Dubai Opera will host Stars of the Century – Opera Gala on Monday 22 December 2025, with the performance listed to start at 20:00. The venue is Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, close to Burj Khalifa. For box office enquiries, call +971 4 440 8888. Tickets are required. Prices are shown in AED and start at approximately 1,700 AED, with premium categories higher depending on availability.
A one night gala at Dubai Opera
This is a single-evening gala that brings major opera names onto the Dubai Opera stage, so the tone leans formal and performance-first. Because the event sits in the Opera District, you can comfortably plan the night around an early arrival, a short walk, and an on-time curtain. Expect a full-house atmosphere. Also, Dubai Opera notes that this date is presented by a third-party promoter, so it helps to double-check ticket and entry rules before you go.
Artists on stage Domingo Carreras Gerzmava
Plácido Domingo and José Carreras lead the headline, and they share the bill with soprano Hibla Gerzmava. Meanwhile, the Mariinsky Orchestra joins them, which typically gives the evening a richer symphonic feel than a piano-led recital. Valery Gergiev conducts, so the programme can move quickly between big arias, duets, and orchestral set pieces. Additionally, the gala format usually blends signature moments with crowd favourites, so it keeps momentum without feeling rushed. Dress for a formal venue.
Time plan for Monday 22 December 2025
The listing confirms a 20:00 start on Monday 22 December 2025, and Dubai Opera describes the run time as approximately two hours. So, you can plan to finish around 22:00, although the exact end time can vary with pacing and applause. If you want a calm arrival, aim to be in the Opera District well before 19:30, because entry lines build fast on big nights. Arrive early for smoother entry.
Tickets and seating choices
Ticket listings show entry-level categories from approximately 1,700 AED, and premium seats can rise to several thousand AED depending on section. Because demand for gala nights can spike, it helps to pick your seating priority early, whether that is acoustics, sightlines, or easy aisle access. Also, Dubai Opera states that children under 6 are not permitted in the Main Auditorium, while guests aged 6 and above need a valid ticket. Prices may change at checkout. For the most reliable purchase routes, use DUBAI OPERA BOX OFFICE, PLATINUMLIST, or TICKETOFFICE.
Dress code and audience suitability
Dubai Opera sets clear expectations on attire, so avoid overly casual items like shorts or flip flops. Even if you come straight from work, a neat smart-casual look usually fits the room and helps you feel comfortable. This gala suits couples planning a polished night out (suitable for couples), and it also works for solo guests who want a focused cultural evening (suitable for solo). Not suitable for children under 6.
Getting there and parking near the Opera District
Dubai Opera directs drivers to the P3 basement parking entrance on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, and signage helps once you reach the Opera District. However, Downtown traffic often thickens from about 18:30 to 20:00, especially when the fountain area and Dubai Mall run busy. So, build extra time into your approach, then keep your route simple and avoid last-minute U-turns. Parking capacity is limited.
Public transport and walking routes
If you want less stress, the Metro can work well, especially before peak car congestion starts. Dubai Opera notes that you can get off at Burj Khalifa Metro Station on the Red Line, then use the walkway route, with an approximate 25-minute walk to the venue. Also, bus connections to the Dubai Mall Metro Station area can help, and then you can continue via the same Downtown walkways. Plan the last 25 minutes on foot.
Arriving from Abu Dhabi Sharjah and nearby Emirates
From Abu Dhabi, Dubai Opera’s directions reference E11 and Exit 50 toward Burj Khalifa and Financial Center Road, then Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard into the Opera District. From Dubai Creek and Sharjah, the venue directions describe routes via Oud Metha Road and Al Asayel Road before you approach the Boulevard near Dubai Fountain Street. Therefore, a buffer matters more than speed, because Downtown bottlenecks can appear suddenly around showtime. Leave extra buffer time from other Emirates.
Warnings and tips closing paragraph
On Monday 22 December 2025, Dubai’s evening weather around 20:00 looks clear and mild, around 22°C, so bring a light layer for the walk back. Traffic around Downtown usually peaks before showtime, so arriving earlier than 19:30 helps, and parking can tighten quickly near Dubai Opera. Ticket prices are in AED and may change, so treat any listed amount as approximately until you complete your purchase through DUBAI OPERA BOX OFFICE, PLATINUMLIST, or TICKETOFFICE. Make your reservation before Monday 22 December 2025. For planning style and timing habits, the editor team at www.few.ae often suggests treating Dubai Opera nights like airport arrivals, with a buffer built in.
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