Our picks of Dubai’s best cultural offerings this month.
1 February: Skip the Shave
Catch the demon barber of Fleet Street as a fresh and critically acclaimed take on Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd runs at Dubai Opera from 1 to 8 February. A Broadway legend since 1979, it remains one of the most daring stories ever told on stage, depicting a barber who returns from wrongful imprisonment and vows revenge with the help of a reluctant and rather eccentric accomplice. Learn more here.
6 February: Support the Arts
For over 20 years, Eltiqa (Arabic for ‘encounter’) members have developed artistic practices together, the setting up of a dedicated exhibition and workshop space in Gaza City included. Now, you can view a selection of its carefully safeguarded artworks spanning several years of collaboration as Eltiqa: How to Work Together? goes on exhibit at Jameel Arts Centre. Learn more here.
7 February: Celebrate Tuff Gong
It’s a festive month for reggae fans as the Bob Marley Birthday Festival marks the Jamaican icon’s enduring legacy at Barasti a day after what would’ve been his 80th birthday. The Wailers are set to perform, headlining an event that will pair reggae tunes – both classics and modern interpretations – with Caribbean cuisine and other cultural experiences. Learn more here.
11 February: Listen Up
Season 45 of The Fridge Concert Series draws to a close, the finale featuring the timeless voice and honest lyrics of Arqam, an Emirati artist whose soul music reflects the traditional yet progressive spirit of the UAE. Italian singer-songwriter Vahimiti will open for him, bringing her dynamic voice and global musical influences to The Fridge stage. Learn more here.
12 February: Journey to Hogwarts
Condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into 70 hilarious minutes is no small feat, making Potted Potter a must-see — even if you use the terms hellebore, horcrux, and heliopathy interchangeably. Running at Theatre by QE2 for four days, this Olivier Award-nominated parody has played to sold-out theatres all over the world and wins rave reviews every time. Learn more here.
14 February: Laugh Aloud
Beat Valentine’s Day Blues at Coca-Cola Arena as comedy’s favourite double act – Jack and Michael Whitehall – take the stage. Famed for their generation-gap banter, the father-son duo are bringing their brand new show to Dubai and everything from tall tales and family secrets to rants, pranks, and rare revealing photographs from the family album is in the works. Learn more here.
15 February: Revisit the Titanic
Chronicling the impossible true survival story of Titanic stoker Frederick Barrett, Boiler Room Six premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, selling out its entire run and receiving widespread acclaim. Now, thanks to The Junction, you can catch this play that highlights the heroic men who worked below deck and kept the ship afloat for as long as possible, saving hundreds of lives while knowingly giving up on their own. Learn more here.
22 February: Question Convention
Ncuti Gatwa fans are in for a treat as the National Theatre screening of The Importance of Being Earnest takes over Courtyard Playhouse. Also starring Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke, this hilarious reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy depicts the tangled affairs of friends Jack lets and Algy as they lead double lives in order to evade social conventions. Learn more here.
25 February: Hear Her Roar
Weaving Urdu poetry, indie pop, jazz, and blues together into a transcendent sound she calls “global soul”, Arooj Aftab is returning to the UAE and set to perform at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray for one night only. Not only has she taken her sensual, melancholic sound to iconic festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury, but she’s also the first-ever Pakistani artist to win a Grammy Award. Learn more here.
DSCVR: The DSCVR Culture Calendar for February
