La Perle Dubai is the city’s first permanent live show and one of the most innovative productions in the region. Created by legendary artistic director Franco Dragone, the 90-minute performance blends acrobatics, aerial stunts, diving acts, and immersive technology inside a purpose-built aqua theatre at Al Habtoor City. It is a multi-sensory experience inspired by the UAE’s pearl diving heritage and remains one of Dubai’s must-see attractions.
- What is La Perle
- Who is Franco Dragone
- The experience
- Location and how to get there
- Tickets
- Accessibility
- Restaurants at La Perle Dubai
- Hotels nearby
- The influence of La Perle Dubai
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
What is La Perle
La Perle is a groundbreaking live performance that combines aquatic theatre, aerial acrobatics, stunt choreography, and immersive special effects. Presented by the Al Habtoor Group, the show takes place in a custom-built theatre designed specifically for its water-based stage.
The 90-minute production features 65 performers from around the world, delivering a continuous performance without intermission. Inspired by Dubai’s pearl diving legacy, the show blends tradition and modernity through abstract storytelling and visually striking scenes.
Who is Franco Dragone
Franco Dragone is the creative visionary behind La Perle. Known globally for his work with Cirque du Soleil and productions such as A New Day, Le Rêve, and The House of Dancing Water, Dragone is considered a pioneer of immersive theatre.
For La Perle, he designed a production that transforms the stage into shifting environments of water, light, and aerial movement, creating an atmosphere where visual storytelling replaces traditional narrative structure.
The Experience
La Perle immerses guests from the moment they enter the theatre, with the stage shifting seamlessly between a dry platform and a deep aquatic environment. Performers dive from towering heights, move through underwater passages, and execute intricate aerial sequences that unfold above and around the audience.
Key elements of the experience
- 12-metre pool engineered to hold 2.7 million litres of water
- A dynamic stage that transforms instantly between water and solid ground
- Simultaneous aerial, acrobatic, and aquatic choreography
- Precision performances by an international cast of 65 artists
Rather than following a traditional narrative, the show relies on visual spectacle and abstract themes inspired by the UAE’s cultural identity, creating a multi-sensory journey driven by emotion, movement, and atmosphere.
Characters in La Perle
The show features symbolic characters that guide the abstract, visually driven narrative:
- King – a greedy, childlike pearl collector determined to make celestial love triumph
- Pearl Girl – a courageous young woman who embarks on a journey across time in search of love
- Antar – a steadfast guardian devoted to Princess Pearl, driven by loyalty and compassion
- Prince – the King’s trusted adviser who secretly works against him as the story’s antagonist
- Lion – a regal creature inspired by the traditional Chinese Lion Dance
- Cyborgs – futuristic figures representing Dubai’s innovation and forward-looking identity
Highlights of La Perle
La Perle is renowned for its spectacular stunts and immersive visuals. Audience favourites include:
- Aerial acrobatics, performed high above the stage
- Dives from up to 25 metres into the deep aqua pool
- Synchronised aquatic performances supported by the stage’s unique water-to-dry transformation
- High-speed motorcycle stunts inside a suspended steel sphere
- Underwater choreography blending dance with acrobatic movement
- Special cutting-edge effects, including 3D projections and 360-degree surround sound
These elements combine to create a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience that stands apart from any other show in the region.
Dress code
The recommended dress code for La Perle is smart casual. While there is no strict formal requirement, guests typically dress for an evening out.
- Men: chinos or tailored trousers with a polo or button-down shirt, closed shoes
- Women: dresses, jumpsuits, or smart evening wear
Beachwear, flip-flops, and gym attire are not suitable for the venue.
Location and how to get there
It is located in Al Habtoor City – 260 Sheikh Zayed Rd – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates.
How to get to La Perle
The theatre is centrally positioned and easy to reach by car, taxi, or ride-hailing services.
Approximate travel times by car:
- Downtown Dubai: 10 minutes
- Dubai International Airport: 16 minutes
- Dubai Marina: 20 minutes
- Palm Jumeirah: 18 minutes
It is recommended to arrive 45–60 minutes before showtime, as traffic and parking around Al Habtoor City can be busy in the evenings.
Tickets
La Perle offers multiple ticket categories, along with optional dinner packages for a full evening experience.
Show-only tickets
- Bronze: from AED 270
- Silver: from AED 320
- Gold: from AED 380
- Platinum and VIP options are also available at higher price tiers
Ticket prices vary depending on the date, time, and booking platform.
Dinner packages
Dinner and show bundles are offered in partnership with restaurants such as La Selva, World Cut Steakhouse, IL Pastaio, Le Patio, Babiole, and Sora.
Packages typically include:
- A show ticket
- A three-course dinner
- One beverage (depending on the restaurant)
Bookings must be made for the same day as the performance, and terms apply.
Contact information
- Phone: +971 4 437 0001
- Email: boxoffice@laperle.com
Accessibility
La Perle is designed to welcome all visitors with accessible features throughout the venue.
- Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in Silver, Gold, Platinum, and VIP categories
- Family restrooms
- Baby-changing facilities
- Clear, navigable pathways for guests with mobility needs
Restaurants at La Perle Dubai
Al Habtoor City offers a wide range of dining options that complement the La Perle experience, including restaurants that participate in the dinner-and-show packages. Guests can choose from:
- La Selva by Neera – South American and international cuisine
- Sora by Neera – Japanese-inspired dining with city views
- World Cut Steakhouse – premium cuts and a classic steakhouse atmosphere
- IL Pastaio – authentic Italian dishes from a renowned global restaurant brand
- Le Patio – a relaxed open-air lounge with Middle Eastern and international flavours
- Babiole – Mediterranean dishes served in a modern rooftop-style setting
These venues are all within walking distance of the theatre.
Hotels Nearby
La Perle sits in the heart of Al Habtoor City, surrounded by three major hotels that provide convenient access for visitors:
- V Hotel Dubai – a contemporary lifestyle hotel directly connected to the theatre
- Al Habtoor Palace – a luxury hotel known for its refined service and elegant interiors
- Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City – a popular option offering spacious rooms and full family amenities
All three properties are only a few minutes’ walk from the venue.
The Influence of La Perle Dubai
Since its debut in 2017, La Perle has played a defining role in shaping Dubai’s entertainment landscape. As the region’s first permanent resident show, it set a new standard by merging cultural themes with advanced theatre technology, acrobatics, and immersive staging. Its success has reinforced Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for world-class entertainment and innovative live productions.
Key takeaways
La Perle Dubai is the city’s first permanent aqua theatre show, created by acclaimed artistic director Franco Dragone. The 90-minute performance features a cast of 65 international artists who execute aerial stunts, acrobatics, 25-metre dives, underwater choreography, and high-tech visual sequences inside a purpose-built theatre in Al Habtoor City. Inspired by the UAE’s pearl-diving heritage, the show blends culture, innovation, and immersive staging, making it one of Dubai’s most distinctive live entertainment experiences.
FAQs
The show lasts 90 minutes and is performed without intermission.
The show follows an abstract, visually driven narrative inspired by Dubai’s pearl-diving heritage. Rather than a traditional plot, it focuses on emotion, symbolism, and high-impact visual storytelling.
La Perle was created by Franco Dragone, the visionary director known for his work with Cirque du Soleil and several world-renowned productions.
Yes. It is considered one of Dubai’s top live shows, praised for its stunts, atmosphere, stage technology, and overall production quality.
Ticket categories include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and VIP. Dinner-and-show packages are also available with partner restaurants in Al Habtoor City. Prices vary depending on date, time, and seating.
Yes, children are welcome. Families typically sit in standard seating zones, while premium sections offer additional comfort. (Note: Wheelchair-accessible seating is not available in Bronze.)
Plan to arrive 45–60 minutes before showtime, especially for evening performances, as Al Habtoor City can be busy and queues may form during peak hours.
