Mall of the Emirates has unveiled a major new cultural hub, introducing the New Covent Garden Theatre, Dubai, and the first international branch of London’s renowned Pineapple Dance Studios. The project, developed by Majid Al Futtaim in collaboration with Lisa Scott-Lee and Johnny Shentall-Lee, significantly expands the city’s performing arts offerings and aims to establish Dubai as a global destination for live entertainment.
A Comprehensive Arts and Entertainment Venue
The centrepiece of the development is the 600-seat New Covent Garden Theatre, which features a main stage designed to host a wide variety of productions. Supporting the main auditorium are extensive facilities, including 10 rehearsal and dance studios, a flexible Black Box Theatre, and dedicated spaces for yoga and pilates. The complex also includes a restaurant and café with outdoor seating, adding to the list of Dubai brunches and bites that deserve a spot on your calendar.
This new venue will present a full calendar of events, including West End musicals, plays, comedy shows, Arabic theatre, ballet, opera, and family-friendly performances. Tickets for all shows are available for purchase through Platinumlist.
Inaugural Season and Diverse Programming
The theatre’s soft opening season is scheduled to begin this October, offering a diverse line-up to attract a broad audience. The initial schedule includes:
- Slava’s Snowshow: 14–26 October
- Ali Al Sayed: Alphabet Soup: 30 November
- A Fairytale for Christmas: 19–21 December
The launch adds another significant attraction to the city’s entertainment scene, which continues to grow with major events like the opening of Global Village for its 30th season in Dubai with spectacular fireworks.
Pineapple Dance Studios Arrives in Dubai
A key component of the new hub is Pineapple Dubai, the first international location for the iconic dance studio founded by Debbie Moore OBE. Brought to the UAE by Lisa Scott-Lee, the studio extends Pineapple’s legacy to the region’s performing arts community. It will offer a full schedule of professional and recreational dance training for all ages and skill levels, with classes available for booking through the Classcard app.
The new arts complex at Mall of the Emirates reflects Majid Al Futtaim’s strategy to broaden Dubai’s cultural landscape. By combining world-class performance with education and wellbeing, the venue aims to establish itself as a year-round destination designed to connect and inspire audiences across the UAE.
