Dubai’s performing arts scene will welcome the grand premiere of NINA on Sunday, 15 February 2026, at Zabeel Theatre inside Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. The evening performance begins at 08:00 PM, offering a full-scale theatrical experience in one of Palm Jumeirah’s most refined indoor venues. Ticket prices start from approximately AED 450, positioning the show as a premium cultural outing. The venue sits within the hotel complex on Palm Jumeirah, a location well known to taxi drivers across Dubai.
A large-scale European success arrives in Dubai
NINA comes to Dubai after drawing more than 20,000 spectators across Europe and international tour stops, including France, Belgium, Chile, Bulgaria, Turkey, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. As a result, the Dubai premiere forms part of an established global run rather than a debut experiment. The production is widely recognized for its scale and theatrical ambition, blending contemporary dance with cinematic storytelling. Moreover, its arrival reflects Dubai’s growing role as a destination for touring international stage productions. This context has already generated strong interest among theater audiences in the UAE.
A story driven by movement and emotion
At the heart of NINA lies a dramatic narrative told entirely through dance and music, rather than spoken dialogue. Love, jealousy, crime, and redemption weave together within a detective-style storyline filled with unexpected turns. As the evening unfolds, audiences travel through sharply contrasting worlds, moving from an icy prison to a vibrant wedding celebration and finally into a mysterious cabaret. The absence of language barriers makes the show accessible to a global audience. Consequently, emotion and movement carry the story from beginning to end.
Choreography, music, and visual design
The production stands out for its high-impact choreography paired with dynamic, cinematic music. Magnificent costumes shift in tone and texture as the story evolves, reinforcing each setting and emotional turn. In addition, a two-story stage design with labyrinth-like structures, LED screens, and integrated special effects transforms the space throughout the performance. Each visual element supports the narrative rather than overwhelming it. The result is a fully immersive stage environment, designed to keep attention focused from the opening scene onward.
Zabeel Theatre and the resort experience
Zabeel Theatre provides a controlled indoor setting with excellent acoustics and clear sightlines, ideal for a visually detailed dance production. Beyond the performance itself, ticket holders can enhance the evening by exploring the wider resort. On the same day as the show, guests can enjoy approximately 20 percent savings on food and beverage outlets at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, subject to availability and advance booking. The theater ticket must be presented on the day of the performance to access this benefit. This combination allows the event to feel like a complete evening experience rather than a standalone show.
Audience guidelines and suitability notes
NINA is restricted to audiences aged 12 and above, and children under 12 are not permitted to attend. Additionally, attendees below 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult, which is strictly enforced at entry. The show runs for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it suitable for teens and adults comfortable with evening performances. Thematic elements and dramatic tone place the production firmly in the adult-oriented arts category. Couples and solo visitors often find this style of performance especially engaging.
Reaching Palm Jumeirah smoothly
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is accessible by car via Sheikh Zayed Road, continuing toward Palm Jumeirah and following hotel signage within the crescent area. On-site parking is available, although arriving earlier helps during busy performance evenings. Taxis remain a convenient option, as Palm Jumeirah resorts are familiar destinations for drivers. Visitors traveling from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah should allow additional time due to evening traffic patterns. Planning arrival and departure times in advance improves overall comfort.
Weather outlook and practical reminders
Mid-February evenings in Dubai are usually pleasant, with temperatures approximately between 18°C and 24°C, although indoor air conditioning can feel cool. Light evening wear paired with a thin outer layer works well inside the theater. Traffic toward Palm Jumeirah may increase before the 8:00 PM start, while departures can be slower after the show. Ticket prices are approximately set and may change depending on demand, and availability is limited. The most important reminder is to secure tickets early, as touring productions of this scale often sell out quickly. Arts coverage monitored by editors at www.few.ae has already highlighted NINA as one of the season’s most visually ambitious stage productions in Dubai.