Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates is poised to become a new centre for the performing arts. This follows the announcement of New Covent Garden, a comprehensive arts venue. It is designed to bring world-class entertainment to the UAE. This state-of-the-art facility will feature a 575-seat theatre and a stylish restaurant. There will also be ten purpose-built dance and rehearsal studios. It aims to host a variety of performances, from West End musicals and Arabic plays to ballet, comedy, opera, family shows, and live concerts. All of this will be under one roof.
The Perfect Change
New Covent Garden represents a major shift in Dubai’s commitment to the arts. It is attracting high-calibre talent and delivering an immersive experience for audiences. The venue is led by well-known industry figures. This includes Lisa Scott-Lee, pop star and former member of the 90s band Steps. Her husband and creative partner Johnny Shentall-Lee is also involved. Their vision for New Covent Garden is ambitious. They seek to create a vibrant space where international stars and emerging local talent can showcase their craft. An enthusiastic audience can appreciate these performers.
As a well-established figure in Dubai’s arts community and founder of Dubai Performing Arts Academy, Lisa Scott-Lee shared her excitement about the project: “New Covent Garden has been a passionate dream for Johnny and I for years. Being professional performers ourselves and having made Dubai our home over 10 years ago, we wanted to create a unique space and a home for Performers, Dancers, Musicians, Artists, and the Theatre and Performing Arts Community. It is a creative hub where people from all walks of life can come together and share their passion and their love of the arts.”
New Covent Garden’s Collaboration
Scott-Lee and Shentall-Lee have worked closely with major industry players. Their collaboration ensures that New Covent Garden meets the highest standards for artistic performance and audience experience. Designed to meet the growing demand for world-class live arts spaces in Dubai, the venue’s theatre will provide an intimate yet immersive setting for live performances. The space will also feature top-notch backstage facilities, including 10 dressing rooms. These allow performers to rehearse, prepare, and stage productions in a single, centralised location.
One of the standout features of New Covent Garden is its affiliation with the renowned Pineapple Dance Studios. This will be their first branch outside London, opening at the Dubai venue. This addition will create opportunities for dance lovers of all ages and levels, from beginner to professional, to learn and develop skills in an inspiring environment. The Pineapple Dance Studios have been a cornerstone of the UK dance scene for decades. Their expansion to Dubai signals the growth of performing arts education in the region.
Set to open in the first quarter of 2025, New Covent Garden’s inaugural season will kick off with a major performance. This is in partnership with Live Nation Middle East, one of the world’s largest entertainment companies. This collaboration promises to deliver a memorable start for the venue. It highlights its ability to draw significant acts and curate diverse experiences for Dubai’s culturally-rich audiences.
With its innovative design and curated programming, New Covent Garden at Mall of the Emirates will become a key player in Dubai’s cultural landscape. The venue reflects the city’s dedication to positioning itself as a regional arts hub. It caters to a cosmopolitan audience that appreciates high-quality entertainment and creative expression.