic and Flamenco music on December 13.

Musallam is renowned for his idiosyncratic fusion of Arabic sounds and rhythms with jazz.

The guitarist and oud player released eight albums since he moved to the UAE in 2002, including two official Grammy Award Selections.

He has also collaborated with Sting, Yo-Yo Ma, Billy Cobham, Bobby McFerrin and George Benson.

Meanwhile, Lujan is one of the foremost flamenco guitarists in the contemporary scene.

She has accompanied several luminary flamenco singers and artists, including Rocio Marquez, Sorderita, Luis Aguile and Chano Lobato.

From 8pm; tickets from Dh190

The Nutcracker: December 16 and 17

The Sugar Plum Fairy and all her friends will visit the UAE this year, for a limited run of The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera.

Performed by the acclaimed Moscow Ballet company La Classique, this two-act show, created by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, was first performed in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia's St Petersburg.

It has since gone on to become one of the world's most popular dance shows, performed by myriad ballet companies around the world, particularly around the festive period.

Showtime is 8pm; tickets from D250.

The Sound of Christmas: December 21 and 22

Christmas jingles will be given the big band treatment on December 21 and 22.

Led by UK artist Adam Long, the Dubai Opera Big Band will perform all the top songs of the season, including Santa Baby, Jingle Bell Rock, Winter Wonderland, Feliz Navidad, All I Want for Christmas Is You, and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

Tickets also include a complimentary Santa hat and a welcome glass of Christmas beverage.

Showtime is 8pm; tickets from Dh215.

Kadim Al Sahir: December 23 and 24

With an epithet like the Caesar of Arabic Music, Kadim Al Sahir needs little introduction.

The Iraqi crooner has sold more than 100 million albums and has one of the highest concert attendance rates of any artist from the region.

The Zidini 'ishqan singer will be returning to Dubai Opera for a double concert on December 23 and 24.

Showtime is 9pm; tickets from Dh550

New Year’s Eve Celebration: December 31

Where better to celebrate the turn of the year than in the heart of Downtown Dubai?

A gala dinner and disco-themed party will take place in the auditorium of Dubai Opera with performances by internationally acclaimed dancers and the 2020 finalists of Britain's Got Talent Jasmine and Aaron.

DJ Bliss and DJ Keza will also take to the decks to keep the party in full swing.

Tickets include a three-course set menu along with free-flowing beverages, and when it’s time to mark the New Year, you can head out outside the venue to enjoy the famed Burj Khalifa fireworks.

Event starts at 06.30pm; tickets from Dh1,850

Remembering the biggest shows at Dubai Opera as it turns six — in pictures

  • Dubai Opera is celebrating its sixth anniversary this month. Alamy
    Dubai Opera is celebrating its sixth anniversary this month. Alamy
  • The performing arts centre can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Pawan Singh / The National
    The performing arts centre can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A model of the sail-shaped Dubai Opera at Cityscape Global 2015. Reem Mohammed / The National
    A model of the sail-shaped Dubai Opera at Cityscape Global 2015. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Placido Domingo was the star of the opening night ceremony at Dubai Opera. Photo: Dubai Opera
    Placido Domingo was the star of the opening night ceremony at Dubai Opera. Photo: Dubai Opera
  • Accompanied by a live backing band, the hologram Umm Kulthum performed many of the late singer’s greatest hits at Dubai Opera in December 2019 and August 2020. Photo: Dubai Opera
    Accompanied by a live backing band, the hologram Umm Kulthum performed many of the late singer’s greatest hits at Dubai Opera in December 2019 and August 2020. Photo: Dubai Opera
  • 'The Little Prince' opened at Dubai Opera on January 22, 2020 and ran for five shows. Photo: Dubai Opera
    'The Little Prince' opened at Dubai Opera on January 22, 2020 and ran for five shows. Photo: Dubai Opera
  • The stage adaptation of the 1964 musical 'Mary Poppins' ran at Dubai Opera over the course of a month in May, 2017. Pawan Singh / The National
    The stage adaptation of the 1964 musical 'Mary Poppins' ran at Dubai Opera over the course of a month in May, 2017. Pawan Singh / The National
  • 'Phantom of the Opera' ran at Dubai Opera for almost a month in October 2019. Photo: Dubai Opera
    'Phantom of the Opera' ran at Dubai Opera for almost a month in October 2019. Photo: Dubai Opera
  • The record-breaking musical 'Les Miserables' had its Gulf premiere at Dubai Opera in November 2016. Photo: Dubai Opera
    The record-breaking musical 'Les Miserables' had its Gulf premiere at Dubai Opera in November 2016. Photo: Dubai Opera
The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

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Expo details

Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.

It is expected to attract 25 million visits

Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.

More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020

The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area

It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

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If you go

Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.

Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com

A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com

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HEADLINE HERE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule

Thursday December 27

Men's quarter-finals

Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm

Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm

Women's exhibition

Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm

Friday December 28

5th place play-off 3pm

Men's semi-finals

Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm

Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm

Saturday December 29

3rd place play-off 5pm

Men's final 7pm

WISH
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What is a calorie?

A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.

One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.

A kilocalorie represents a 1,000 true calories of energy.

Energy density figures are often quoted as calories per serving, with one gram of fat in food containing nine calories, and a gram of protein or carbohydrate providing about four.

Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram. 

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

Armies of Sand

By Kenneth Pollack (Oxford University Press)
 

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States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press

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Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital

Company Profile 

Founder: Omar Onsi

Launched: 2018

Employees: 35

Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)

Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners

In The Heights

Directed by: Jon M. Chu

Stars: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manual Miranda

Rating: ****

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Updated: November 28, 2022, 9:31 AM