FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
presents
FEBRUARY 2025
UAE
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 2025
UNITING CULTURES THROUGH
THE LIVING ART OF THEATRE
We bring the world's most iconic performances to one city
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
Art is a universal language that unites us all. Here in Dubai, SANDS makes this connection possible.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
Art is a universal language that unites us all. Here in Dubai, SANDS makes this connection possible.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
Art is a universal language that unites us all. Here in Dubai, SANDS makes this connection possible.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
Art is a universal language that unites us all. Here in Dubai, SANDS makes this connection possible.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
We will promote cultural and creative industries to be among the top 10 economic industries in the country
“
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Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth
December 05, 2021
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
SANDS can expand Dubai's creative landscape and help shape its future as a global cultural hub
New opportunities for cultural experiences that spark creativity and bring fresh inspiration
Fostering talent, building connections, and uncovering new perspectives on art
Creating original UAE arts and bringing them to the global stage
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
SANDS can expand Dubai's creative landscape and help shape its future as a global cultural hub
New opportunities for cultural experiences that spark creativity and bring fresh inspiration
Fostering talent, building connections, and uncovering new perspectives on art
Creating original UAE arts and bringing them to the global stage
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
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2
3
2026
UAE IS READY FOR INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
Resources:
Society of London Theatre
Dubai Statistics Center
Visit Dubai
London
Dubai
THEATRES PER 1 MILLION PEOPLE
London
Dubai
With Dubai striving to become a global creative hub, the lack of theatres makes SANDS festival exactly what the city needs.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
PERFORMANCES
2026
UAE
LET’S MAKE UAE A VIBRANT CREATIVE HUB
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
LET’S MAKE UAE A VIBRANT CREATIVE HUB
UAE
LET’S MAKE UAE A VIBRANT CREATIVE HUB
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
UAE
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
LET’S MAKE UAE A VIBRANT CREATIVE HUB
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
LET’S MAKE UAE A VIBRANT CREATIVE HUB
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
Three unforgettable weeks of contemporary classic art in Dubai
SANDS BRINGS TOP PERFORMANCES BY OUTSTANDING PRODUCERS FROM THE WORLD'S LEADING CULTURAL AND THEATRE NATIONS.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
HOW WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN
2026
Three unforgettable weeks of contemporary classic art in Dubai
SANDS BRINGS TOP PERFORMANCES BY OUTSTANDING PRODUCERS FROM THE WORLD'S LEADING CULTURAL AND THEATRE NATIONS.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
THE TEMPEST
by Robert Wilson
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
CUBO
by eVenti Verticale
SMASHED
by Gandini Juggling
MAGIC FLUTE
by 1927 theatre company
JUNGLE BOOK
by Akram Khan
SEMILIA
by Tea Tree Company
2026
The selected performances have been featured at the top international theatre festivals
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
HOW WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN
2026
The selected performances are award-winners
MAGIC FLUTE
by 1927 theatre company
THE TEMPEST
by Robert Wilson
SMASHED
by Gandini Juggling
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
HOW WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN
2026
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
2026
PERFORMANCES
EDUTAINMENT
NETWORKING
Locations: Events across UAE offer a unique chance to explore the city
The program is divided into three sections:
THE FESTIVAL PROGRAM
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Dates:
January 24 – February 15, 2026
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
A variety of genres to suit every taste
2026
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
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1
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
7
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3
0
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5
4
1
2026
PRE-OPENING GALA
2
January
4
MAGIC FLUTE
January
-
SMASHED
1
February
-
2
JUNGLE BOOK
2
February
1
3
1
THE TEMPEST
February
SHADOWDANCE
February
-
6
3
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
PERFORMANCE
3
1
TEA TREE COMPANY
February
-
0
1
CUBO BY EVENTI VERTICALE
2
2026
Daring performers soar into the sky, transforming the walls of a giant cube into their stage. This show blends theatre, circus, acrobatic dance, music, technology. An amazing outdoor activity, free for everyone to enjoy.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
PRE-OPENING GALA
January
Сountry
ITALY
Genre
NEW CIRCUS, VERTICAL DANCE
PERFORMANCE
4
“ Profoundly moving ”
The Times
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
“ Utterly mesmerizing “
Scotsman
“ Hauntingly beautiful “
Guardian
“ Thought-provoking masterpiece “
Herald
PERFORMANCE
2
PRE-OPENING GALA
January
4
2026
3
This fully animated experimental opera of Mozart's masterpiece transports the audience to a magical world where light battles darkness. It’s a tale of true love that overcomes everything.
Сountry
UK
Genre
OPERA, VISUAL THEATRE
MAGIC FLUTE BY 1927 THEATRE COMPANY
OPENING
January
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
PERFORMANCE
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3
1
2026
3
MAGIC FLUTE
January
“ The British theatre group 1927 and Barrie Kosky have pulled off "a deliciously absurd blend of silent film and animation. “
Berliner Morgenpost
“ You are amazed by the perfection, you laugh in appreciation of the virtuoso design behind each of these scenes… Breath-taking! “
TAZ
“ This production points the way toward a freer, more experimental style of producing opera, even in a mainstream context. “
New York Times
Winner
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
PERFORMANCE
0
-
3
1
2026
1
SMASHED BY GANDINI JUGGLING
The performance explores tense relationships, lost love and — surprisingly — afternoon tea. A surreal fusion of theatre dance, high-skilled juggling and popular soundtracks.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
PERFORMANCE
February
Сountry
UK
Genre
NEW CIRCUS
-
2
SMASHED
2026
1
-
2
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
“ Here, juggling becomes flights of inspired poetry, musical choreography with strong dance elements, crazy-comedy surrealism, breathtakingly dexterous virtuosity, darkly absurdist drama. Gandini opens windows in the mind. “
New York Times, chief dance critic Alastair MaCualay
“ Glorious. When it comes to juggling, the Gandinis pip everyone else. “
The Guardian
“ Inventive and very funny. “
The Independent
Winner
PERFORMANCE
February
SMASHED
2026
3
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
A video installation where dance emerges and dissolves in the air on a suspended screen of water droplets. The dancers' use of aerial acrobatics and suspension techniques creates a special sense of weightlessness and mirage.
SHADOWDANCE BY SACRED PLACES
PERFORMANCE
Сountry
GERMANY
Genre
PUBLIC ART
SHADOWDANCE
February
-
6
2026
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
“ The figures, appearing like dancing forms, materialize and vanish on the water's living surface, generating spontaneous interactions between air, water, and light. “
Sands Festival
PERFORMANCE
3
SHADOWDANCE
February
-
6
2026
SEMILIA BY TEA TREE COMPANY
A fusion of dance, acrobatics, and object theater that crafts visual stories for young audiences. Created by Sara Olmo (choreographer) and Pierre Viatour (hand-to-hand circus artist), this performance uses physical storytelling to spark imagination.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
PERFORMANCE
February
Сountry
BELGIUM
Genre
CHILDREN’S THEATRE
TEA TREE COMPANY
7
-
0
1
2026
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
“ Semilla (Seed), recommended for those over 2 years of age, is a dance, circus and theatre piece that makes both plants and ideas blossom. The show highlights the importance of taking care of what is alive, looking after a plant, and giving it the best conditions for it to grow the best it can. Therefore, patience and waiting are a key element addressed in the proposal. “
Auditorio Detenerife
PERFORMANCE
February
TEA TREE COMPANY
7
-
0
1
2026
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
This play is a modern retelling of Kipling's classic story of Mowgli, woven with a call to listen to the voice of the planet for a better future. Theatre, dance, music, and cutting-edge visual technology come together to create a magical world.
�
JUNGLE BOOK
BY AKRAM KHAN
PERFORMANCE
Сountry
UK
Genre
DANCE
JUNGLE BOOK
February
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2
1
3
1
2026
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
“ Jungle Book: Reimagined feels like a blockbuster cinematic experience with a powerful message for us all. It’s truly exceptional. “
The Stage
“ His choreography is beyond compare. “
The Scotsman
“ Simultaneously engaging, sobering, transfixing and hopeful, this beautiful work of art is worthy of gracing any stage in the world. “
The Sunday National
PERFORMANCE
JUNGLE BOOK
February
-
2
1
3
1
2026
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
THE TEMPEST BY ROBERT WILSON
Robert Wilson's stunning take on Shakespeare’s tragicomedy about magic, family and betrayal. With mesmerising soundscapes and striking visuals the stage turns into a living painting, making this theatrical experience like no other.
PERFORMANCE
February
Сountry
UK
Genre
VISUAL THEATRE
THE TEMPEST
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1
5
4
1
2026
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
Robert Wilson has been honoured with numerous awards for excellence, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination, two Premio Ubu awards, the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale, and an Olivier Award.
He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, as well as the German Academy of the Arts, and holds 8 Honorary Doctorate degrees.
France pronounced him Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (2003) and Officer of the Legion of Honour (2014); Germany awarded him the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit (2014).
PERFORMANCE
February
2026
ROBERT WILSON
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
PERFORMANCE
February
THE TEMPEST
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1
5
4
1
2026
Robert Wilson has been honoured with numerous awards for excellence, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination, two Premio Ubu awards, the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale, and an Olivier Award.
He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, as well as the German Academy of the Arts, and holds 8 Honorary Doctorate degrees.
France pronounced him Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (2003) and Officer of the Legion of Honour (2014); Germany awarded him the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit (2014).
ROBERT WILSON
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
2026
0
2
At the Sands Festival, one of the most important areas is educational
Master class: a professional development platform connecting theatre practitioners with emerging talent. Training covers drama, dance, aerial arts, children's theatre, and street performance.
Sessions focus on technical skills and industry experience, providing foundations for future projects and strengthening local arts infrastructure.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
EDUTAINMENT
2026
1
EDUTAINMENT SCHEDULE
9
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
1927: STORYTELLING WORKSHOP
January
January
3
0
1927: VIDEOART WORKSHOP
January
KRYMOV’S MASTER CLASS:CONCEPTION AND ITS REALIZATION
February
PUBLIC TALK: INCLUSION CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS
February
1
PUBLIC TALK: ROBERT WILSON, AKRAM KHAN
EDUTAINMENT
2
9
3
0
February
-
8
2026
KRYMOV’S MASTER CLASS: CONCEPTION AND ITS REALIZATION
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
Brilliant Russian artist, director, educator
Recognized master of author's theatre
Multiple-time nominee for the 'Golden Mask' award
Honored by the Edinburgh International Festival
EDUTAINMENT
January
3
0
February
-
8
2026
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
CASTING AND REHEARSALS
An internationally acclaimed director hosts a 2-day masterclass to cast local and international talents. The director then leads a 10-day workshop to develop an original production with the selected cast. The new performance premieres at the end of the festival for all attendees.
EDUTAINMENT
Сountry
RUSSIA
Genre
VISUAL THEATRE
KRYMOV’S MASTER CLASS
January
3
0
February
-
8
2026
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
2026
0
3
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
NETWORKING
2026
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
NETWORKING
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
NETWORKING
Festival Club is a reactor for fresh ideas and creativity; a place where artists, volunteers, performers, producers and the youth scene meet and spend time together; a space for lectures, meetups, a place to have fun, to interract, connect and network.
We’re offering exclusive accreditation to theatre industry professionals.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
Closed public talks
Exclusive master classes
Private networking events and meetups for collaboration
NETWORKING
2026
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
NETWORKING
FEBRUARY 2025
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
NETWORKING
2026
NETWORKING
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
NETWORKING
Singer and composer Dhafer Youssef blends the rich sounds of East and West, weaving the elegance of European jazz with the vibrant pulse of Mediterranean oud rhythms, creating an enchanting soundscape that captivates and mesmerizes.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
CLOSING PARTY
NETWORKING
DHAFER YOUSSEF
2026
FESTIVAL VISITORS
IN DUBAI
POTENTIAL
NUMBER OF HOURS
NUMBER OF
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
NETWORKING
FESTIVAL VISITORS
IN ABU DHABI
OF PRODUCTIONS
PERFORMERS
2026
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2027
2027
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Together with world-renowned directors, we are planning the groundbreaking new performances in UAE that will showcase the country's rich cultural heritage and modern creativity.
This unique fusion of tradition and innovation will debut at SANDS 2026 before touring major festivals across Europe, Asia, and the USA.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2027
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2027
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
FUTURE
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2027
The theatre's performances are designed specifically for children and teens, embracing the idea of the child as a viewer of today, fully capable of experiencing and engaging with art on a deep level.
LA BARACCA
TESTONI RAGAZZI THEATRE COMPANY
2027
FUTURE
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
FUTURE HEADLINERS
This collaborative project engages students, art clubs and schools in creating large marionettes. It culminates in a public parade, celebrating unity and collective creativity by showcasing marionettes.
LA DÉMARCHE GLOBALE DE LA COMPAGNIE L’HOMME DEBOUT
2027
FUTURE
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
FUTURE HEADLINERS
This collaborative project engages students, art clubs and schools in creating large marionettes. It culminates in a public parade, celebrating unity and collective creativity by showcasing marionettes.
LA DÉMARCHE GLOBALE DE LA COMPAGNIE L’HOMME DEBOUT
2027
FUTURE
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
FUTURE HEADLINERS
The staging of grand Pina Bausch! Сhoreographic performances welcomes all bodies, cultures and generations. It is a series of circular dances, performed by 200 participants aged between 17 and 89, including amateurs, dance students and dancers of the Tanztheater Wuppertal.
TANZTHEATER WUPPERTAL
FUTURE
2027
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
FUTURE HEADLINERS
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
TEAM
2026
LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN
FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE
2026