Dubai today announced the launch of the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District, a stylish cultural destination that is billed to be the UAE's newest arts and cultural nerve-centre.

The new development to be located in Emaar's Downtown Dubai was announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

In addition to Dubai's first dedicated Opera House, a modern art museum and several new galleries that will be built within the precinct, the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District will host two new art hotels, an array of leisure components and several residential apartments and design studios.

The Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District aims to further strengthen UAE's emerging role as the cultural hub of the region, and builds on Dubai's current repertoire of over 50 art galleries and globally acclaimed art showcases including Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai and Sikka, all of which also contribute to attracting high-end cultural tourists, said a Wam report.

Sheikh Mohammed said: "The cultural accomplishments of a nation define its character and individuality. Having demonstrated our credentials in hosting world-class cultural events, UAE has established itself as a thriving destination for culture and the arts. We will continue to strengthen the infrastructure framework for promoting cultural initiatives, through projects such as the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District. This will not only encourage our talented local artists but also facilitate global cultural exchange."

Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, said: "We are thankful to the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, who continuously inspires us to implement initiatives that contribute to the city's long-term growth. With Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District, we are further building on the support that Emaar extends to arts and culture.

"It will be Dubai's definitive entertainment destination that stimulates creativity, supports the arts sector, and also offers visitors their choice of hospitality and leisure. The focus of Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District is to stimulate the city's cultural and artistic milieu through an Opera House, modern art museum, galleries and design studios - in short, the entire infrastructure for arts and culture to thrive."

A committed partner in driving the arts sector of Dubai, Emaar is complementing the vibrant cultural scene of Dubai with The Pavilion, a dedicated art gallery located in Downtown Dubai, and recently hosted Design Days Dubai, a contemporary fair for high-end design collectibles at a customised venue overlooking Burj Khalifa.

To be clearly differentiated from the existing architectural icons in Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District, will be a design masterpiece, integrating various components that assure a contemporary lifestyle choice for visitors. With plazas, high streets, shaded colonnades, courtyards, sikkas, alleyways, waterfront promenades and parks in close proximity, it will be distinguished by its unique mix of components that focus on the cultural and creative side of Dubai, a realm that is fast growing, the report said.

The Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District will not only serve the lifestyle demands of the thousands of residents in Downtown Dubai, now a flourishing community, but will also be a magnet for tourists and art enthusiasts, it said.

The design and architectural elements of the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District, are now being finalised, and work will commence shortly, it said.

Emaar Boulevard, which will anchor the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District, is one of the world's finest boulevards featuring retail and F'&'B outlets. Extending more than 3.5 km, it winds through the Downtown Dubai community, and offers spectacular views of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.

The waterfront promenade gives uninterrupted views of The Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain.