Once Upon A Time In Dubai: New Musical Premiering In December 2025, Casting Call Now Open

On Wednesday, Dubai witnessed the unveiling of "Once Upon A Time in Dubai," a groundbreaking musical set to premiere in December 2025. The event, led by Stéphane Boukris, a distinguished French music producer based in Dubai, and Universal Music MENA, part of the global leader in music-based entertainment, Universal Music Group (UMG), signifies a monumental step for Dubai's entertainment scene.

This innovative production, supported by major partners like ALL, Accor's acclaimed loyalty program, and McDonald's, represents the first endeavor of such magnitude in the region, promising to redefine Dubai's cultural outlook.

The musical's anticipated impact is considerable, aiming to draw at least 150,000 attendees in Dubai before it tours internationally and transitions into a film adaptation. This marks a pioneering venture for Dubai, introducing a production of such scope and creativity previously unseen in the region. The story's universal appeal, coupled with its deep roots in Dubai's vibrant culture and aspirations, sets the stage for an unprecedented global showcase.

A Stellar Creative Team and an Unforgettable Story

At the heart of this ambitious project is a creative team led by Nazim Khaled, a celebrated European composer known for his work with artists like Kendji Girac and achieving over 4 billion global views. The musical's score combines hit songs with original compositions to propel the narrative, offering a sneak peek through a debut single and music video prior to the show's launch.

Adding to the creative prowess, Johan Nus, recognized for his contributions to "Arabs Got Talent" and "The Masked Singer," takes the helm as director, with Gilles Papain, noted for his work on major productions like "Celine in Las Vegas" and Christian Louboutin's Crazy Horse show, serving as executive producer. Together, they promise to bring a blend of global appeal and regional flair to this musical endeavor.

The plot unfolds in Dubai, chronicling the journey of Will, a young artist from London who relocates to Dubai with dreams of staging a grand musical. Joined by his partner, Sophia, the narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the dynamic culture of Dubai, ensuring a memorable experience for audiences.

In a move to embody the diversity and spirit of Dubai, the production has announced an open casting call for seven singers and 20 dancers from all nationalities. Stéphane Boukris emphasizes the search for not only talent but passion and diversity to embody the vibrant story of Dubai, a city of dreams for many. This initiative underlines the musical's aim to celebrate Dubai's global cultural and innovative stature.

Mark Flower, Vice President Commercial Market Strategy for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkiye at Accor, highlighted the partnership between ALL and Universal Music, which offers a unique musical experience. This collaboration aligns with Accor's vision of augmented hospitality, blending travel, culture, and entertainment. It promises significant benefits for ALL members, including VIP access and exclusive experiences across Accor's vast network in the United Arab Emirates, further enhancing the cultural and connective fabric of the region.

The recording of the musical's album is slated for completion by the end of 2024, with the first single expected to be released within the same timeframe. This ambitious timeline underscores the meticulous preparation and anticipation building around "Once Upon A Time in Dubai," poised to be a landmark event in Dubai's entertainment history.