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History in the making: Once Upon a Time in Dubai, region’s first original global musical unveils cast, new single

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The excitement around Once Upon a Time in Dubai, the region’s first truly global musical, has reached new heights with the official release of its upbeat anthem Habibi, performed by rising Lebanese star Amanda Maalouf. Known for her powerful vocal range and stage charisma, the Dubai resident takes centre stage in this track as Zeina, one of the lead characters in the show.

Composed by the internationally acclaimed Nazim Khaled and released under Universal Music MENA, this uplifting anthem blends international pop with Arabic rhythms and celebrates the very ‘multicultural heartbeat of Dubai’, according to Stéphane Boukris, the French entreprenuer and creator behind the musical he describes as a ‘genre-bending spectacle’ – all set to bring together Broadway and West End flair, cinematic visuals and a diverse international cast to Dubai for the very first time.

“It is a vibrant, feel-good tribute to the spirit of Dubai,” said Boukris, who previously produced the hit musical Robin Hood that sold over one million tickets across Europe. “The song captures the warmth, ambition and energy that define this city. We wanted a track that resonates with both residents and the world.”

Released this week on all major streaming platforms, Habibi marks a major milestone for the musical set to premiere in December 2025.

The single is accompanied by a stunning video teaser, shot against Dubai’s iconic skyline and desert dunes, reflecting the show’s larger-than-life scale. The song offers a sneak peek into the show’s soundscape, which blends Eastern melodies and Western arrangements – a signature style of the musical.

“Creating Habibi was about capturing the sound of a new Dubai – bold, inclusive, and full of rhythm. It’s a song that blends east and west, tradition and innovation, much like the city itself,” said Khaled, the composer who’s worked with artists like Kendji Girac in the past and whose compositions have garnered billions of views globally.

Once Upon a Time in Dubai 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. Themes of love, ambition, and Dubai’s vibrant culture are woven into the narrative.

The creators of the show that include director Johan Nus, known in the region for his work on Arabs Got Talent and The Masked Singer and Gilles Papain as the executive producer with experience on major productions like Celine in Las Vegas and Disney World of Colors in California, also announced the full international cast, one that brings together a remarkable ensemble of international talents, each with a unique artistic journey.

Stellar ensemble of international talents

Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf stars as Zeina, a powerful voice navigating the tension between tradition and ambition. British talent Melissa Jeffrey, a tenacious dancer and singer who began full-time training at just 11 and later earned scholarships at London’s elite Urdang Academy, takes on the female lead role of Sophia. While Joe Woolford, also from the UK and a charismatic rapper whose rise to fame began on The Voice UK and culminated with his Eurovision appearance, plays the male lead Will.

Dubai-based performer Isiako (Khalid) infuses the stage with Mediterranean flair and a mix of reggaeton, soul, and pop as Portuguese vocalist Jessica Alves brings poise and energy to the role of Kim, drawing from her rich experience in Dubai’s live music scene. Dutch musical theatre star Shay Lachman takes on Gautam, adding depth with his classical training and international stage experience from productions across Europe and Asia.

Adding a soulful layer to the production is Canadian-Lebanese singer Enzo S, who plays Elias, the heart of the group. A semi-finalist from The Voice France Season 9, Enzo’s performance is shaped by more than 15 years of global stage experience and a strong academic foundation in jazz and gospel from Montreal’s Concordia University.

Speaking about the diverse ensemble, director Nus said, “We have gathered talent from across continents with each performer bringing their authentic voice and a bit of their culture to the stage. This show could only happen in Dubai.”

The musical is set to debut in December 2025 with a full-scale theatrical production that promises a rich blend of music, dance, and storytelling. “Each of these performers brings a unique voice, story, and spirit to the production,” added Boukris. “This is not just a show — it’s a love letter to Dubai through the eyes and voices of the world.”

Now, with the soundtrack’s first single Habibi available on all major platforms, the countdown to the premiere in December has officially begun.

The musical’s official Instagram handle @ouatidubai and website onceuponatimeindubai.com will continue to release behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and teaser content in the lead-up to opening night.

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Dubai travel: Emirates minimises disruptions, reassures travellers ahead of summer holidays

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Despite heightened regional tensions on June 23, Emirates Airline resumed regular operations within hours, with only minimal disruptions reported across its global network.

The Dubai-based carrier activated its contingency and disruption plans following the latest regional developments, swiftly stabilising operations without any flight diversions and only a few route cancellations. Most affected flights were rerouted slightly to avoid restricted airspace, resulting in limited delays due to congestion.

In a statement, Emirates confirmed that its scheduled services resumed quickly and that the airline had maintained operations to the majority of destinations. Flights to Amman and Beirut, which were briefly suspended, resumed shortly after, demonstrating Emirates’ agility in responding to dynamic situations while ensuring traveller safety.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” the airline said, noting it would never operate any flight unless it meets the strictest safety regulations. Emirates continues to coordinate closely with global aviation authorities and regularly evaluates the security landscape to reroute aircraft if needed.

Keeping Passengers Informed

The airline kept its customers up to date throughout the disruptions via its website, social media channels, and through dedicated reservation teams, who assisted travellers in adjusting itineraries as needed.

Looking Ahead to Summer Travel

As Emirates prepares for a surge in summer travel, the airline said it remains ready to adapt to any changing conditions. “With the UAE’s strong infrastructure and support systems, we are fully prepared to continue safe and smooth operations,” the airline added.

Travellers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and stay informed through official Emirates communication channels.

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Latest UAE travel update: What travellers, especially to India, need to know amid flight disruptions 

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Several UAE-based airlines have issued disruptions in their service and route changes as a precautionary response following heightened regional tensions after Iran attacks Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar

UAE residents planning to travel this week are advised to double-check their flight status before heading to the airport, as ongoing regional tensions have led to disruptions across several major carriers.

Following Iran’s attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, airlines including Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have rerouted or cancelled select flights to ensure passenger safety amid restricted airspace and rising geopolitical risk.

What UAE Airlines Are Saying

Etihad Airways

  • Cancelled flights on Tuesday (June 24) to/from Kuwait, Doha, and Dammam:
    • EY651/652 (Abu Dhabi – Kuwait)
    • EY663/664 (Abu Dhabi – Doha)
    • EY575/576 (Abu Dhabi – Dammam)
  • Flights to Israel remain suspended until July 15.
  • The airline confirmed it is using only approved airspace and warned that the situation is highly dynamic.
  • Passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled destinations will not be accepted for travel.

Emirates Airline

  • Has rerouted flights away from conflict zones.
  • Temporary suspension of all flights to Iran and Iraq (Tehran, Baghdad, Basra) until June 30.
  • Warns of potential delays due to longer routes and airspace congestion.

flydubai

  • Flights on June 24 resumed, but delays remain possible.
  • Temporary suspension of services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg (Russia) until June 30.
  • Passengers heading to these destinations via Dubai will not be accepted from their point of origin.

Air Arabia

  • Advises passengers of possible disruptions due to airspace closures.
  • Suspended services to Jordan (until June 25) and Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan (until June 30).

Dubai/Abu Dhabi Airport Updates

  • Dubai Airports said operations across DXB and DWC have resumed, but some delays or cancellations may still occur. 
  • Travellers heading to India are especially advised to confirm flight status in advance. “Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on X.
  • Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi echoed similar advice: check with your airline before traveling.

Impact on International Flights

  • flydubai, Etihad, Emirates, and Air Arabia have adjusted or halted flights across the region.
  • IndiGo Airlines suspended flights to several Gulf cities including Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, and Abu Dhabi until at least 10am Tuesday.
  • Pakistan International Airlines has halted services to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai.
  • EgyptAir also cancelled Gulf-bound flights from Cairo.
  • Air Canada extended its Toronto–Dubai flight suspension until August 4.

Additional Restrictions

  • Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian-operated aircraft, including military flights—until July 23, 2025.

Travel Tips for UAE Passengers

  • Check flight status online or via airline apps before leaving home.
  • Expect delays even if your flight is not cancelled—reroutings may extend travel time.
  • If you are transiting through the UAE to a suspended destination, contact your airline immediately to explore alternative arrangements.

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Dubai Airports resume full operations after precautionary pause, travellers urged to check flight status

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Dubai Airports has announced the resumption of full operations at all its airports following a temporary precautionary pause, according to a statement from the Dubai Media Office.

“While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate according to approved schedules, some flights may experience delays or cancellations,” Dubai Airports wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

While the exact nature of the pause was not disclosed, authorities emphasised that the safety and well-being of all travellers and aviation staff remain the top priority.

Operations teams are now working closely with airlines to normalise flight schedules, but passengers may still encounter delays or cancellations as services stabilise.

“Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on its social media platform.

Travellers flying in or out of Dubai International (DXB) or Al Maktoum International (DWC) are strongly advised to:

  • Check directly with their airlines for real-time flight updates
  • Arrive early to allow extra time for check-in and security
  • Monitor official channels, including @DXBMediaOffice and @DubaiAirports

The temporary disruption comes as the summer travel season picks up, with a high volume of passengers expected in the coming weeks.

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