These are the best musicals and plays 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.

Sweeney Todd: 1 to 8 February 2025

The famous character Sweeney Todd is coming to Dubai Opera with the hit musical The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century London, Sweeney Todd essays the role of a barber whose love life is shattered by an act of betrayal. He returns to London and is transformed into the infamous Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Here, he joins forces with Mrs. Lovett. Together, they hatch a plan to take revenge. The Demon Barber of Fleet Street debuted on Broadway in 1979, quickly earning its place among the greatest musicals ever written. Its darkly comic and thrilling narrative has captivated audiences worldwide. It has also won several Tony Awards and Laurence Olivier Awards. And now, with the same horror and heartbreak, it’s heading to the UAE theatre.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.

Les Misérables: 10 to 20 April 2025

Abu Dhabi, it’s time to dream a dream. One of the world’s longest-running musicals is coming to the capital. Etihad Arena will host 12 performances of Les Misérables over the course of 10 days, featuring a cast and orchestra of over 65 people. Les Misérables is based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. Set in the early nineteenth century, the story follows Jean Valjean. The French peasant steals a loaf of bread and is imprisoned for 19 years. As he is on the hunt for redemption, he adopts the orphan, Cosette. Les Misérables’ is a sung-through musical and includes world-famous songs, which have been reimagined on film as well as reality TV shows – anyone remember Susan Boyle on the UK TV show, Britain’s Got Talent? The songs include Bring Him Home, Master of the House, On My Own, and One More Day.

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

STOMP: 29 to 31 May 2025

STOMP, a high-energy, rhythmic spectacle that transforms everyday objects into musical instruments, is coming to Dubai Opera this year. This show combines percussion, dance, and comedy to amaze and entertain. The STOMP performers use brooms, buckets, Zippo lighters, and even the kitchen sink to create a symphony of sound and movement. Their infectious energy and incredible synchronisation will have you tapping your feet and clapping along from the very first beat.

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

MAMMA MIA!: 11 to 22 June 2025

UAE, here we go again. The marvellous musical MAMMA MIA! is making its way to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The show brings to life the magic and music of ABBA and has been running for more than 25 years, attracting an audience of more than 65 million people. MAMMA MIA! is set on a Greek Island and follows the relationship between a mother and daughter. Sophie is 20 years old and in search of her father. She discovers her mother’s diary and finds out who could be her father. And, as she is about to get married, she wants her real father to walk her down the aisle. As a jukebox musical, the songs by ABBA’s Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus are at its heart. The hits include Lay All Your Love on Me, SOS, Super Trouper, Thank You For The Music and The Winner Takes It All

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information. 

Once Upon a Time in Dubai: December 2025

The UAE’s first-ever musical, Once Upon a Time in Dubai, will take place in December 2025, marking a historic moment for the city and for UAE theatre. It’s the first time a show of this level is being 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 who relocates to Dubai, where he wishes to create a musical extravaganza. The show is expected to open to 150,000 attendees, and an international tour is already in the pipeline.

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