From Passenger to 'Swan Lake': Dubai's live events season is back in full swing

Passenger, a stage name for singer-songwriter Michael Rosenberg, is the next major music act set to perform in Dubai. Passenger will stage a matinee and evening show at Dubai Opera on Friday, December 4, with gigs featuring the hits hits, which include Let Her Go , Hell Or High Water and Heart's On Fire . Given that it's Rosenberg's first physical concert since March, he is excited about hitting the stage again. "I didn’t think I’d be able to announce a live show for a long time but, unbelievably, that’s exactly what I’m about to do," he posted on Instagram. "The shows will be socially distanced, which means there is a very limited number of tickets." Tickets start from Dh195 and can be bought from Dubai Opera. This is one of a number of gigs taking place in Dubai over the next few weeks. Here's what else is on the agenda in November. For its next monthly instalment, stand-up comedy series The Laughter Factory will present a trio of seasoned UK funnymen. Leading the bunch is Tom Wrigglesworth, renowned for his deft blend of rapid-fire puns and quirky storytelling. He is joined by Jimmy McGhie, a rising talent who sold out shows at last year's Edinburgh Festival. Rounding off the bill is Laughter Factory regular Markus Birdman, whose material includes a fair amount of physical comedy. The trio will begin their Dubai run at Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach on Thursday and Friday, November 12 and 13; followed by Zabeel House by Jumeirah – The Greens on Saturday, November 14; Grand Millennium Dubai Barsha Heights on Thursday, November 19; Grand Millennium Business Bay on Friday, November 20; and a later show that same evening at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Tickets start from Dh160 and are available on The Laughter Factory’s website The Bohemians, a Queen tribute band, will perform at Dubai Opera on Thursday and Friday, November 19 and 20, bringing the best of the British rock band's hits to the UAE. The tribute act, which was formed in 1996, draws from Queen's back catalogue of the '70s and '80s, with songs in their repertoire including Killer Queen , Don't Stop Me Now and We Will Rock You . Tickets start from Dh145; dubaiopera.com Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena is coming back into action. After seven months of no performances because of the pandemic, the glittering venue will be reopening its gates once again for a show mixing comedy and club sounds. In the first of a series of events under the Dark Knights banner, this instalment features RnB, hip-hop and reggaeton stars such as MoStack, Not3s and Yungen. Award-winning British comedian Paul Chowdhry will host the evening. Tickets start from Dh249; www.coca-cola-arena.com Kevin Fraser is bringing his something-for-everyone show to Zabeel House – The Greens. The multifaceted South African artist is a comedian, DJ, dancer and celebrity impersonator. Expect a fast-moving set full of music, dance and comedic insights on his homeland's culture and personalities. Tickets Dh160 from ae.bookmyshow.com Sing along in this giant karaoke party. Making its UAE debut at Dubai World Trade Centre, the music and dance ensemble Massaoke will perform all your favourite show tunes. The audience is encouraged to get involved, courtesy of oversized screens pumping out the lyrics. Expect classic and modern stage standards from hit shows such as Hamilton , Mamma Mia! , The Greatest Showman , Grease and The Sound of Music . Tickets start from Dh175; Platinumlist . Set to Tchaikovsky's legendary score, Swan Lake tells the story of Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette, who, under a sorcerer's curse, spends her daylight hours as a swan in a lake of tears before transforming into a woman at night. Moscow City Ballet's version will feature opulent designs as well as imaginative choreography, breathing new life into the tale. Tickets start from Dh300; dubaiopera.com

From Passenger to 'Swan Lake': Dubai's live events season is back in full swing

With gigs back on the agenda, here's who to see and when