subject: House of talents [print this page] The popularity of Cirque du Soleil in the Middle East was fixed when the troop performed for the first time in the region in 2007. The staging of Quidam, which also took place in Ibn Battuta Mall (shopping centre Dubai), saw more than 100,000 people visit over short period. It was, and still is, the most successful entertainment event to ever be staged in Dubai. Ibn Battuta Mall presentation follows a partnership between Cirque du Soleil, Isthithmar World and Nakheel, Dubai government's development company, in 2008. Isthithmar and Nakheel both bought 10% shares in the company for a reported Dhs367,000 (US$100,000). In 2008, plans were also declared to build a persistent 1,800-seat Cirque du Soleil theatre, due for completion in 2011, on The Palm Jumeirah.
