FIRST INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN UAE

January – February 2026

presents
Three unforgettable weeks of contemporary theater in Dubai
Sands brıngs top performances by outstandıng producers from the world's leading cultural and theatre natıons.
EDUTAINMENT
NETWORKING
PERFORMANCES
The program is divided into three sections:
The selected performances have been featured at the top international theatre festivals

SCHEDULE
Country
CUBO BY EVENTI VERTICALE
ITALY
Genre
NEW CIRCUS, VERTICAL DANCE

January
PRE-OPENING GALA
0
3
1
3
-
THE MAGIC FLUTE
January
NEW CIRCOPERA, VISUAL THEATRE
Genre
UK
BY 1927 THEATRE COMPANY
Country
0
3
1
3
-
THE MAGIC FLUTE
NEW CIRCUS
Genre
UK
Feb
BY GANDINI JUGGLING
Country
Shadow dance
installation, public art
Genre
Germany
Feb
BY SACRED PLACES
Country
View the full program
  • “ Thought-provoking masterpiece “
    Herald
  • “ One of the most galvanising, mesmerising, virtuoso performances I have ever been privileged to witness. “
    BBC Radio 3 Presenter Donald Macleod
  • “ Here, juggling becomes flights of inspired poetry, musical choreography with strong dance elements, crazy-comedy surrealism, breathtakingly dexterous virtuosity, darkly absurdist drama. Gandini opens windows in the mind. “
    New York Times, chief dance critic Alastair MaCualay
  • “ Semilla (Seed), recommended for those over 2 years of age, is a dance, circus and theatre piece that makes both plants and ideas blossom. The show highlights the importance of taking care of what is alive, looking after a plant, and giving it the best conditions for it to grow the best it can.“
    Auditorio Detenerife
  • “ Jungle Book: Reimagined feels like a blockbuster cinematic experience with a powerful message for us all. It’s truly exceptional. “
    The Stage
The program will be supplemented and adjusted, by the time of the festivals there will be significantly more
SCHEDULE
Country
ITALY
Genre
public event
Jan
1927: STORYTELLING WORKSHOP
more details
Country
ITALY
Genre
Private event
Jan
1927: VIDEOART WORKSHOP
Country
RU
Genre
Private event
Jan
Feb
Master class from a famous theatre director
Country
UK
Genre
PUBLIC TALK
ROBERT WILSON, AKRAM KHAN
Feb
View the full program
At the Sands Festival, one of the most important areas is educational
Master class: a professional development platform connecting theatre practitioners with emerging talent. Training covers drama, dance, aerial arts, children's theatre, and street performance.
Exclusive master classes
We’re offering exclusive accreditation to theatre industry professionals

Closed public talks

Private networking events and meetups for collaboration

Our ultimate goal is to inspire collaborations that will bring new visions to the sands 2027
  • This collaborative project engages students, art clubs and schools in creating large marionettes. It culminates in a public parade, celebrating unity and collective creativity by showcasing marionettes.
    LA DÉMARCHE GLOBALE DE LA COMPAGNIE L’HOMME DEBOUT
  • The theatre's performances are designed specifically for children and teens, embracing the idea of the child as a viewer of today, fully capable of experiencing and engaging with art on a deep level.
    LA BARACCA TESTONI RAGAZZI THEATRE COMPANY
  • The staging of grand Pina Bausch! Сhoreographic performances welcomes all bodies, cultures and generations. It is a series of circular dances, performed by 200 participants aged between 17 and 89, including amateurs, dance students and dancers of the Tanztheater Wuppertal.
    TANZTHEATER WUPPERTAL
  • Dmitry Melkin is a trailblazing director who redefines the boundaries of theater.
  • A graduate of the London International School of Performing Arts, he has been a driving force at Liquid Theater since 2007.
  • His productions, such as "SOLARIS" and "DRONE," showcase a fusion of multimedia and physical theater, often exploring themes of technology and human nature.
  • Melkin's innovative approach has earned him a Golden Mask award in the "Experiment" category, solidifying his position as a leader in experimental theater.
  • Former Executive Producer at STS Tv Channel
  • Film and show producer with over 25 completed projects.
  • Box office revenue in 2024 exceeded €4 million.
  • Award-winning producer with international recognition for several films.

  • Since 2022, based in Dubai and focused on developing creative industries in the UAE.
  • Experienced theatrical producer with 20+ years in the industry
  • Program director, event manager
  • CEO / Owner, Center of Cultural Events, Moscow
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Our Contacts
+79851756639
i@swanky.show