Dubai Opera Raises the Bar with a Star-Studded Concert Season

From Benjamin Clementine and Ibrahim Maalouf to the legendary Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Dubai Opera is bringing an impressive lineup of international talent to the stage between October and December 2026.

Dubai Opera is making a strong statement this season. With a lineup spanning classical music, jazz, flamenco, contemporary sounds and internationally acclaimed performers, the venue is strengthening its position as one of the region's leading destinations for live performance.

International names take centre stage

The season opens with the Gipsy Kings, led by André Reyes, on 22 October. Known around the world for hits including Bamboleo and Djobi Djoba, the group returns with a symphonic interpretation of its signature flamenco-rumba sound.

On 1 November, British singer, poet and pianist Benjamin Clementine takes the stage. Winner of the 2015 Mercury Prize for his debut album At Least for Now, Clementine has built an international reputation for his unmistakable voice, experimental compositions and theatrical stage presence.

Another highlight arrives on 27 November, when Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji joins internationally renowned trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf for À La Française, a concert bringing together French musical heritage and their distinctive artistic worlds.

Classical music with international ambition

The classical programme is equally compelling.

On 25 October, the UAE National Orchestra presents Romantic Masters, exploring works by Rossini, Mendelssohn and Brahms under conductor Umberto Clerici, with Hungarian violinist Júlia Pusker as soloist.

Italian tenor Luca Minnelli, known as the Golden Voice of Venice, follows on 5 November, with a repertoire drawing on Italian classics, opera and familiar melodies.

But perhaps the most significant institutional highlight comes on 3 December, when the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra makes its Dubai Opera debut.

Founded in 1776, the historic Russian ensemble is celebrating 250 years of musical heritage. Conducted by Valery Gergiev, its appearance brings one of the world's most established orchestral institutions to Dubai.

The programme continues on 11 December with Lebanese-Armenian pianist and composer Guy Manoukian, returning for his landmark tenth performance at Dubai Opera. His music moves between oriental melodies, contemporary arrangements and reinterpretations of well-known classics.

Finally, on 16 December, internationally acclaimed pianist Denis Matsuev presents Classics & Jazz, a performance combining classical virtuosity with jazz influences, alongside guest musicians.

Dubai Opera's growing place on the cultural map

Since opening in 2016, Dubai Opera has played an important role in expanding the city's performing arts offering.

This season illustrates how the venue is continuing to develop its international profile, with a programme that moves confidently between popular music, major orchestral institutions and celebrated solo performers.

It also reflects a broader evolution in Dubai's cultural landscape. The city's ambitions are increasingly visible not only through its museums, galleries and art fairs, but also through the calibre and diversity of the performances it attracts.

For audiences, the message is simple: some of the most compelling musical experiences of the season are happening right here in Dubai.