These are the best musicals and plays to book now.

The UAE’s theatre scene is flourishing. It began with the arrival of Hamilton at Etihad Arena last year, and now culture vultures in the country can’t get enough of musicals, performances and productions. From Broadway breakouts like MAMMA MIA! to West End sensations like Les Misérables, these are the top UAE theatre shows to see this year.

STOMP: 29 to 31 May 2025

STOMP, a high-energy, rhythmic spectacle that transforms everyday objects into musical instruments, is coming to Dubai Opera this year. This show combines percussion, dance, and comedy to amaze and entertain. The STOMP performers use brooms, buckets, Zippo lighters, and even the kitchen sink to create a symphony of sound and movement. Their infectious energy and incredible synchronisation will have you tapping your feet and clapping along from the very first beat.

GO: Visit www.dubaiopera.com for tickets and more information.

MAMMA MIA!: 11 to 22 June 2025

UAE, here we go again. The marvellous musical MAMMA MIA! is making its way to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The show brings to life the magic and music of ABBA and has been running for more than 25 years, attracting an audience of more than 65 million people. MAMMA MIA! is set on a Greek Island and follows the relationship between a mother and daughter. Sophie is 20 years old and searching for her father. She discovers her mother’s diary and learns who her father might be. And, as she is about to get married, she wants her real father to walk her down the aisle. As a jukebox musical, the songs by ABBA’s Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus are at its heart. The hits include Lay All Your Love on Me, SOS, Super Trouper, Thank You For The Music, and The Winner Takes It All

GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information. 

Beetlejuice The Musical: 20 to 30 November 2025

If we say Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice three times, we might just summon the musical to the UAE. Beetlejuice The Musical is scheduled to take place at Etihad Arena from 20 to 30 November.  It’s based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film, Beetlejuice and tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a teenager dealing with grief and a distant father. She moves into a haunted house and meets Beetlejuice. He is determined to break free from his curse. The catch: Lydia is the only one who can see him and lift the curse. The production combines Tim Burton’s dark world of black comedy and gothic adventures. A mix of song and dance numbers have been added to the show, too.

GO: Follow @proactivevents_me on Instagram for more information. 

Once Upon a Time in Dubai: December 2025

The UAE’s first-ever musical, Once Upon a Time in Dubai, is set to take place in December 2025, marking a historic moment for the city and the UAE’s theatre scene. It’s the first time a show of this calibre has been produced in the region, setting a benchmark for future theatre performances. Set against the backdrop of Dubai itself, “Once Upon a Time in Dubai” will follow Will, an artist from London, as he relocates to Dubai, where he aims to create a musical extravaganza. The show is expected to attract 150,000 attendees, and an international tour is already in the works.

GO: Visit www.universalmusic.com for more information.