These are the Broadway and West End musicals to book now.

The UAE’s theatre scene is flourishing. It began with the arrival of Hamilton at Etihad Arena last year, and now culture vultures in the country can’t get enough of musicals, performances and productions. From Broadway breakouts like MAMMA MIA! to West End sensations like Les Misérables, these are the top UAE theatre shows to see this year.

Swan Lake: 25 to 28 September 2025

Back by overwhelming demand after a sold-out run last year, Swan Lake returns to claim its place as ballet’s ultimate crowd pleaser. Performed by the Hungarian National Ballet, prepare to be captivated by the timeless tale of passion and magic in one unforgettable performance. Tchaikovsky’s score glows in the pit, while the stage pictures shift from moonlit lakeside to courtly splendour. The dual role of Odette and Odile remains the measure of any ballerina, building to a heart-in-mouth close.

GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.

Slava’s SnowShow: 14 to 16 October 2025

Get ready for a winter wonderland at Mall of the Emirates. Slava’s SnowShow is coming to the New Covent Garden Theatre in Dubai. The fairy tale story explores the metaphysical art of clowning and has already wowed over 12 million guests worldwide. Told through a series of surreal, silent vignettes, the performance unfolds without words, utilising movement, music, and visual magic to evoke profound emotions. At its heart is a yellow-suited clown navigating a dreamlike landscape filled with oversized props, mysterious figures, and moments of wonder and solitude.

GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.  

Grease The Musical: 24 October to 2 November

It’s time to get automatic, systematic and hydromatic because Grease The Musical is coming to Dubai Opera. Most people will know Grease, thanks to the 1978 movie of the same name. The film stars John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing and Jeff Conaway. Set in the 1950s, it first shows Danny and Sandy having a summer romance. They part ways and then find themselves in the same school, Rydell High School. The score includes Grease Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You, Summer Lovin’, and You’re the One That I Want. Get ready for some spectacular singing, dancing and a dose of summer loving.

GO: Visit https://platinumlist.netfor more information. 

Beetlejuice The Musical: 20 to 30 November 2025

If we say Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice three times, we might just summon the musical to the UAE. Beetlejuice The Musical is scheduled to take place at Etihad Arena from 20 to 30 November.  It’s based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film, Beetlejuice and tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a teenager dealing with grief and a distant father. She moves into a haunted house and meets Beetlejuice. He is determined to break free from his curse. The catch: Lydia is the only one who can see him and lift the curse. The production combines Tim Burton’s dark world of black comedy and gothic adventures. A mix of song and dance numbers have been added to the show, too.

GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.

Björn Again: 21 November 2025

Dubai Opera turns into a glitter-soaked disco as Björn Again brings ABBA’s greatest hits to the heart of Downtown Dubai. The world’s premier tribute act delivers pitch-perfect harmonies and sequinned swagger, reviving the feel-good spirit of the seventies. Expect instant sing-alongs to “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take a Chance on Me”, and “Waterloo.”

GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.

Once Upon a Time in Dubai: 20 December 2025 to 11 January 2026

The UAE’s first-ever musical, Once Upon a Time in Dubai, is set to take place in December 2025, marking a historic moment for the city and the UAE’s theatre scene. It’s the first time a show of this calibre has been produced in the region, setting a benchmark for future theatre performances. Set against the backdrop of Dubai itself, “Once Upon a Time in Dubai” will follow Will, an artist from London, as he relocates to Dubai, where he aims to create a musical extravaganza. The show is expected to attract 150,000 attendees, and an international tour is already in the works.

GO: Visit https://onceuponatimeindubai.com for more information.

War & Peace: 21 January 2026

Tolstoy’s masterpiece comes alive with the regional debut of War and Peace. Directed by Rimas Tuminas and performed by Russia’s Vakhtangov Theatre, this five-hour production promises a journey of drama, history, and passion.

GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for more information.

Wicked The Musical: 28 January to 15 February 2026

Wicked The Musical is flying into Dubai for the first time, and Dubai Opera is rolling out the green carpet. The celebrated production will take over the venue with a limited 20-day season, marking the show’s long-awaited UAE debut. First performed in New York in 2003, Wicked has grown into a global theatre phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences with beloved musical numbers “Popular”, “Defying Gravity” and “For Good”. Fans can also look forward to a dramatic aerial sequence that sees a witch take flight above the audience.

GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for more information.

Mary Poppins The Musical: 25 March to 15 April 2026

Mary Poppins The Musical will be held at Etihad Arena from 25 March to 15 April, bringing a total of 26 performances to the capital. For anyone new to the story, Mary Poppins originated in the 1930s with P. L. Travers’ much-loved books. The tale later became a global phenomenon through Disney’s 1964 film starring Julie Andrews and went on to captivate theatre goers as a marvellous musical. The stage version is known for its crisp choreography, inventive sets, and a songbook that invites pure nostalgia. It also brings a warm dose of family-friendly spectacle that resonates with all ages. Prepare for a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time.

GO: Visit www.etihadarena.ae for more information.

Rumi: The Musical: 4 to 7 June 2026

From creators Dana Al Fardan and Nadim Naaman, Rumi: The Musical tells the story of the 13th-century poet’s transformative bond with Shams Tabrizi. Blending Middle Eastern and classical influences, the score brings Rumi’s verses to life in a celebration of faith, friendship, and self-discovery.

GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for more information.