Dubai Opera Ball 2006

After Vienna and New York, Dubai is the third official venue to host this sumptuous event. Organised as a charity event, it will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Chairman of the Emirates Group. Emirates Airline is a title sponsor. The proposed charity will be announced imminently.

Once again the glamour and tradition of a Viennese style ball and a bygone age will be recreated in Dubai. Guests will enjoy the authentic Viennese-style ball, with Austrian culinary specialities, the festive entrance of the debutantes and their partners and the Vienna Sinfonie Orchestra, flown in just for this glittering and romantic evening.

The Dubai Opera Ball has the full support of Dkfm Elisabeth Gurtler, head of the Vienna Opera Ball, as well as key people from politics, business and arts in Austria and leading business figures in Dubai who form the Honorary Committee (see below).

There are several packages on offer - from the Platinum Package, which entitles guests to a VIP table of 12 for the whole evening, or entry tickets for the Opening Ceremony only.

For those opting for the full VIP treatment, guests will arrive in the strictly authentic tradition of tailcoats or tuxedo (ball gowns for ladies) or national dress and bisht (no lounge suits are permitted).

Guests will be also able to mingle and enjoy the delights of an original Viennese Coffee House where traditional pastries and the Original Sachertorte will prove almost irresistible to most, or the Vienna Heuriger serving typical Austrian delicacies.

Support of the Austrian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce

'Austria is not only known for its industrial and trading wealth, which makes it one of the richest countries in Europe, but also for its cultural heritage. The sources are found in the Austrian Habsburg-Empire, where a characteristic culture evolved through Vienna's melting pot of many Central European peoples. The interrelation of this culture culminated in raising famous composers like Mozart and Strauss who made Vienna the cultural capital of Europe. Their music is celebrated in world renowned 'Vienna Balls', a lifestyle for Austrians,' said Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Commercial Counsellor of the Austrian Embassy in the U.A.E. 'The economic wealth behind our specific culture is enormous. I only can appreciate and strongly support bringing that part of our culture to our fans in this part of the world to enjoy a slice of our lifestyle.'

Background to the Vienna Opera Ball

In January 1935, the first ball to be known as the Vienna Opera Ball was celebrated at the Opera House in Vienna. It surpassed anything the house had seen before. Despite a hiatus during the Second World War, the tradition resumed in 1956 and once again captivated international society. The very words, 'Vienna Opera Ball' conjure an image of one of the most glittering and romantic events on the international society calendar. Kings, statesmen, politicians, industrialists and countless famous artists have already fulfilled their dreams of taking part in this unique event: The Duchess of York, and actresses Sophia Loren and Minnie Driver to name just a few.

Under the patronage of the Austrian Federal President, the ball strictly follows tradition. The festive entrance of the young gentlemen with their debutantes into the splendidly decorated ballroom, the strains of the Polonaise, the opening ballet, the dance of young couples and finally the first waltz, when the elegant guests make their way to the dance floor, evoke a world of glamour which entrances audiences worldwide.