Dubai Opera has unveiled its 2025–26 season, featuring over 50 international productions and more than 150 performances spanning opera, ballet, musicals, concerts, Arabic music, theatre and comedy. The programme brings together in excess of 1,000 artists from around the world, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to position itself as a leading global cultural centre.
The season opens in September with a remarkable trilogy: Puccini’s La Bohème, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony paired with the “Emperor” Piano Concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Audiences will also witness the Middle Eastern debut of pianist Yuja Wang and the Dubai Opera premieres of both the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia. Operatic icons Plácido Domingo and José Carreras are slated to return, and Handel’s baroque opera Tamerlano will receive its first fully staged performance at Dubai Opera.
Among ballet and dance highlights is the debut of Roberto Bolle, whose performance blends classical repertoire and contemporary artistry. In musical theatre, Wicked The Musical will have its UAE premiere, joined by renowned productions such as Grease and Rumi: The Musical. These add to a strand of theatrical offerings designed to appeal to both traditional and new audiences.
Concerts from international names—including Kings of Convenience, Jon Batiste and Goran Bregović—feature alongside an expansive Arabic music line-up. Celebrated regional performers Najwa Karam, Zade Dirani, Elissa, Marilyne Naaman, Omar Khairat and Khalid Abdulrahman bring vernacular flavour, while orchestral and instrumental works deepen the classical dimension.
Comedy and theatre forms are more prominent than in earlier seasons, with the Dubai Comedy Festival and theatre productions such as War & Peace adding dramatic range. The season further includes special galas like the Dubai Opera Ball, which will merge opera, ballet and jazz under one roof.
Dr Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera, noted that this season is intended to merge tradition and innovation across genres, fostering creative exchange across cultures. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, emphasised the economic and social role of culture in diversifying Dubai’s global appeal, while Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority spoke of nurturing both local talent and international collaboration.
Partnerships also feature prominently this season. HSBC joins as Official Partner, American Hospital becomes the Community Partner, and longstanding alliances with institutions such as Van Cleef & Arpels and American Express Middle East continue.
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