A Very Big Year

19 THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2019

WHICH FAMOUS LEBANESE NIGHTCLUB IS OPENING IN DUBAI? WHAT NEW BUILDING IS SHAPED LIKE A BOOK? WHY IS HESTON BLUMENTHAL’S SIGNATURE DISH SO SPECIAL? READ ON. THE ANSWERS MAY SURPRISE YOU…

01 THIS MUSICAL IS ENORMOUS…

… and it’s coming to Dubai Opera this autumn. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom Of The Opera is largely regarded as one of the most popular musicals in the world. It’s won more than 70 major theatrical awards, including seven Tony Awards on Broadway. It’s also the longest running show in Broadway history. Tickets go on sale this month. Get them while you can.

dubaiopera.com

02 THE LOUVRE ABU DHABI IS GETTING COMPETITION

It’s been a stunning addition to the capital’s cultural landscape, so could its success spur the launch of another long-awaited cultural attraction on Saadiyat Island, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi? While no official completion date has been given for the Abu Dhabi outpost of the New York art museum, we’re hoping we’ll see at least some progress this year.

03 ROLL UP, ROLL UP, THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO THE CAPITAL

Entertainment giant Cirque du Soleil brings its motley crew of acrobats, firebreathers, stilt walkers, contortionists, trapeze artists, dancers and musicians to Abu Dhabi in March. The new show, entitled Bazzar, takes place in a purpose-built big top, which stands at an impressive 19 metres-high, with seating for up to 1,500 spectators. Tickets cost Dhs195 and are available via tixbox.com.

04 MILLIONS OF BOOKS ARE HEADED TO DUBAI