By Brooke Sever www.digitalproductionme.com
At the base of the Burj Khalifa lie four new outdoor event venues. In this exclusive photo special, DPME.com takes you on a tour of the Burj Steps, Burj Park, Burj Plaza and Emaar Boulevard.
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently made the bold, but not surprising, statement that Dubai is back. According to him, the city is clawing its way out of the depths of economic troubles and is experiencing a surge in morale and financial stability.
While some may argue that the light at the end of the tunnel is a little further away, in true Dubai fashion, businesses are keen to return to the flashy, wow-factor events – corporate and otherwise – of pre-2009.
Eager to capitalise on this building wave of events is Emaar, which recently announced the official opening of four very different outdoor venues located in its Downtown Burj Khalifa district.
In the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, the venues’ location alone will likely prove a draw-card for those wanting to associate with the buzz of the tallest building in the world.
The developer acknowledges that the residential zoning may pose noise-pollution challenges, but pledges to evaluate each project individually to minimise any issues – it is confident the spectacular views overcome any red-tape frustrations.
Blank canvases, the venues will require significant temporary infrastructure in the form of power, ammenities and staging, for example, but this ‘clean-slate’ does offer event management companies the ultimate in foundations for creativity. Here, we get the low-down of each of the sites.
Burj Steps
The Burj Steps is an amphitheatre style venue that extends down from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to the Dubai Fountain. With an area of 4,560 sq metres, this is an ideal venue for a range of uniquely themed events.
What type of events is this venue best suited to?
It is suited for anything from concerts to galas to corporate get-togethers to marketing launch parties.
What are the venue’s main architectural features?
As the name suggests, the large space includes gentle steps in amphitheatre style and provides easy access to The Dubai Mall and parking facilities within the ‘Fashion’ parking area.
How many people is the venue designed to hold?
Based on the layout of the event, Burj Steps can accommodate approximately 1,500 to 3,000 people.
Is there power on site or will generators be required?
Generators will be needed depending on the size and requirements of the event.
Are their restroom facilities on site or are port-a-cabin type facilities required?
Public restrooms are available in close vicinity of the venue, while port-a-cabin facilities can complement the available depending on the size and requirement of the event.
Burj Plaza
The Burj Plaza is a smaller outdoor venue with direct views of the Dubai Fountain and is linked to the Burj Park via a foot-bridge and paved walkway.
What type of events is this venue best suited to?
The venue is ideal for small events such as cocktail parties, corporate and social events as well as market stalls and fetes.
What are the venue’s main architectural features?
Covering an area of over 3,400 sq metres, Burj Plaza is in walking distance from The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, and is easily accessible from Emaar Boulevard
How many people is the venue designed to hold?
Burj Plaza can accommodate approximately 500 to 1,500 guests.
Is there power on site or will generators be required?
Generators will be needed depending on the size and requirements of the event.
Are their restroom facilities on site or are port-a-cabin type facilities required?
Public restrooms are available in close vicinity of the venue, while port-a-cabin facilities can complement the available depending on the size and requirement of the event.
Emaar Boulevard
Emaar Boulevard connects Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, The Address Downtown Dubai, The Old Town, The Palace Hotel, Souk Al Bahar, and several residential properties. It hosted the recent Downtown Dubai Classic Car Show, which is expected to become an annual event.
What type of events is this venue best suited to?
Emmar markets the venue as a “celebration of downtown culture with cafes, high-fashion shops, children’s entertainment facilities, including a classic carousel, and walkways.” The Boulevard, offers a sweeping 3.5 kilometres expanse that Emaar bills as being “ideal” for exhibitions, shows and parades.
What are the venue’s main architectural features?
The Boulevard is 73 metres wide and 3.5 kilometres long and architecturally is inspired by “the great boulevards of the world,” according to Emaar.
The thoroughfare features ‘Al Sidra,’ a free-shaped bronze sculpture by Kuwaiti sculptor Mr Sami Mohamed Al Saleh and the world-renowned figurative artist Mr Fernando Botero’s ‘Horse 2007,’ a bronze sculpture weighing 1.5 tonnes. Parking facilities within walking distance of several points along the Boulevard are plentiful.
How many people is the venue designed to hold?
Emaar Boulevard can accommodate tens of thousands of guests.
Is there power on site or will generators be required?
Generators will be needed depending on the size and requirements of the event.
Are their restroom facilities on site or are port-a-cabin type facilities required?
Public restrooms are available in close vicinity, while port-a-cabin facilities can complement the available depending on the size and requirement of the event.
