A new arts and opera district will form part of Emaar Properties' flagship Downtown Dubai development under plans announced by the United Arab Emirate (UAE) state's ruler.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District would become the UAE's latest cultural 'nerve-centre'.

The project will include Dubai's first purpose-built opera house, a modern art museum and several galleries within the precinct, as well as two 'art hotels' and other leisure elements.

It will expand the emirate's current portfolio of more than 50 galleries and showcases, with architectural and design elements being finalised ahead of the start of construction work.

Emaar Boulevard - the anchor of the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District - will contain an extensive range of retail and food and beverage outlets.

Sheikh Mohammed said: "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."

Emaar Properties chair Mohamed Alabbar added: "The focus of the 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."

Details: www.sheikhmohammed.ae

Image: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum