Once Upon A Time in Dubai
| Once Upon a Time in Dubai | |
|---|---|
| Music | Nazim Khaled, Duan Charly |
| Lyrics | Marina Kova, Jacopo, Eliott Milstein, and collaborators |
| Book | Stéphane Boukris |
| Premiere | 20 December 2025: The Agenda, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Productions | 2025 Dubai |
Search Once Upon A Time in Dubai on Amazon.
Once Upon a Time in Dubai is the first original musical created in the United Arab Emirates and in the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It is co-produced by French producer Stéphane Boukris and Universal Music Group MENA, and is scheduled to premiere on 20 December 2025 at The Agenda, a 3,000-seat venue in Dubai that has previously hosted international acts such as the Backstreet Boys. The production aims to attract more than 150,000 spectators in its first season.[1]
The show, described as a "love letter to Dubai," combines contemporary pop and theatrical storytelling, with music developed in collaboration with international and regional artists. An adaptation for Netflix is under discussion for 2030.
Background
The project was conceived by producer Stéphane Boukris, who relocated to Dubai in 2024. Before this production, Boukris was one of the creators of Robin des Bois, a French musical that became a hit in the early 2010s and drew nearly one million spectators.[2][circular reference]
The musical was announced in 2024 in partnership with Universal Music Group MENA, with casting calls held in Dubai. Patrick Boulos, CEO of Universal Music MENA, is also credited as a producer.
Synopsis
The story follows a group of young dreamers navigating love, ambition, and cultural discovery in Dubai. Characters include Sophia, Will, Zeina, and others representing both expatriate and Emirati communities. Songs such as "Belong", "Think Big", "Stranger in the World" and "Crying in the Desert" explore themes of identity, ambition and belonging.
Production
- Producers: Stéphane Boukris, Universal Music Group MENA, Patrick Boulos
- Executive producer: Gilles Papin (Céline Las Vegas, Disney World of Color, Ballets de Monte Carlo)
- Director: Johann Nus (Arabs Got Talent, The Masked Singer)
- Music: Nazim Khaled (collaborations with Sia, Kendji Girac), Duan Charly and others
- Lyrics: Marina Kova, Jacopo, Eliott Milstein and others
- Technical director: Karl Jenkins (Cirque du Soleil, Dragone)
- Lighting design: Marco Gatella (X Factor Dubai)
- Scenography: D-Labs, Julie Drouin
- Costumes: Carl JKFH
Original Cast
- Joe Woolford – contestant on The Voice UK and UK representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016
- Melissa Jeffrey
- Shay Lachman – appeared in the Dutch production of Disney’s Aladdin
- Enzo S – contestant on The Voice France
- Isiako – performer on Dubai’s nightlife scene
- Amanda Maalouf – participant in X Factor Dubai
- Jessica Alves – performer on Dubai’s nightlife scene
Venue
The premiere will be staged at The Agenda in Dubai Media City. The venue has a capacity of 3,000 and has previously hosted major international acts including the Backstreet Boys.[3]
Music
Songs from the show have been released by Universal Music Group MENA:
- "Habibi" (Amanda Maalouf, written by Nazim Khaled and Marina Kova)[4]
- "Stranger in the World (Ensemble Version)" – Joe Woolford, Jessica Alves, Melissa Jeffrey, Shay Lachman, Amanda Maalouf, Enzo S, Isiako[5]
- Other singles: "Step Into the Dance", "Think Big", "The Greatest".
Marketing and Promotion
The campaign includes partnerships with Accor, McDonald's, Carrefour, Careem, Property Finder, Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, Meta, GEMS Education, and Majid Al Futtaim.
Financing
The budget is backed by over USD 3 million in private investment from Stéphane Boukris, along with corporate sponsorships (Accor, McDonald's, PropertyFinder)
Future Plans
Following its first season in Dubai, producers plan a second season at the Agenda, a regional tour, and a Netflix adaptation planned for 2030.
Reception
Before its premiere, the production was highlighted by local media as a cultural milestone for Dubai. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Economy and Tourism, stated:
- "We truly believe Once Upon a Time in Dubai will be a milestone event for the city’s entertainment landscape, and we look forward to seeing its impact unfold."
See also
- Culture of Dubai
- Universal Music Group
- Musical theatre
References
- ↑ "Once Upon a Time in Dubai – Visit Dubai". Visit Dubai. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ↑ "Robin des Bois (comédie musicale)". Wikipedia (FR). Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ↑ "The Agenda – Dubai". The Agenda. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ↑ "Habibi – YouTube". YouTube/Universal Music MENA. 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ↑ "Stranger In The World (From Once Upon A Time In Dubai The Musical) [Ensemble Version]". Apple Music UAE. 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
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