All the top performances in Dubai taking place this year
Get your diary out and slot these great shows in…
A number of great shows are taking place in Dubai over the next few months and if you can’t keep track, don’t worry as we have rounded up all the must-see performances.
June
Tom Odell
When: June 7, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
If you didn’t know, singer-songwriter Tom Odell is now performing on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Tom Odell is travelling across the world for this tour performing in Mexico, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Austria and more. He is known for his popular hits including Another Love, Real Love, Best Day of My Life, Half as Good as You and more. Read more here and for more information, visit dubaiopera.com
Tom Odell, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, June 7, Tel: (0)4 440 8888. @dubaiopera
Simply Red
When: June 9, 2023
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
It’s been a long 20 years, but iconic British soul and pop band, Simply Red is returning to Dubai jamming at the Coca-Cola Arena in June. The iconic British soul and pop band are performing as part of the line-up of the first-ever World Padel League running from be June 8 to 11. The award-winning band has had a number of smash hits including Holding Back the Years, Fairground, Stars, For Your Babies and more. By the end of this year, the band will have performed 73 shows in 20 countries to over 600,000 people. Ticket prices start from Dhs199 and can be purchased here.
Lewis Capaldi, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai, June 9, coca-cola-arena.com
A tribute to Adele
When: June 9 and 10, 2023
Where: Theatre by QE2
Love Adele? She’s yet to perform here in Dubai (someone make this happen, please) but in the meantime, you can catch this tribute show to the talented singer. Hailed at the UK’s No. 1 Adele Tribute Show, Helen Ward-Jackson creates a truly authentic show you can sing along to. She will be with her live band performing all of Adele’s biggest hits including Hello, Set Fire to the Rain, Chasing Pavements, Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, Rumour Has It, Skyfall and, her latest hit, Easy On Me.
Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai. Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com
The Story of Princess Aurora
When: June 10, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
Catch an adaptation of the well-loved fairy tale “The Story of Princess Aurora” at Dubai Opera this June. It is presented by Turning Pointe Youth Ballet. The tale follows the story of a princess Aurora who, thanks to a spell cast by the evil Maleficent. A fairy uses her powers to ensure that Aurora will sleep until a True Love’s kiss awakens her. Go watch the drama and magic unfold on June 10 as Maleficent realises that Aurora is still alive. Book here.
The Story of Princess Aurora, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, June 7, Tel: (0)4 440 8888. @dubaiopera
M83
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When: June 15, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
Electronica fans, electronic legends M83 are coming to Dubai Opera on Thursday, June 15 for an epic one-night-only live performance. Your night with the Grammy-nominated icons will be jam-packed with intoxicating synth-pop/electro-rock music across their collection of new and nostalgic arrangements. The French icons are famous for hits such as Midnight City, Wait, and Reunion but have also soundtracked major films including Tom Cruise’s Oblivion and Gilles Marchand’s Black Heaven. They’ve even gone on tour with the likes of Kings of Leon, The Killers, and Depeche Mode. Ticket prices start from Dhs275 and can be purchased here.
M83, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, June 15, Tel: (0)4 440 8888. @dubaiopera
Othello
When: June 16 and 17, 2023
Where: Courtyard Playhouse
Love Shakespeare? You’ll want to see Othello at the Courtyard Playhouse in June. Directed by Clint Dyer, this enduring tragedy by Shakespeare stars Giles Terera, Rosy McEwen and Paul Hilton. The story follows a bright headstrong Othello, who is the daughter of a senator – elevated by her status but stifled by its expectations. Desdemona is a refugee of slavery having risen to the top of a white world. The two wed in secret and crave to start a new life together – but of course, unseen forces conspire against them. Othello is filmed live on the Lyttleton stage of the National Theatre. Register here.
Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, Dubai. 8pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)50 986 1760. courtyardplayhouse.com
Connected by Mind2Mind
When: June 16, 2023
Where: Theatre by QE2
The duo returns this May to blow you away. The couple, who you most likely have seen on America’s Got Talent are homegrown heroes and perform regularly at Theatre by QE2. Expect their captivating and unique form of mind-reading and yes, there will be audience participation where you will be given the ability to hear each other’s thoughts. Oooo…
Theatre by QE2, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai, Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com
July
Parenting Hell
When: July 2, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
In a season of big comedy events, we have more news for fans of stand-up, live podcasts and non-stop laughs. British comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe are set to perform in Dubai, bringing their hilarious podcast Parenting Hell to Dubai Opera on Monday July 3. Tickets are available now from Dubai Opera, PlatinumList, Ticketmaster and Virgin Megastores, priced from Dhs295.
Parenting Hell Live, Dubai Opera, Monday July 3, from Dhs295. dubaiopera.com
September
Joanne McNally
When: September 2, 2023
Where: The Agenda, Media City
One-half of the iconic podcast, My Therapist Ghosted Me duo, Joanne McNally will be coming to Dubai for an evening of ab-workout-inducing laughs. The funny woman has sold out prestigious venues like Vicar Street in Dublin, the London Palladium, and the Hammersmith Eventim Apollo. She will be in Dubai as part of her Prosecco Express world tour. Tickets are available here.
Joanne McNally, The Agenda, Media City, Sept 2, show starts at 8.30pm, tickets start from Dhs295. dubai.platinumlist.net
Peppa Pig
When: September 16 and 17, 2023
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
If you didn’t get the chance to say hello to Peppa Pig and her family and friends the last time they landed in the UAE last year, then this is your chance. Peppa Pig will be coming to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17. Tickets are already on sale. This 60-minute live musical stage show features life-size puppet performances, telling the story of a Peppa Pig camping adventure.
Peppa Pig’s Next Adventure, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai, multiple timings, Saturday, September 16, Sunday September 17. Tickets from Dhs125. platinumlist.dubai.net
October
Trevor Noah
When: October 3, 2023
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
On Tuesday, October 3, comedian Trevor Noah will bring his new stand-up show to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. Noah is a regular performer in the UAE after having performed a number of times across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai. The South African funnyman is known for his Emmy award-winning show, The Daily Show, as well as his bestselling books including Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, and sell-out global shows. Ticket prices start from Dhs295 and can be purchased here.
Trevor Noah, Off The Record Tour. Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. Tuesday, October 3, from Dhs295. livenation.me
Matilda the Musical
When: October 3 to 12, 2023
Where: Dubai Opera
In the past few years, Dubai Opera has thrilled us with a number of phenomenal musicals from Mamma Mia! to Chicago, the Musical; Footloose and so much more. This year, the performing arts centre has announced that yet another highly popular musical will be gracing its stage – Matilda the Musical. The multi-award-winning performance by The Royal Shakespeare Company will be heading to Dubai Opera for ten days from Tuesday, October 3 to 12. Tickets are now on sale on dubaiopera.com and start from Dhs325. Read more here.
Matilda The Musical, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Oct 3 to 12, 2023. Ticket prices start from Dhs325. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com
Lewis Capaldi
When: October 7, 2023
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Lewis Capaldi was originally set to perform on Monday, November 28 but the concert has been postponed to October 7, 2023. A statement on Capaldi stated that he was gutted to postpone his show as he is learning to adapt following the star’s recent diagnosis of Tourettes. If you purchased tickets for the gig at Coca-Cola Arena, your tickets will be automatically valid for the new date next year. His Dubai gig will now come after the release of his long-awaited second album, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, which will drop on May 19, 2023. Tickets are priced from Dhs199 and can be purchased on coca-cola-arena.com.
Lewis Capaldi, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai, Oct 7, coca-cola-arena.com
Kiss
Legendary American band KISS are set to rock Dubai later this year. The iconic four-piece will take to the stage at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on Friday October 13 as part of their ‘End of the World’ tour. KISS are best known for their unique look, black and white make-up and hit songs such as I Was Made for Lovin You, and Rock and Roll All Nite. The band last performed in Dubai in December 2020, when they headlined Atlantis, The Palm’s socially distanced New Year’s Eve bash. The event was live-streamed all over the world as many celebrated the new year in lockdown. Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 10am UAE time on Monday, June 5. You’ll need to be quick, as pre-sale is open for just 24 hours before general tickets go on sale. You can register now via coca-cola-arena.com.
KISS presents End of the World tour, Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Friday October 13. coca-cola-arena.com
November
Bryan Adams
When: November 4, 2023
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Ready to sing “I got my first real six-string…” at the top of your lungs with the legend himself? Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams is performing at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday, November 4. The superstar rocker, who is best known for his hits like Summer of ’69 and Everything I Do, will land in the capital as part of his world tour with his 15th studio album, So Happy It Hurts. Tickets are on sale now, you can purchase them directly from the Coca-Cola Arena website: coca-cola-arena.com
Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai. Saturday, November 4, 2023. From Dhs199. coca-cola-arena.com
Images: Getty Images and supplied
