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Khyel Sahra lights up Dubai Opera with desert theatre nights

Lebanon’s acclaimed stage work Khyel Sahra arrives at Dubai Opera for two performances on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, and Wednesday, 12 November 2025. Both nights are scheduled to begin at 21:00 (9pm) local time, with doors opening 30 minutes earlier. The running time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes without intermission. Tickets start from AED 495, and the Tuesday performance falls squarely in the evening as requested by many weekday audiences. According to information compiled by Few.ae editor, this compact format is designed for an immersive, uninterrupted experience.

The production

Khyel Sahra blends drama and comedy with historical reflection. Set during the early years of the Lebanese Civil War, it follows two enemy snipers who—amid a temporary ceasefire—share coffee, stories, and uneasy memories, revealing the absurdity and humanity that coexist in wartime. The title draws from Lebanese slang, referring to those pushed to the margins, and frames the evening’s meditation on belonging and sacrifice without diving into divisive political debate.

The stars behind the story

For the first time, two of Lebanon’s biggest names, Georges Khabbaz and Adel Karam, share the Dubai Opera stage in this social theatrical event. Khabbaz—actor, writer, director, and composer—has shaped contemporary musical theatre in Lebanon for decades, while Karam’s celebrated screen and stage career spans comedy and drama with award-winning turns. Their collaboration is positioned as a milestone for Lebanese theatre and a powerful draw for Arabic-language audiences in the UAE.

Venue overview

Dubai Opera’s dhow-inspired home in Downtown Dubai is a multi-format venue that can transform between theatre, concert hall, and flat-floor banquet modes. In theatre configuration it seats up to 2,000, with acoustics and stage engineering tailored for large-scale drama, music, and dance. The building, opened in 2016, anchors the Opera District beside the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain—an elegant setting that complements the production’s cinematic staging.

Getting there

The simplest public-transport option is Dubai Metro’s Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station; from there, expect roughly a 10-minute pedestrian approach through the Opera District or a brief taxi hop to the entrance. Drivers can follow Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard to the venue and use the on-site underground parking (look for the P3 access), with valet services also available on performance nights.

Weather outlook for show nights

The forecast currently points to warm, pleasant evenings—around 32°C highs and 22–23°C lows across 11–12 November. Plan for light layers if you’ll stroll from the Metro or linger near the Fountain; the auditorium itself is comfortably air-conditioned. (Weather is subject to change as the date approaches.)

Language, age and entry notes

The performance is presented in Arabic and is recommended for audiences aged 12 and above; children under 12 are not permitted in the main auditorium. Dubai Opera emphasizes timely arrival—latecomers may only be admitted at an appropriate break, if at all. The dress code encourages elegant, smart attire, aligning with the venue’s premium setting.

Who is presenting it

Khyel Sahra in Dubai is a venue-hire event presented by Star System (with Pipeline also listed on ticketing materials), underscoring the region’s growing appetite for high-caliber Arabic theatre and cross-border cultural collaborations. That producing framework, paired with Dubai Opera’s technical capabilities, sets the stage for two meticulously mounted November nights.

Why it matters now

With only two dates on the calendar, Khyel Sahra offers UAE theatregoers a rare chance to see Khabbaz and Karam together in a work that bridges intimate character study and broader social memory. For audiences seeking Arabic-language storytelling in a world-class setting, these desert-themed theatre nights promise depth, craft, and resonance under the lights of Downtown Dubai.

Practical snapshot

Showtime: 21:00 on 11–12 November (doors 30 minutes before). Duration: ~80 minutes, no intermission. Location: Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Closest Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line), ~10-minute walk. Pricing: from AED 495, subject to change.

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