Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping malls, retail, and leisure group across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, is thrilled to introduce New Covent Garden at Mall of the Emirates. Set to launch in the first quarter of next year, New Covent Garden is poised to become Dubai’s premier destination for arts and culture, offering an immersive blend of theater, dance, music, and wellness experiences. This dynamic hub will not only enrich Dubai’s cultural landscape but also position the city as a global leader in the performing arts.
A State-of-the-Art Venue: Theatre, Dance Studios, and Wellness Spaces
At the heart of New Covent Garden is a cutting-edge 575-seater theater that will host a diverse array of performances, from West End musicals to Arabic plays, ballet, opera, and comedy shows. Complementing this is a Black Box Theatre for experimental performances, ten dedicated dance and rehearsal studios, and a holistic yoga and Pilates space—all under one roof. This state-of-the-art venue is a haven for creativity and performance, bringing a world-class arts experience to both Dubai residents and international visitors.
Each performance space within New Covent Garden has been designed with both professional artists and emerging talent in mind, offering them a platform to hone their skills and showcase their art. These facilities set new benchmarks for arts education and entertainment in the UAE, fostering a community that embraces diverse artistic expressions.
World-Class Productions: A Cultural Melting Pot
New Covent Garden is committed to bringing first-class entertainment to Dubai, featuring international stars alongside homegrown talent. Visitors can look forward to an extensive lineup of West End musicals, family-friendly shows, concerts, stand-up comedy, and more. This carefully curated mix of productions is designed to appeal to Dubai’s cosmopolitan audience, ensuring there is something for everyone.
The involvement of entertainment industry professionals like Lisa Scott-Lee of STEPS fame and Johnny Shentall-Lee, renowned for his work on the original West End cast of Footloose the Musical, underscores the high standards of artistry that New Covent Garden will uphold. This venue will be a magnet for artists and audiences alike, promising memorable experiences that celebrate the richness of global and regional cultures.
A Vision for Dubai’s Cultural Future
According to Hussain Moosa, Mall Director of Mall of the Emirates, New Covent Garden represents a bold step forward in enhancing Dubai’s cultural and performing arts landscape. As Dubai’s population becomes more diverse and its appetite for arts and culture grows, there is an increasing need for world-class venues that cater to these evolving preferences. “With New Covent Garden,” says Moosa, “we are bringing to the Middle East an iconic cultural force—one that cements this already iconic mall as a center for creativity, performance, and community engagement.”
This vision for Dubai’s future as a global arts destination aligns seamlessly with Majid Al Futtaim’s mission to create unique and transformative experiences. New Covent Garden will not only provide a platform for cultural expression but also foster community and connection through the universal language of art.
Empowering the Next Generation of Artists and Performers
New Covent Garden’s ten dance and rehearsal studios are poised to elevate the Dance and Performing Arts scene in the UAE to new heights. This venue will serve as a training ground for both professional performers and budding artists, offering workshops, classes, and mentorship programs. This commitment to arts education will provide invaluable opportunities for performers of all ages and skill levels to learn, grow, and thrive.
The studios are also backed by a unique collaboration with Debbie Moore OBE, founder of the iconic Pineapple Dance Studios in London. This marks the first-ever international expansion of Pineapple Dance Studios, bringing a legendary institution in dance education to the Middle East. This partnership will ensure that New Covent Garden offers the highest standards in dance training, making it a cornerstone for the region’s artistic development.
A Dream Realized: A Creative Hub for All
For Lisa Scott-Lee, Founder and Principal of Dubai Performing Arts Academy, and Johnny Shentall-Lee, New Covent Garden has been a long-held dream. They have envisioned this venue as a creative home for performers, dancers, musicians, and artists—a space where passion for the arts can flourish and where the community can come together to celebrate creativity. “New Covent Garden is an exciting and unique venue,” says Scott-Lee, “with a beautifully equipped 575-seater Theatre, ten dance and rehearsal studios, and all the amenities needed for a truly world-class performance experience. We can’t wait to wow the audiences.”
This project not only reflects their dedication to the arts but also their deep connection to Dubai, a city they have called home for over a decade. New Covent Garden embodies their commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive space that fosters creativity and supports Dubai’s growing arts community.
Majid Al Futtaim’s Commitment to Dubai’s Cultural Landscape
The launch of New Covent Garden is part of Majid Al Futtaim’s broader mission to enhance the cultural fabric of Dubai. By investing in venues that celebrate the diversity of artistic expression and offer world-class entertainment, Majid Al Futtaim is helping to shape Dubai’s reputation as a thriving cultural capital. The collaboration with Live Nation Middle East for the debut show in 2025 only underscores this commitment, ensuring that New Covent Garden will deliver exceptional experiences that resonate with audiences from all over the world.
As Dubai continues to establish itself as a global arts destination, New Covent Garden will play a vital role in attracting international attention and drawing visitors who are eager to explore the city’s cultural offerings. Majid Al Futtaim’s investment in this ambitious project demonstrates a profound belief in the power of the arts to enrich lives, build community, and create lasting connections.
Why New Covent Garden is a Game-Changer for Dubai
- Unmatched Facilities: With a 575-seater theatre, ten dance studios, and wellness spaces, New Covent Garden offers a comprehensive arts and entertainment experience, catering to diverse interests and age groups.
- World-Class Performances: From international musicals to Arabic plays and family shows, the venue provides a multicultural lineup that reflects Dubai’s cosmopolitan spirit.
- Empowerment and Education: By offering training programs and educational workshops, New Covent Garden nurtures local talent and supports the next generation of artists in the UAE.
- A Cultural Beacon for Dubai: Positioned in the iconic Mall of the Emirates, New Covent Garden will enhance Dubai’s profile on the global arts and culture map, drawing artists, performers, and audiences from across the globe.
New Covent Garden at Mall of the Emirates is more than just a venue—it’s a cultural landmark that promises to elevate Dubai’s performing arts scene, enrich the lives of its residents, and captivate international visitors. As a hub for creativity, learning, and community, New Covent Garden is set to become an unmissable destination for anyone who loves the arts.
