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Dubai’s live entertainment calendar is heading into a busy final stretch of 2026, with major international productions arriving across the city in November and December.
From the Broadway musical Chicago and a festive production of Cinderella to performances by the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra and the Russian opera The Tsar’s Bride, there are several notable theatre and classical music events to look out for before the year ends.
Here are four major shows currently confirmed for Dubai.
Chicago The Musical
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One of the biggest musical theatre productions coming to Dubai this year is Chicago, which will take over Coca-Cola Arena in December.
The award-winning musical is set in 1920s Chicago and follows performers Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they become caught up in crime, fame, and the media spotlight. The production combines jazz-inspired music, choreography, and dark comedy with its story of celebrity and the justice system.
The Dubai run is scheduled from December 16 to 20, 2026, giving audiences several opportunities to see the production.
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
When: December 16–20, 2026
Time: Afternoon and evening performances
Price: From AED 49
Cinderella
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Families looking for a festive theatre experience can catch Cinderella at the New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates this December.
The seasonal pantomime puts a festive spin on the familiar fairy tale, following Cinderella’s journey from an unhappy home life to the famous ball. The production is designed as a family-friendly show, with music, comedy, theatrical effects, and a cast featuring international and local performers.
Performances are scheduled on selected dates between December 5 and 24, 2026. Show times vary by date, with both daytime and afternoon performances listed.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: December 5–24, 2026, selected dates
Time: Varies by performance
Price: From AED 150
The Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra
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Classical music fans will have the chance to hear the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra in Dubai for the first time as part of the ensemble’s UAE visit.
The orchestra will perform at Dubai Opera on December 3, 2026, conducted by Valery Gergiev. The concert is part of the Bolshoi Theatre’s first official tour in the UAE and forms part of Dubai Opera’s 2026 programme.
The orchestra has a long history dating back to the formation of the company that would become the Bolshoi Theatre in the 18th century. Its Dubai performance will focus on symphonic repertoire rather than a staged opera production.
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
When: December 3, 2026
Time: 8 pm
Price: From AED 350
The Tsar’s Bride
The Bolshoi Theatre’s UAE visit continues with The Tsar’s Bride, a staged opera by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
The production tells a dramatic story set during the reign of Ivan the Terrible, centred on Marfa Sobakina and the events surrounding her selection as the tsar’s bride. The opera combines romance, rivalry and political intrigue against the backdrop of 16th-century Russia.
Dubai Opera has confirmed the performance for December 2, 2026, one day before the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra’s concert at the same venue.
Where: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
When: December 2, 2026
Time: 7 pm
Price: From AED 350
More theatre and live shows are coming to Dubai
With Chicago, Cinderella, the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra and The Tsar’s Bride all confirmed for the final months of 2026, Dubai’s end-of-year cultural calendar offers a mix of Broadway musical theatre, family entertainment, opera and classical music.
Dates and ticket prices can vary by performance, so audiences should check the latest event information before making plans.