Main Theatre
The main auditorium is praised for strong sound, lighting, comfortable seats and clear sightlines.
New Covent Garden Theatre – Mall of the Emirates
Al Barsha
New Covent Garden Theatre is a performance venue in Al Barsha’s Mall of the Emirates, presenting everything from stand-up comedy to family productions such as Slava’s Snow Show. Reviews highlight its main theatre’s sound, lighting and sightlines, alongside a smaller studio space for more intimate events.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
364 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Family Shows
Interactive productions such as Slava’s Snow Show kept both children and adults engaged through clowning, visual effects and audience participation.
Mall Access
Being inside Mall of the Emirates adds nearby parking, shopping and dining, with metro access also noted by a reviewer.
Comfortable Seating
Visitors describe the venue as having spacious seating and a welcoming stage area.
Stand-Up
The programme has hosted stand-up comedians, including Mark Lottering, Imah and Riaad Moosa.
Welcoming Staff
One family-show review specifically found the staff friendly, welcoming and well-organized.
Theatre Design
Red carpets and red-plush decoration give the interior a recognisable theatre atmosphere.
Tips for a Better Visit
Locate Entrance. On your first visit, look on Level 2 between Michael Kors and Nstyle, opposite Furla.
Park Nearby. For a shorter walk, park in A5 or A6, which a reviewer says is close to the entrance.
Avoid Balcony Rail. Avoid the first balcony row, especially row P: the railing can obstruct the stage view.
Arrive Early. Allow at least 30 minutes extra to find the theatre if you do not know the mall route.
Get Refreshments. Buy drinks before the queue builds, since bar lines before the show can be enormous.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Sheikh Zayed Rd
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Snowman Show
The Snowman Show was praised for its interactive format, festive decorations, music and lighting.
Elf the musical
A reviewer enjoyed the musical’s stage, acting and humour, and noted that snacks were sold at the venue.
Stand-up comedy show
The venue has been used for stand-up comedy, including shows featuring Mark Lottering, Imah and Riaad Moosa.
Common Concerns
Finding It
The entrance can be difficult to locate inside the mall, with limited or confusing signage.
Bar Queues
Queues at the bar before performances can be extremely long.
Studio Space
A reviewer found the smaller theatre cramped, with floor-level scenes hard to see and no sound system for performers.
Air Conditioning
Some visitors have found the entrance or hall insufficiently cool, especially when crowded.
Food Choice
Café drinks and snack options are limited, so arriving hungry may require using the wider mall.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
New Covent Garden Theatre is a performance venue inside Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha. The reviews point to a varied programme: stand-up comedy, orchestra performances, Elf the musical and family productions such as Slava’s Snow Show. The latter is the standout experience in the feedback, with mime, clowns, visual effects, laughter and direct audience interaction that worked for both children and adults.
The main theatre generally receives the stronger technical comments. Reviewers mention comfortable seats, good sightlines, impressive lighting and clear sound, while the red carpets and plush decoration create a recognisable theatre setting. It is also convenient to combine a show with shopping or dining in the mall, and parking and metro access are useful advantages.
There are practical wrinkles. Finding the entrance can take time because signs are limited; look on Level 2 near the named mall shops, and consider parking at A5 or A6. Balcony guests should avoid the first row, particularly row P, where the railing may block the view.
Refreshment queues can be long, café choices are limited, and the smaller theatre has drawn complaints about cramped seating and weak sound. Check the specific production and arrive early, especially for a crowded family event.