Dubai Opera Ball glitters and waltzes into the hearts of Dubai

After Vienna and New York, Dubai was the third official venue to host this sumptuous event. Organised as a charity event, it was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Officially endorsed by the Vienna Opera Ball, Austria, this unique event brought the magic of Vienna and Austrian ancient tradition to the U.A.E. Guests enjoyed an authentic Viennese-style ball, having the same features as the original 'Wiener Opernball' at the Vienna State Opera, Austrian culinary delights, the festive entrance of the debutantes and their partners and even the original Opera Ball Orchestra, were flown in, courtesy of Emirates Airline, just for this glittering and romantic evening.

The Dubai Opera Ball had the full support of the Austrian Chancellor, Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel, the Mayor and National Governor of Vienna, Dr. Michael Häupl, and Mrs. Dkfm. Elisabeth Gürtler, Head of the Vienna Opera Ball in Vienna who were present on the evening. Key people from politics, business and arts from Austria also attended.

Dressed in tailcoats, tuxedos, local dress and colourful ball gowns, guests enjoyed a welcome reception and gala dinner in the magnificent Joharah Ballroom at the Madinat Jumeirah multi-purpose venue, prior to the opening ceremony performed by 80 debutante couples flown in especially from Austria together with eight Dubai couples .Mr Alexander Hysek, choreographer of the event, led the couples onto the dance floor for the Polonaise Waltz.

Students from the Vienna State Opera Ballet School performed The Bonbon Waltz
Soprano Ms Ira Lauren, dressed by Celine and wearing Swarovski jewellery provided by Tanagra, entranced the audience with arias by Strauss and Mozart.

At last Mr Hysek made the announcement everyone had been waiting for: 'Alles Waltzer': the signal that guests themselves were to take to the floor to waltz. Those who had attended Mr Hysek's waltz lessons prior to the ball were able to show off their footwork and danced with ease.

Some stayed to watch and listen to the strains of Strauss and Mozart, while others made their way to the terrace, to relax after the pomp in the Vienna Heuriger and to enjoy traditional Austrian refreshments, such as Sachertorte - the chocolate and apricot gateau made famous by Vienna's renowned Sacher Hotel.

Madinat Jumeirah Resort executive chef Heiko Schreiner ensured that the gala dinner had a distinct Austrian flavour and prepared a sumptuous menu of trout, Austrian style beef and Strudel, supported by Austrian fruit juices, Pago, and Monte's Tyrolean mountain water.

Earlier in the day, Al Nabooda provided 12 cars -six Touareg and six Phaeton cars to transport VIPS in Dubai throughout the day of the ball.

The whole occasion was recorded for posterity by the soon-to-be-launched IN TV channel which features the residents of Dubai enjoying the wonderful events and activities held in the emirate.

Commenting on the success of the event, organiser Ms Mahshid Amir-Mokri of nemsacon said, 'We are so grateful to all our supporters, especially the teams at Madinat Jumeirah, and Emirates Airline, who made this wonderful evening possible. She continued, 'Everyone loves an occasion to dress up and look one's best and we are delighted at the response to this first Dubai Opera Ball. We are looking forward to it becoming an annual event on the Dubai social scene. This year all net profits from the ball will be dedicated to the Tsunami Victims' Fund, which will be distributed through Dubai Aid, to UNICEF and WHO'.

Ms Amir Mokri added, ' To add to the proceeds, we will be accepting sealed bids to auction the six wonderful chandeliers donated by Dotzauer and Swarovski. Minimum bids will be Dhs35,000'.

The evening concluded with much merriment as guests performed the traditional Quadrille, taking the dance faster and faster at each reprise and, after all those exertions, Goulash soup.