The Nutcracker in Dubai

Discover childhood wonder, courage, and first love through a magical classical ballet

Presented by Dubai Opera in collaboration with Art Seasons.

The Bolshoi Theatre’s first official tour in the UAE, co-presented by Dubai Opera and Art Seasons.

Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is a beloved Christmas tale of childhood, miracles, courage and first love. Described by the composer himself as a ballet-féerie, this timeless work will be performed by the Bolshoi Ballet, featuring its principal dancers and accompanied by the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra.

By reimagining The Nutcracker as a philosophical meditation on the unattainability of ideal love, choreographer Yuri Grigorovich brought a sense of romantic introspection to the ballet. His vision transformed a work once regarded as a simple children’s matinee into a 20th-century classic.

Grigorovich’s choreography unfolds as a continuous, fully danced coming-of-age story. The characters’ encounters with monsters mark only the beginning of an exuberant journey to the top of a magnificent Christmas tree. Throughout the ballet, the choreography gives the Bolshoi Ballet’s finest dancers the opportunity to showcase their artistry at its very best.

Conducted by Pavel Klinichev

Music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Choreography by Yuri Grigorovich

Important Note

• Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. • Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable. • No refunds will be accommodated in cases of non-admittance to the show due to late arrival.

Event policies

Age limit: • Children aged 3 and over require a ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium. • Children under 3 are not permitted into the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium. • Those aged below 18 should be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Dress Code: • Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip-flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.

Terms & Conditions

This ticket is sold subject to these Ticketing Terms and Conditions (the “T&C”). The T&C should be read carefully before purchase and the purchase of Ticket(s) constitutes acceptance of the T&C. • Latecomers: To respect the performers and audience, latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance or the interval (when applicable), at management’s discretion. • We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to curtain rise to ensure timely access. • Entry Requirement: Performance ticket must be produced (physically or digitally) to gain entry to the event. Removing, altering, defacing, or copying any part of the ticket may invalidate it. • Resale & Commercial Use: Performance ticket must not be resold, offered for sale, or used for advertising, promotion, or other commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Dubai Opera. Violation will result in immediate cancellation without refund. • Validity: Performance ticket is valid only for the specific date, time, and event indicated. • Refunds & Exchanges: Dubai Opera does not offer refunds or exchanges due to changes in personal circumstances. Refunds or exchanges are solely at Dubai Opera’s discretion. • Lost or Stolen Tickets: Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged tickets is possible only if authenticity and proof of purchase are verified, subject to an administrative replacement fee. • Programme Changes: Dubai Opera reserves the right to add, withdraw, reschedule, or substitute artists, and to vary advertised programmes, prices, seating arrangements, and audience capacity without prior notice or liability. • Concessions: Where concession rates apply, valid proof of identity and entitlement must be presented upon ticket collection or entry. Failure to do so may result in denial

How to get there

By car: If you're coming from Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), take the exit towards Financial Center Road/D71 and follow the signs for Burj Khalifa/Downtown Dubai. Keep right and merge onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Continue straight until you reach Dubai Opera, which will be on your right. By public transportation: You can take the Dubai Metro Red Line and get off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. From there, you can either walk for about 10 minutes to Dubai Opera or take a short taxi ride to reach the venue. By taxi: You can also take a taxi to Dubai Opera from anywhere in Dubai. If you're coming from downtown, the journey typically takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.