Where to enjoy the best theatre experiences in the UAE
As one of the most popular destinations amongst tourists, the UAE has surely made a name for itself in the world of entertainment. From mega international concerts to grand theatrical performances, the country has a vibrant culture that appreciates art in all its forms. If you too have an appreciation for art, particularly live plays with a healthy dose of drama, comedy and theatrics, you’ll definitely want to check what’s playing at the best UAE theatres. Here’s our guide to the country’s finest playhouses.
BEST THEATRES IN THE UAE
Live theatre is considered to be one of the finest and most exquisite forms of entertainment. Want to catch the latest productions? Here are some of the best UAE theatres you should put on your list.
DUBAI OPERA
Dubai Opera is (hands down) one of the best theatres in the UAE. This venue is the city’s premier performing arts venue, bringing art and music to life in a unique way. It is the gem of The Opera District, located in Downtown Dubai, the hub of all the haps in the town.
Dubai Opera’s famous dhow-shaped structure is a modern design masterpiece and a striking tribute to Dubai’s seafaring heritage. The building’s beautiful design, created by architect Janus Rostock, allows it to morph into three modes: a theatre, music hall and banquet or event hall in a ‘flat floor’ mode.
This UAE theatre holds a wide range of performances and events, including opera, ballet, orchestras, concerts, fashion shows, live entertainment and art exhibitions. The upcoming Dubai Opera shows for 2023 carry a mix of all that and more for theatre enthusiasts.
It also features a spectacular rooftop restaurant and sky garden with views of the Dubai Fountain and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-440-8888
LA PERLE BY DRAGONE
La Perle by Dragone hosts the UAE’s first permanent show of the same name. The stunning performance combines breathtaking dance with thrilling stunts in its unique theatre.
La Perle, created by acclaimed creative director Franco Dragone, pays tribute to the UAE’s pearl diving legacy in spectacular fashion with a purpose-built stage that adds greater depth to the performance.
This UAE theatre offers a spectacular blend of immersive and creative performances inspired by Dubai’s rich culture, dynamic present and aspiring future.
The 270-degree seating at La Perle offers a unique perspective of the action unfolding making the audiences feel immersed in the performance. The show also features mind-blowing feats, such as aerial acrobatics, motor cycle stunts and diving from 25 metres above ground into the water.
- Location: Al Habtoor City, 260 Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-437-0001 | +971-4-437-0037
THEATRE BY QE2
Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), the former British ocean liner is transitioned into five star hotel. The must visit attraction in Dubai is also home to a grand theatre which can accommodate upto 515 people.
The theatre hosts an array of shows featuring regional, local and international artists. Want to plan a visit to this stunning venue? Our guide will help you keep informed about the upcoming shows at Theatre by QE2.
- Location: Port Mina Rashid, Dubai
- Contact: 971-58-838-3107
THEATRE OF DIGITAL ART
It’s impossible to talk about best theatres in the UAE and not mention the Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA). This one-of-a-kind venue combines art with modern technology. If you want to marvel at the work of the most celebrated artists around the world, this is your go-to place.
ToDA features contemporary installations, multimedia exhibitions and VR-based pieces to amplify the artistic experience for the visitors.
- Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-575-4739
THE JUNCTION DUBAI
Located in Alserkal Avenue, the Junction was developed in 2015 as a theatre where local and regional talent may thrive. It provides a space that fosters a greater understanding of arts where performers are encouraged to take risks.
Many professional acts, travelling troupes, foreign productions and talent flock to The Junction Dubai to express themselves, improve their skills, and demonstrate that arts and culture are always evolving.
- Location: Unit H72, Alserkal Avenue, 17 St. Corner 8 St, Al Quoz, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-338-8525
THE THEATRE AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Located in the Mall of the Emirates, this remarkable cultural centre includes two magnificent theatrical spaces. It also accommodates a variety of workshops, dancing and performing arts classes, private function rooms and many other activities.
- Location: Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-299-2282
NATIONAL THEATRE
The National Theatre in Abu Dhabi is the region’s largest auditorium, which first opened in 1981. This is a multi-purpose venue for performing plays, displaying films and holding different kinds of conferences and exhibitions.
The auditorium consists of a whopping 2,250-seat auditorium. This UAE theatre hosts plays, screen movies and other events. It is equipped with world-class lighting, sound and film projection systems.
National Theatre also has a lecture and conference hall that can hold up to 150 people, as well as an art gallery. Two exhibition halls in the complex house display permanent collections of local artists’ paintings, sculptures and other works of art.
- Location: Fatima Bint Mubarak Street, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-443-5646
THEATRE BY ERTH
Featuring 631 seats with a state-of-the-art auditorium, Theatre by Erth is definitely worth a visit. It was initially established as the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel but was later turned into an entertainment venue.
The theatre features Royal Boxes if you want to have a VIP experience.
- Location: Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: 971-58-838-3107
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO THEATRES IN THE UAE ALLOW KIDS?
Most of the theatres in the UAE are family friendly and allow kids but you might want to call ahead and confirm the fact before heading to your show.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR LIVE CONCERTS IN THE UAE?
The top venues for live concerts in the UAE are Etihad Arena and the Dubai Opera.
WHICH ARE THE BEST CINEMAS IN DUBAI?
Looking for something unique? Greenroom, Dine-in Cinema by Reel Cinemas and Platinum Plus are some of the top cinemas in Dubai which are worth visiting.
ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING EVENTS IN DUBAI?
Yes! There are plenty of exiting upcoming events in Dubai including Ramadan Street Food Festival, Zamna Festival and Varun Grover Live.
ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING EVENTS IN ABU DHABI?
The capital has plenty of spectacular events lined up. The top Abu Dhabi events are 100/100 Best Arabic Poster Exhibition, Tales from Al Ain at Jahili Fort and BRED by Hypebeast.
This concludes our guide to the best theatres in the UAE. If you are looking to watch a live show on a smaller scale, make sure to visit The Courtyard Playhouse in Dubai.
Want to experience a truly magical show? Fontana Circus Dubai has it all – from heart-stopping aerial acrobatics to mesmerising water ballet. Read our guide to know everything from Fontana circus timings to tickets.
If an outdoor event is your thing, the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre is the right place for you. And if you’re an art enthusiast at heart, you should definitely visit Louvre Abu Dhabi where you can enjoy exhibitions, art galleries and much more!
