Majid Al Futtaim has announced the soft opening of the New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s arts and culture landscape. The venue is in collaboration with Lisa Scott-Lee and Johnny Shentall-Lee, as a multi-functional cultural destination. The place integrates performance, education, and community engagement in the city. New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai is hosting plays and comedy shows from 16th October onwards. Soon, the space will be fully operational, featuring a stunning café with al fresco dining and an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional theatre.
A New Cultural Destination at Mall of the Emirates
The new venue spans a state-of-the-art 600-seater theatre, ten dance and rehearsal studios. Moreover, there is a Yoga and Pilates space, a Black Box Theatre, and a restaurant and café. The combination of performance and creative training facilities aims to make the space a dynamic hub for both professionals and the general public.
While the soft launch began in September, the full cultural programming is set to roll out this winter. The theatre will host a wide range of performances, including West End musicals, Arabic plays, ballet, comedy shows, opera, concerts, and family productions. The aim is to create an inclusive cultural environment that reflects the diversity of Dubai’s residents and visitors.
Upcoming Highlights at New Covent Garden Theatre
The upcoming calendar at New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai, already includes several notable productions:
- Slava’s Snowshow — 14–26 October
- Ali Al Sayed: Alphabet Soup (Stand-up comedy special) — 30 November at 7:00 PM
- A Fairytale for Christmas — 19–21 December
Tickets for all performances are available through Platinumlist.
These productions form part of the venue’s broader mission to host international and regional artists.
Pineapple Dubai: Expanding a Global Dance Legacy
The new cultural space also includes Pineapple Dubai. It is the first international branch of London’s famous Pineapple Dance Studios, founded by Debbie Moore OBE. The studio will operate in partnership with Lisa Scott-Lee, founder of the Dubai Performing Arts Academy. Pineapple Dubai offers a structured programme of dance and performing arts classes.
Classes will cater to all ages and experience levels and you can book through the Classcard app. With ten fully equipped studios, Pineapple Dubai is positioned to become a key destination for the region’s dance and performing arts community.
Integrating Art and Learning at Mall of the Emirates
Beyond individual performances or classes, the New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai is designed as a long-term cultural investment. It aims to provide accessible arts education, professional opportunities for emerging performers, and an inclusive platform for cross-cultural collaboration. By offering both high-level productions and community-oriented workshops, the venue creates opportunities for participation rather than passive viewing. This aligns with Majid Al Futtaim’s vision to enhance everyday experiences by integrating art and culture into the urban environment.
Images: supplied
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