Dubai’s much-anticipated first grand musical of its kind, Once Upon A Time in Dubai, will have celebrated director Johan Nus at the helm. Known for his dynamic and visionary direction across international productions including Arabs Got Talent, Nus is set to create an unforgettable theatrical experience that captures Dubai’s vibrant energy and ambition.

With a background that includes directing performances for X Factor and The Masked Singer, as well as acclaimed musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and Sweeney Todd, Nus brings a unique blend of creativity and global perspective to this ambitious project.

“Once Upon A Time in Dubai is not just a musical; it’s a bold celebration of culture, love, and ambition—values that define Dubai so well in my opinion. Directing this project is a dream come true, as it allows me to blend my passion for storytelling with the unmatched spirit of this incredible city. Audiences can expect a visual and emotional journey that will stay with them long after the curtains close.”

Set to premiere in December 2025, the musical is set to become a milestone project featuring 50 shows in Dubai for an anticipated 150,000 attendees before it embarks on a world tour and movie adaptation in subsequent years eventually.

Producer Stéphane Boukris, whose credentials include international successes like the Robin Hood musical, expressed his excitement about working with Nus: “Johan’s ability to connect with audiences through his direction is unparalleled. His vision aligns perfectly with what we want to achieve with Once Upon A Time in Dubai—a production that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with audiences around the globe. His expertise is critical in bringing this dream to life.”

The musical is a story of dreams, love, and determination, centered on Will, a young artist who moves to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of creating a spectacular show. With original compositions by renowned composer Nazim Khaled, the production promises a mix of chart-topping songs and emotionally evocative music.

Once Upon A Time in Dubai is poised to redefine theatrical entertainment in the region, showcasing Dubai as a hub for global culture and creativity.

Highly-anticipated Bengali film Khadaan starring superstar duo Dev and Jisshu Sengupta, is all set for its global debut in Dubai this Friday.

Extensively shot across the coal mines of Bengal, the film is based upon the gruesome tale of revolt, tussle for power and friendship between two workers in the coal mines of Damodar Valley, who try to change to change their fate along with the destiny of the other workers.

The gripping drama, released in Indian theatres in December, is the fourth highest grossing Indian Bengali film of all time and features stunning performances, captivating storytelling and memorable music.

“We’re thrilled to bring Bengal’s cinematic magic to Dubai’s vibrant cultural scene. Our opening show at 6pm on Jan 25 sold out within minutes which is why we have had to add another show the same day” said Sudip Saha, spokesperson for GEM Enterprises that’s bought the rights of the movie in the UAE. “We have showcased Bengli movies like Projpoti and Aparajito in Dubai in the past to a huge reception but this is going to be a truly historic moment for all of us because Khadaan has been uniting cinema lovers from across the border and worldwide, celebrating the rich heritage of Bengali cinema.”

Presented by GEM Enterprises, the global premiere will take place at Star Cinema, Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai with two shows scheduled for 6pm, which is sold out, and 6.30pm.

The film stars Dev in dual roles, alongside Jisshu Sengupta, of Manikarnika and Piku fame, in lead roles, while Barkha Bisht, Idhika Paul, Anirban Chakrabarti, John Bhattacharya and Sneha Bose play other pivotal roles. It marked Dev’s debut as creative directorand a comeback to the action genre after a few years.

Event Details

Date: January 25th

Venue: Star Cinema, Al Ghurair Centre

⁠Showtimes: 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM

Tickets: https://www.starcinemas.ae/now-showing-booking/1423/1/

In a dazzling celebration of talent and ambition, Australian Omar Dean, the internationally acclaimed singer and finalist on The X Factor Australia and The Voice Middle East, was officially revealed today as the lead in Once Upon A Time in Dubai, Dubai’s first-ever grand musical. The announcement took place at Instagram Headquarters in Dubai, where the event also marked the launch of the production’s first single, “Stranger in the World,” accompanied by the premiere of its highly anticipated music video.

The journey to this moment has been a labor of love, reflecting Dubai’s relentless drive to lead in culture and creativity on the global stage. Frenchman Stephane Boukris, the producer of the musical, described the significance of casting Omar Dean in the lead role. “Omar brings a unique blend of passion, talent, and global appeal that perfectly aligns with the essence of this musical. His journey as an artist mirrors Dubai’s story—a place where dreams are realised and creativity knows no bounds. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him as the face and voice of this production.”

The event also offered a first look into the musical’s world with a live performance of “Stranger in the World,” featuring Omar’s powerful and soulful voice. His performance left no doubt about the depth of emotion and artistry he brings to the production. Speaking on the occasion, Omar Dean shared his excitement and gratitude, saying, “It’s an absolute honour to be chosen as the lead for Once Upon A Time in Dubai. This musical is more than just a production; it’s a celebration of everything Dubai represents—hope, ambition, and unity. I’m deeply humbled to play a part in bringing this extraordinary story to life and to share it with audiences around the globe.”

The premiere of the music video for “Stranger in the World” further heightened the anticipation for the musical, offering a visual and emotional glimpse into the epic narrative that awaits audiences.

Set to premiere in December 2025, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is more than a theatrical production, said Boukris, who also produced Robin Des Bois that became France’s number one musical in 2013 after it sold over a million tickets across Europe. “It is a cultural milestone that reflects the emirate’s spirit and ambition and there is no doubt, this musical is poised to captivate global audiences, blending exceptional storytelling, unforgettable music, and a celebration of Dubai’s role as a crossroads of cultures,” added the Frenchman who has more than ten years of expertise in entrepreneurship with a track record of successfully creating businesses in the digital sector.

With today’s unveiling of Dean, an Australian of Lebanese descent, as the lead and the release of “Stranger in the World,” the journey toward this groundbreaking production has officially begun. “Dubai is ready to share its story with the world, and Once Upon A Time in Dubai promises to be the stage where dreams come alive,” said Boukris. “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.”

Once Upon A Time in Dubai is expected to be performed in front of at least 150,000 spectators in Dubai before embarking on an international tour and an exciting screen adaptation, making it Dubai’s first truly global production of a scale and vision never before conceived in the region.

A Stellar Creative Team

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.

An Unforgettable Story

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.

About Stéphane Boukris:

 Stephen Boukris is an innovative French music producer and creative visionary with a deep passion for storytelling through music and entertainment. Based in Dubai, he is the mastermind behind “Once Upon A Time in Dubai,” the first-ever international musical produced entirely in the city.

 With extensive experience in the global music industry and a reputation for blending cultures, Stephen has collaborated with leading artists and brands, bringing groundbreaking productions to life. With a deep passion for storytelling through music, he has successfully produced the critically acclaimed “Robin Hood” musical, which sold over 1 million tickets.

About Universal Music Group

At Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms, and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. For more information, visit www.universalmusic.com.