Dubai Opera, the premier cultural hub in the Middle East, has announced an expansive artistic programme for its 2024-2025 season, featuring over 50 international performances and solidifying its position as a leading global performing arts destination.

The upcoming season, set to commence this month, promises a diverse array of productions spanning opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concerts. With more than 1,000 performers taking the stage throughout the season, Dubai Opera aims to cater to a wide range of artistic tastes and cultural preferences.

“We are delighted to be back with a truly inclusive season, featuring something for every taste,” said Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera.

“Following a record-breaking 2023/24 season, we look forward to once again catering to the entire community and beyond, with a mix of genre-spanning, dynamic and renowned performances.”

Dubai Opera 2024-2025 Season: Complete Show List

Opening Week

  • Aida (Opera) – September 13 to 15, 2024
  • Giselle (Ballet) – September 18 to 21, 2024
  • Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (Concert) – September 22, 2024

Opera

  • Aida – September 13 to 15, 2024
  • Eugene Onegin – September 20 to 21, 2024

Ballet and dance

  • Giselle – September 18 to 21, 2024
  • LA Dance Project – Romeo & Juliet Suite – October 17 to 18, 2024
  • The Nutcracker – December 19 to 22, 2024
  • Modanse – January 15, 2025
  • La Bayadere – February 14 to 16, 2025
  • Tango After Dark – April 26 to 27, 2025
  • Carmina Burana – May 23 to 24, 2025
  • The Pulse (Modern Circus) – May 9 to 11, 2025
  • STOMP – May 29 to 31, 2025

Symphonic and chamber music

  • Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony – September 22, 2024
  • Max Richter: The Four Seasons Recomposed – November 1, 2024
  • The Limitless Orchestra: From Strauss to Zimmer – January 4 to 5, 2025
  • Mozart’s Requiem – February 18, 2025
  • Max Richter Concert – February 26, 2025

Musicals

  • Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era – October 12 to 13, 2024
  • Singin’ in the Rain – November 30 to December 14, 2024
  • Sweeney Todd – February 1 to 8, 2025

Concerts

  • Carla Bruni – September 27, 2024
  • Umberto Tozzi – The Final Tour – September 28, 2024
  • Buena Vista All Stars – October 4, 2024
  • Gustavo Santaolalla – October 5, 2024
  • Brad Mehldau Trio – October 10, 2024
  • Glenn Hughes Performs Deep Purple Classics Live – October 19, 2024
  • Il Volo – October 25, 2024
  • Sophie Ellis Bextor – October 26, 2024
  • The Kingdom Choir – December 28, 2024
  • Dire Straits Legacy – January 24, 2025
  • Bombino – February 22, 2025

Arab music

  • Ibrahim Maalouf – November 2, 2024
  • Guy Manoukian – A Tale of Two Shores – November 3, 2024
  • Majid Jordan – November 22, 2024

Special events

  • New Year’s Eve 2025 With Parov Stelar – December 31, 2024
  • Symphonic Rock Edition – January 17 to 19, 2025
  • InClassica International Music Festival – April 6 to 25, 2025
  • Blue Note Records – International Jazz Day – April 30, 2025
  • Film Music Week – May 15 to 18, 2025

Local presenting partners’ events

  • Emirati Musicians’ Association – February to June 2025
  • Dubai Opera Ball – November 15, 2024
  • Steinway Piano Series – October 2024 to May 2025
  • Encore Presents – November 2024 to June 2025
  • Best Moments – October 2024 to June 2025

Strategic partnerships

Dubai Opera acknowledges the support of its strategic partners, Dubai Culture and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, in bringing these world-class performances to life.

“The Dubai Opera 2024–2025 season offers an expansive platform to celebrate creativity, as well as Dubai’s rich cultural diversity and social fabric. It serves as an entertainment and educational stage that empowers talent and helps them showcase their musical, theatrical, and artistic abilities to the public,” said Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of Arts and Literature at Dubai Culture.

Dubai Opera also announced a new partnership with American Express Middle East as its “Official Payments Partner.” This collaboration will provide exclusive access to American Express Card Members for an array of performances over the next two seasons.

“We are thrilled to partner with Dubai Opera, offering our Card Members priority access to world-class performances,” said Mazin Khoury, CEO of American Express Middle East.

“This partnership goes beyond providing unique benefits; it’s about creating unforgettable experiences solidifying our role as a leader in delivering exceptional value, enriching experiences and truly elevating the lifestyle of our Card Members.”

The ambitious programme aligns with Dubai’s broader economic and cultural objectives, namely the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). according to Suhaila Ghubash, Vice President of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.

As Dubai Opera enters its 8th year of operation, this comprehensive season lineup not only promises to entertain and inspire but also reinforces Dubai’s status as a global cultural destination. With its mix of classical and contemporary performances, the 2024-2025 season is poised to attract diverse audiences and contribute significantly to the emirate’s cultural and economic landscape.