A first-of-its-kind musical will premiere in Dubai in December 2025 in celebration of the city’s global status. The region's groundbreaking spectacle will blend music and storytelling to entertain at least 150,000 spectators.

‘Once Upon A Time in Dubai’ has been launched by Dubai-based French music producer Stéphane Boukris and Universal Music MENA – a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment.

It is supported by key partners ALL, Accor’s award-winning loyalty programme and McDonald’s.

“This is more than just a musical — it’s a celebration of Dubai’s incredible energy and global status,” said Boukris, the man behind Robin Hood musical that’s sold over 1 million tickets across Europe so far.

“We are bringing together a world-class team and creating something truly unique that blends music, storytelling, and the spirit of this extraordinary city.

“This is the first time a musical of this magnitude has been planned in the region, and we’re certain this will go a long way in reshaping Dubai’s cultural landscape.”

The musical score is composed by Nazim Khaled, a leading European composer for singers like Kendji Girac, renowned for crafting hits that resonate globally and have garnered over 4 billion views globally.

The music for ‘Once Upon A Time in Dubai’ is a unique blend of chart-topping songs and evocative compositions that drive the narrative forward. Ahead of the musical’s release, fans can expect a debut single and a music video, offering a taste of the musical magic to come.

The director of the show is Johan Nus, well-known in the Middle-East for his work on Arabs Got Talent or The Masked Singer, and as executive producer, Gilles Papain, who has worked on shows like Celine in Las Vegas, Disney World of Colors in California, and Christian Louboutin’s show at the Crazy Horse in Paris.

The Story of a Young Artist

Set in the heart of Dubai, the show tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. The narrative weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the vibrant culture of Dubai, promising an unforgettable journey for audiences.

Call for Talent

The production team also announced the launch of an open casting call for seven singers and 20 dancers of all nationalities to bring the musical’s dynamic characters to life. 

“This is a rare opportunity for performers from all backgrounds to be part of something truly special. We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for passion and diversity to help us bring this vibrant story to life,” said Boukris.

Mark Flower, Vice President Commercial Market Strategy, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at Accor said: “This is a fantastic partnership between ALL, the award-winning booking platform and loyalty programme by Accor and Once Upon a Time and Universal Music through a truly immersive musical experience.

“It offers access and visibility to members of ALL and exposure at over 84 properties in the United Arab Emirates across Accor’s portfolio of participating brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Ennismore’s SLS, Sofitel, Swissotel, Mövenpick, Pullman, Mercure, Ibis and more.

“For Members of ALL, it unlocks a world of Limitless Experiences through VIP tickets, meet-and-greets, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, creating unforgettable money-can’t-buy experiences. Together, we are fostering innovation and inspiring new ways of connecting people and cultures all around the world.”

Recording for the album is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024 with release of the first single scheduled by year’s end. – TradeArabia News Service