These Opera Shows in Dubai Took My Imagination to a Different Level
While my friends love to splurge on shopping, spas and dinners, I love to treat myself to a good musical every now and then. And why not? These shows feed my soul and imagination more than any movie could.
So, one of the things I look forward to each year is the list of shows at the Dubai Opera. It’s a long repertoire, but I’m not complaining, especially with these top opera Dubai shows in the lineup.
La Bayadere
Media Credit: dubaiopera
Website: https://www.dubaiopera.com/en-US/product-details?ID=78d3c76d-59a6-ef11-b8e9-002248cb3595
Address: Dubai Opera – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai
Contact details: +971 4 440 8888
Operating hours:
- 14 February 2025 – 8:00 PM
- 15 February 2025 – 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
- 16 February 2025 – 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Price: AED 350 to AED 790
I don’t know about you, but there’s just something so mesmerising about watching a ballet musical. And if you ask me, La Bayadere is surely one of the best opera Dubai shows this year.
This ballet musical is set in ancient India where Nikiya, a temple dancer falls in love with the noble warrior Solor.
Being a forbidden love, their relationship ignites a series of trials that are meant to tear them apart including a web of lies and betrayal that lead to tragedy and heartbreak.
The “Kingdom of the Shades” scene is breathtaking and the entire production is nothing short of perfect. La Bayadere is led by Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko, two of the most prominent principal dancers of the Royal Ballet.
The National Theatre Brno Orchestra brings the musical to life with its beautiful score and the beautiful costumes really take you to a different world.
Pro tip:
Because of the intense scenes and unique twists in this musical, children 6 years old and below are not allowed to see the opera.
Eugene Onegin
Media Credit: dubaiopera
Website: https://www.dubaiopera.com/en-US/product-details?ID=5e7a2aec-7fb7-ef11-b8e8-0022480db960
Address: Dubai Opera – Sheikh MOhammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai
Contact details: +971 4 440 8888
Operating hours:
- 20 to 21 February 2025 – 8:00 PM
Price: AED 410 to AED 890
I bet you’d agree that Russian novels make for the best musicals, and Eugene Onegin is one of the best opera Dubai shows you’ll see.
Based on the classical novel of celebrated Russian poet and playwright Alexander Pushkin, Eugene Onegin follows a woman Tatyana who falls in love with Onegin.
Being young and naive, her confession of love was rejected and mistaken for arrogance.
Throughout the musical, you’ll feel the pain of unrequited love and the heartbreak of regrets for what was supposed to be a beautiful story.
The music from Tchaikovsky brought to life by the National Theatre Brno Opera also stirs different emotions that will surely have you glued on your seat throughout the entire show.
Pro tip:
With just two shows in Dubai this year, you can’t miss seeing Eugene Onegin. So make sure that you book your tickets online before it runs out.
Celebrity Concert: Francesca Dego, Francesca Leonardi
Media Credit: encoredubai
Website: https://www.dubaiopera.com/en-US/product-details?ID=5c0bad06-d9c8-ef11-b8e8-6045bd154be2
Address: Dubai Opera – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai
Contact details: +971 4 440 8888
Operating hours:
- 22 February 2025 – 8:00 PM
Price: AED 500
If you’re looking for an opera Dubai show to treat your parents, spouse or friend to, make it this concert.
World-renowned pianist Francesca Leonardi and violin virtuoso Francesca Dego come together to serenade you with their renditions of Brahms’ and Beethoven’s classics.
Whenever I watch these types of shows, I am truly mesmerised by the quality of music that I get to enjoy. After all, nothing beats seeing these extraordinary musicians live.
Francesca Dego has always been a favourite violinist, especially because of her impressive tone and energetic performances. To add to that, she uses a very rare Francesco Ruggeri violin in her concerts.
But if that’s not enough, she will also be accompanied by the incredibly talented pianist Francesca Leonardi who she has been in concert with for the last 20 years.
Pro tip:
While there’s no strict dress code for watching the concert, guests are advised to wear semi-formal outfits, avoiding jeans, shorts, flip-flops, and provocative outfits.
Tango After Dark
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Website: https://tango-afterdark.com/
Address: Dubai Opera – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai
Contact details: +971 4 440 8888
Operating hours:
- 26 April 2025 – 8:00 PM
- 27 April 2025 – 5:00 PM
Price: AED 330 to AED 630
Tango After Dark is high on my list of the best opera Dubai shows because of its intense performances and electrifying energy.
Being a frustrated dancer, seeing World Tango Champions Gisela Galeassi and German Cornejo dance so seamlessly on stage is a dream come true.
Tango After Dark showcases the beauty and grace of tango through music that really stirs your soul and movements that keep you on the edge of your seat.
And let’s not forget the concert’s amazing live band and stunning singers that complete this amazing experience.
Pro tip:
One of the most important things that you should remember when attending concerts is to always arrive on time to make sure that you don’t disturb other guests.
Carmina Burana – The Ballet
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Website: https://www.dubaiopera.com/en-US/product-details?ID=86a31e73-f174-ef11-a670-6045bd6b3fa1
Address: Dubai Opera – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai
Contact details: +971 4 440 8888
Operating hours:
- 23 May 2025 – 8:00 PM
- 24 May 2025 – 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Price: AED 330 to AED 603
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without one of the most magnificent ballet opera Dubai shows that I’ve seen, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.
Inspired by medieval times, this musical takes you on a journey of love, hope and destiny through very beautiful movements, stunning visuals and the best music.
The opening “O Fortuna” is one of my favourite parts of this musical and that emotion continues for the rest of the show.
But hey, you can’t expect anything but the best from the Maribor Ballet of the Slovene National Theatre and choreographer Edward Clug.
Pro tip:
With only three showing dates for the month of May, you have to book a ticket for the musical right away to ensure you get the best seats in the house.