La Perle by Dragone is Dubai's first permanent resident show, a 90-minute aquatic acrobatic spectacular created by world-renowned Cirque du Soleil director Franco Dragone. Performed in a custom-built 1,288-seat theatre at Al Habtoor City with a 5-metre-deep transforming aqua-stage, the show features 65 international artists performing high dives (up to 25 metres), aerial acrobatics, motorcycle stunts, underwater choreography and water-based scene transformations – all synchronized with 3D projection mapping and a 360-degree sound system.
Quick facts:
Duration 90 minutes · 1,288-seat theatre · 5m water stage · Wed–Sun shows
Did you know?
La Perle's theatre features a 5-metre-deep transforming pool stage that can fill, drain and reshape within seconds during the performance – allowing seamless transitions between dry-land acrobatics, high diving, and underwater choreography in a single show.
Best time to visit:
Shows run Wednesday to Sunday at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM (closed Monday–Tuesday); the 9:00 PM show offers a more atmospheric evening experience.
Where to eat nearby:
Al Habtoor City has 20+ restaurants within walking distance including World Cut Steakhouse, Namu (Japanese), IL Pastaio (Italian) and Babiole (Mediterranean) – many offering La Perle dinner-show packages.
Tip:
Gold or Platinum tickets offer the best balanced views; Silver and Bronze are still excellent given the intimate 14-row theatre design. Avoid the front 2 rows unless you don't mind getting wet from the splashes. Prices may vary – check official website.
La Perle by Dragone
La Perle by Dragone is widely admired as one of Dubai's standout live entertainment experiences, with reviewers praising the acrobatic stunts, the high-diving sequences, the water-stage transformations and Franco Dragone's choreography.
Some find ticket prices on the higher side and note the best views come from the more expensive seats, so it's worth comparing seating tiers when booking. Even so, most come away considering it a memorable, well-produced show.
When are the shows?
Wednesday to Sunday at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM (closed Monday and Tuesday). Each show lasts 90 minutes with no intermission.
Who created the show?
Franco Dragone – the world-renowned Belgian artistic director behind multiple Cirque du Soleil productions including "O" at the Bellagio Las Vegas.
What ticket categories are available?
Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and VIP – with VIP and Platinum including lounge access, complimentary drinks and merchandise vouchers.
Should I avoid the front rows?
Yes if you don't want to get wet – front 2 rows can be splashed during high-dive sequences. Rows 4–8 in Gold/Platinum offer the best balanced views.
Where exactly is it?
At Al Habtoor City on Sheikh Zayed Road – nearest metro is Business Bay (Red Line), then a short taxi. Free valet parking on-site for VIP ticket holders.