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Kathryn Watson

07.10.24

Kathryn began her career as a solicitor, qualifying in 2009 and spending five years in private practice in the UK before relocating to Dubai to pursue her passion for the arts. She joined Dubai Opera during its pre-opening phase, playing a key role in shaping one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

During her five years at Dubai Opera, Kathryn worked closely with the Chief Executive to guide critical stages of the venue’s design and construction, while also developing strategic frameworks and operational policies for what would become a leading cultural institution. She was instrumental in curating a world-class calendar of musical, theatrical, and live events, helping establish Dubai Opera as a central hub for entertainment in the region.

Kathryn also played a vital role in building the operational foundation, including the recruitment of a team of over 100 employees across show and venue operations. Her commercial acumen contributed to initiatives in sponsorship, marketing, F&B, merchandising, and ticketing, all aimed at achieving financial sustainability within the venue’s first five years.In addition to her strategic leadership, Kathryn served as Duty Manager during live events, overseeing Front of House operations for audiences exceeding 2,000 guests. More recently, she brought her expertise to the launch of Maraya, the iconic mirrored concert hall in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, supporting its successful opening and operational execution.