History in the making: Once Upon a Time in Dubai, region's first original global musical unveils cast, new single

The excitement around Once Upon a Time in Dubai , the region's first truly global musical, has reached new heights with the official release of its upbeat anthem Habibi , performed by rising Lebanese star Amanda Maalouf. Known for her powerful vocal range and stage charisma, the Dubai resident takes centre stage in this track as Zeina, one of the lead characters in the show. Composed by the internationally acclaimed Nazim Khaled and released under Universal Music MENA, this uplifting anthem blends international pop with Arabic rhythms and celebrates the very 'multicultural heartbeat of Dubai', according to Stéphane Boukris, the French entreprenuer and creator behind the musical he describes as a 'genre-bending spectacle' – all set to bring together Broadway and West End flair, cinematic visuals and a diverse international cast to Dubai for the very first time. 'It is a vibrant, feel-good tribute to the spirit of Dubai,' said Boukris, who previously produced the hit musical Robin Hood that sold over one million tickets across Europe. 'The song captures the warmth, ambition and energy that define this city. We wanted a track that resonates with both residents and the world.' Released this week on all major streaming platforms, Habibi marks a major milestone for the musical set to premiere in December 2025. The single is accompanied by a stunning video teaser, shot against Dubai's iconic skyline and desert dunes, reflecting the show's larger-than-life scale. The song offers a sneak peek into the show's soundscape, which blends Eastern melodies and Western arrangements – a signature style of the musical. 'Creating Habibi was about capturing the sound of a new Dubai – bold, inclusive, and full of rhythm. It's a song that blends east and west, tradition and innovation, much like the city itself,' said Khaled, the composer who's worked with artists like Kendji Girac in the past and whose compositions have garnered billions of views globally. Once Upon a Time in Dubai tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. Themes of love, ambition, and Dubai's vibrant culture are woven into the narrative. The creators of the show that include director Johan Nus, known in the region for his work on Arabs Got Talent and The Masked Singer and Gilles Papain as the executive producer with experience on major productions like Celine in Las Vegas and Disney World of Colors in California, also announced the full international cast, one that brings together a remarkable ensemble of international talents, each with a unique artistic journey. Stellar ensemble of international talents Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf stars as Zeina , a powerful voice navigating the tension between tradition and ambition. British talent Melissa Jeffrey, a tenacious dancer and singer who began full-time training at just 11 and later earned scholarships at London's elite Urdang Academy, takes on the female lead role of Sophia . While Joe Woolford, also from the UK and a charismatic rapper whose rise to fame began on The Voice UK and culminated with his Eurovision appearance, plays the male lead Will . Dubai-based performer Isiako ( Khalid ) infuses the stage with Mediterranean flair and a mix of reggaeton, soul, and pop as Portuguese vocalist Jessica Alves brings poise and energy to the role of Kim , drawing from her rich experience in Dubai's live music scene. Dutch musical theatre star Shay Lachman takes on Gautam , adding depth with his classical training and international stage experience from productions across Europe and Asia. Adding a soulful layer to the production is Canadian-Lebanese singer Enzo S, who plays Elias , the heart of the group. A semi-finalist from The Voice France Season 9, Enzo's performance is shaped by more than 15 years of global stage experience and a strong academic foundation in jazz and gospel from Montreal's Concordia University. Speaking about the diverse ensemble, director Nus said, 'We have gathered talent from across continents with each performer bringing their authentic voice and a bit of their culture to the stage. This show could only happen in Dubai.' The musical is set to debut in December 2025 with a full-scale theatrical production that promises a rich blend of music, dance, and storytelling. 'Each of these performers brings a unique voice, story, and spirit to the production,' added Boukris. 'This is not just a show — it's a love letter to Dubai through the eyes and voices of the world.' Now, with the soundtrack's first single Habibi available on all major platforms, the countdown to the premiere in December has officially begun. The musical's official Instagram handle @ouatidubai and website onceuponatimeindubai.com will continue to release behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and teaser content in the lead-up to opening night.
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