Dubai Opera’s 2025-26 season is shaping up to be its most spectacular yet, a celebration of music, culture and artistry that brings some of the world’s finest performers to one stage. With more than 50 productions spanning opera, ballet, musical theatre, symphonic concerts, Arabic music, and comedy, the lineup is a testament to Dubai’s thriving cultural scene.
After a spectacular start in September with La Bohème, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Swan Lake, the stage is now set for an extraordinary run of upcoming performances from October through June 2026.
Here are some of the highlights this season:
October
- Dubai Comedy Festival. Running until 12 October.
The city’s biggest laughter festival returns with international headliners and regional comedians, celebrating humour’s power to unite cultures.
- Kings of Convenience. 16 October.
Norway’s iconic indie-folk duo brings intimate harmonies and acoustic warmth with favourites like 'Misread' and 'I’d Rather Dance With You'.
- Zade Dirani. 17 October.
Jordanian musician and pianist blends classical and modern influences in a concert that bridges music and message.
- Ilaiyaraaja. 18 October
The legendary Indian composer and maestro performs timeless melodies from a five-decade career spanning 1,400 films and over 8,000 songs.
- Grease the Musical. 24 October to 2 November
The ultimate feel-good musical bursts onto the Dubai Opera stage with hits including 'Summer Nights', 'Greased Lightnin’, and 1950s rock’n’roll energy.
November
- Elissa. 3 November.
The 'Queen of Emotions' returns with her signature Arabic pop hits, blending passion, storytelling and powerful vocals.
- Roberto Bolle and Friends. 6 November
A world-class ballet gala curated by Roberto Bolle, featuring international stars in a night of classical and contemporary brilliance.
- Dubai Opera Ball. 7 November
A black-tie gala featuring soprano Olga Peretyatko, bass-baritone Erwin Schrott, and the Strauss Festival Orchestra Vienna. A night of pure elegance and artistry combining ballet, opera and jazz
- Wael Jassar and Abeer Nehme. 10 November
Lebanese stars unite for a rich evening blending traditional Arabic and world music influences.
- Khyel Sahra. 11 and 12 November
A poignant musical drama by Georges Khabbaz and Adel Karam exploring friendship, memory, and humanity during Lebanon’s civil war.
- Mehran Modiri. 13 November
A tribute to the Iranian cultural icon’s 40-year career in TV, theatre, and music, filled with stories, humour and song.
- Björn Again. 21 November
The world’s most famous ABBA tribute band brings 'Dancing Queen' and 'Mamma Mia' to life in an irresistible one-night spectacle.
- Ministry of Sound Classical. 22 November
Club classics reimagined with orchestral grandeur, a stunning collision of dance and symphony led by conductor David Mahoney.
- Jon Batiste. 23 November
Grammy Award and Oscar Award-winning artist performs tracks from his acclaimed album 'Big Money' in a night of soul, jazz, and pure artistry.
- National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia. 27 and 28 November
Under Maestro Vladimir Spivakov, the orchestra performs with soloists Adam Gutseriev on piano and Dali Gutserieva on cello.
December
- Sumariyat Band. 9 December
A mostly female Iraqi ensemble celebrating Baghdad’s musical heritage through soulful vocals and traditional instruments.
- Goran Bregovic. 10 December
The Balkan music legend fuses traditional Slavic sounds with contemporary flair for an energetic, unforgettable performance.
- The Nutcracker. 18 to 21 December
Tchaikovsky’s magical Christmas classic returns. A must-see festive ballet for families of all ages.
- Stars of the Century Opera Gala. 22 December
Dubai Opera’s tenth anniversary gala featuring José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, and Hibla Gerzmava, a once-in-a-decade celebration.
- Hany Shaker and Mai Farouk. 23 December
Arabic music legends unite for a night of timeless classics and soulful duets.
- Omar Khairat. 24 December.
The maestro performs his iconic blend of classical, jazz, and Arabic compositions in a stirring year-end concert.
January To February 2026
- Leonid Agutin. 2 January
The multi-award-winning Russian artist brings his unique mix of pop, rock, funk, and Latin beats to Dubai.
- Tamerlano. 10 and 11 January
Handel’s baroque opera masterpiece reimagined with Uzbek instruments, a fresh, dramatic take on love and power.
- War and Peace. 21 January
An epic five-hour theatrical adaptation of Tolstoy’s novel, performed by Russia’s Vakhtangov Theatre, a monumental stage event.
- Rob Beckett. 22 January
British comedian brings his latest stand-up show Giraffe to Dubai. Sharp, cheeky, and hilarious.
- Wicked the Musical. 28 January to 15 February
The global Broadway phenomenon makes its Dubai debut, a magical prequel to 'The Wizard of Oz' featuring hits like 'Defying Gravity'.
March To June 2026
- Yuja Wang. 26 March
The world-renowned Steinway Artist returns with a breathtaking piano recital showcasing virtuosity and expressive depth.
- India Martínez.12 April
Spain’s flamenco-pop sensation makes her Dubai debut with passionate vocals and powerful stage presence.
- Blue Note: Celebrating International Jazz Day. 30 April
A tribute to 85 years of Blue Note Records, featuring jazz greats performing classics by Coltrane, Davis, and Hancock.
- Denis Matsuev. 3 May
Acclaimed pianist performs works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff in a night of emotional brilliance.
- Gipsy Kings Symphonic. 8 May
Led by André Reyes, the Gipsy Kings reimagine 'Bamboleo' and 'Volare' with full orchestral power. A fiery fusion of flamenco and symphony.
- Rumi: The Musical. 4 to 7 June
The season’s finale celebrates the timeless poetry of Rumi through a powerful score by Dana Al Fardan and Nadim Naaman, blending East and West in a moving musical journey.
For more details and to book tickets, visit Dubai Opera's official website