His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, viewed the cultural district project, located within the Azizi Venice community in Dubai South. Launched by Azizi Developments at an investment cost of AED 2.5 billion, the project aims to enrich Dubai’s cultural and art scene and foster innovation within the creative sector.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed listened to a briefing from Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, on the project's components. The project aims to solidify Dubai's position as a global cultural hub, enhancing its standing in competitiveness indexes. It also underscores Dubai's commitment to empowering creative talent, further cementing its status as a premier destination for creatives worldwide.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “We aspire to transform Dubai into a global economic hub and a beacon of culture, arts, and creativity. I invite both the public and private sectors to collaborate in realizing this vision.”

Highlighting the significance of the cultural district in Dubai South, he added, "This AED 2.5 billion project will enrich Dubai's contemporary urban and cultural landscape. It joins a series of ambitious initiatives designed to bolster the emirate's cultural movement and expand the creative industries' contribution to our GDP.”

Iconic facilities

The cultural district in Dubai South will feature a collection of iconic facilities, including an opera house, theatre, exhibition hall, and performing arts academy. Designed to reflect Dubai's vibrant and diverse cultural scene, the project is poised to attract artists and creatives from around the globe.

Seamlessly blending art and culture, the upcoming district promises to be a vibrant hub, enriching the lives of Dubai South residents through diverse activities and experiences.

Vital role

Mirwais Azizi expressed his pride in launching the ambitious project, highlighting its role as a vital platform for the creative industry. "It will provide an ideal environment for artists and entrepreneurs to showcase work, develop skills, and transform ideas into successful businesses," he stated, emphasizing the project's contribution to Dubai's economic diversification and its goal of solidifying the emirate as a global creative powerhouse.

Highlighting the cultural district's reflection of Dubai's commitment to both authenticity and modernity, he added: "This project embodies Dubai's rich cultural tapestry and its understanding of culture's vital role in fostering vibrant communities, economic prosperity, and social stability."

State-of-the-art tech

The cultural district in Dubai South boasts a stunning array of venues designed to elevate the emirate's artistic landscape. At its heart lies a 2,500-seat opera house boasting an innovative, futuristic design by Zaha Hadid Architects. The opera house will feature cutting-edge acoustic and visual technology to guarantee an unparalleled artistic experience. A more intimate 400-seat theatre provides a versatile space for drama, comedy, art workshops, and smaller performances.

Further enriching the district's offerings is a spacious exhibition hall that can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Designed to accommodate a diverse range of local and international exhibitions, this flexible area can showcase everything from paintings and sculptures to cutting-edge digital art. Recognizing the importance of nurturing future talent, the district will also house a dedicated performing arts academy. This academy will play a vital role in refining the skills of the next generation of artists poised to leave their mark on the UAE's vibrant cultural scene.