A Decade of Excellence: Dubai Opera Unveils Star-Studded 2026-2027 Season Featuring Bolshoi Theatre and Benjamin Clementine

Celebrating a decade of unforgettable performances, Dubai Opera has announced its eclectic and ambitious 2026-2027 season. Over the past 10 years, the Downtown Dubai venue has hosted everything from blockbuster musicals to intimate recitals, establishing itself as a cultural anchor in the region.

Dubai Opera head Lara Ewing noted that the diverse line-up reflects the evolution of Dubai's cultural landscape. While early years focused on making a strong local and international impact, the venue now enjoys the flexibility to take creative risks.

Here are the highlights of the upcoming season:

1. Dubai Opera's 10th Anniversary Gala, September 12

Egyptian soprano Fatma Said joins the UAE National Orchestra and Festival Chorus for a celebratory concert conducted by Ahmed Farag. The evening features opera classics, Arabic favorites, and the world premiere of a new orchestral work by Egyptian composer Mohamed Medhat, alongside Jan Martens’s Period Piece performed by Kaine Ward.

2. The Marriage of Figaro Ballet, September 17 to 19

Marking the 270th anniversary of Mozart’s birth, the Ukrainian National Ballet transforms the 18th-century comedic opera into a captivating ballet production.

3. God Save the Queen, October 5

Argentine tribute band God Save the Queen brings high-energy renditions of the British rock legends' greatest hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody and Radio Ga Ga.

4. Marilyne Naaman, October 6

The Lebanese singer and actress returns to the venue to perform a concert blending Arabic music with western pop influences, featuring regional hits like Ana Min.

5. The Amy Winehouse Band, October 8

Led by long-time bassist and musical director Dale Davis, musicians who performed alongside the late singer celebrate her timeless catalogue, spanning albums like Frank and Back to Black.

6. Mohandis Al Thauq Al Aam, October 9 and 10

Part of the Dubai Comedy Festival, this Arabic-language Kuwaiti theatrical production is written and directed by Abdulaziz Safar, starring Khaled Al-Muzaffar, Khaled Al-Ojairi, Mohammad Safar, and Iman Faisal.

7. Dubai Comedy Festival, October 9 to 18

The festival returns for its seventh edition, featuring global stand-up acts including Munawar Faruqui, Mo Gilligan, John Achkar, and Amit Tandon.

8. Gipsy Kings by Andre Reyes, October 22

Founding member Andre Reyes reimagines the group's classic repertoire with full orchestral arrangements for timeless hits like Bamboleo and Volare.

9. Titize – A Venetian Dream, October 29 to 31

A 10-member cast merges circus arts, physical theatre, acrobatics, and live music to recreate the magical carnival atmosphere of Venice.

10. Benjamin Clementine, November 1

British singer, pianist, and composer Benjamin Clementine performs a diverse programme of experimental pop, classical music, jazz, and poetry.

11. Ministry of Sound Classical, November 7

Conducted by David Mahoney, this unique production pairs a full orchestra and live vocalists with classic club anthems and electronic music visuals.

12. Trevor Noah, November 25, 26, 28 and 29

The Emmy Award-winning South African comedian and former host of The Daily Show brings an all-new stand-up show to the venue for a four-night residency.

13. Hiba Tawaji and Ibrahim Maalouf, November 27

Vocalist Hiba Tawaji and trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf unite for a special collaborative concert celebrating French musical heritage, chanson, and jazz.

14. The Tsar's Bride by the Bolshoi Theatre, December 2

Rimsky-Korsakov’s dramatic opera launches the Bolshoi Theatre's historic first official UAE tour.

15. Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, December 3

The acclaimed orchestra takes center stage for a grand symphonic concert during the company's residency.

16. The Nutcracker by the Bolshoi Theatre, December 4 to 6

Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet returns as a Dubai Opera tradition, performed by the Bolshoi's dancers and orchestra under Yuri Grigorovich’s choreography.

17. Guy Manoukian, December 11

The Lebanese-Armenian pianist and composer marks his milestone 10th performance at the venue, blending Arabic melodies with contemporary arrangements.

18. Denis Matsuev, December 16

Russian pianist Denis Matsuev presents a dynamic evening moving fluidly between classical masterpieces and jazz.

19. Abracadabra, December 18 and 19

An Arabic-language suspense comedy from the Gulf theatre scene following two struggling performance groups.

20. Tony Ann, January 10, 2027

Canadian pianist and composer Tony Ann makes his venue debut, showcasing contemporary piano works and classical influences.

21. Swan Lake on Ice, January 14 to 17, 2027

The Imperial Ice Stars reimagine Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece with 24 skaters combining figure skating, ballet, and theatrical pyrotechnics.

22. Buena Vista Social Club Legacy Concert, January 24, 2027

Ibrahim Ferrer Jr. and laud player Barbarito Torres lead a vibrant celebration of Cuban music traditions titled Una Noche En La Habana.