The Clock Is Ticking: Only A Few Days Left To Join The World’s Largest 10-Minute Play Festival
The countdown is on. At midnight on January 15, registrations close for Short+Sweet Theatre Dubai 2026 – and with them, the chance to be part of a major new chapter for Dubai’s theatre community.
Short+Sweet Theatre Dubai 2026 will be presented at the newly renovated New Covent Garden at Mall of the Emirates – with a stronger artist experience, a bigger stage for the Gala Final, and a wave of new opportunities flowing from the launch of Short+Sweet’s regional headquarters in Dubai.
From April 4 to May 9, up to 100 original 10-minute plays will premiere across six weekends and 20 performances, bringing together more than 250 writers, directors and actors in front of audiences totaling over 3,000 theatre lovers. For the first time, the Gala Final will take centre stage in New Covent Garden’s spectacular 500-seat main theatre – a night set to become one of Dubai’s defining annual theatre events.
Participation is completely free. Short+Sweet welcomes actors, writers, directors and independent theatre groups – whether you are a seasoned professional or stepping onto the stage for the first time.
Registration takes minutes. Visit shortandsweet.org/form/register-shortsweet-theatre-dubai-2026 and complete the online form before the deadline. Registrations close at midnight, January 15. After that, a limited waitlist will open only if places become available.
Alongside the core theatre season, the 2026 program will also feature showcase events introducing brand new Short+Sweet formats and a range of special performances across Dance, Musicals and Comedy. These are early previews of new initiatives being developed in the UAE – with Dubai as the launchpad.
Festival Director Seema Kunder said Short+Sweet Dubai remains the one event that brings the whole theatre community together. “There’s so much joy when writers, actors and directors gather to create theatre and support each other on their creative journey. The move to New Covent Garden is incredibly exciting – first-class professional facilities, conveniently located at Mall of the Emirates, with free parking. These improvements make the festival experience better than ever for participating artists.
“That beautiful 500-seat theatre is going to make the Short+Sweet Gala Final an extraordinary event. I believe we’re creating what will become the biggest night in Dubai’s theatre calendar – and it’s set to return annually. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this new chapter.”
Founder and Artistic Director Mark Cleary said Dubai is now positioned at the centre of Short+Sweet’s regional growth. “I believe this is a unique time in the Emirates – the winds of change and the government determination to be a leading player in technology, creativity and cultural innovation. These new formats that I’ve hinted at will be world firsts in Dubai in this next festival.
“I’m excited to be working with Seema Kunder, one of the best Festival Directors ever, and after 25 years and festivals across 50+ cities that’s something special. Exec Producer Rashmi Kotriwala won the very first Short+Sweet Dubai in 2013 and is now back in this important role helping to build the new era of Short+Sweet in the Emirates. We’re also supported by Alex Broun, who brought Short+Sweet to Dubai in 2013 and is one of the most performed short-form playwrights in the world, as well as an accomplished Actor, Director and Producer.”
Cleary added that the Dubai expansion reflects the strength of the UAE creative community. “The energy and talent in the Emirates is extraordinary. Establishing a regional headquarters here is our way of backing that community long term – with more programs, more pathways and more opportunities for artists.”
Don’t wait. The deadline won’t. Registrations close at midnight, January 15, 2026. If you have been sitting on the fence, this is the moment to step in.
Register now: shortandsweet.org/form/register-shortsweet-theatre-dubai-2026
Festival Details:
Dates: April 4 – May 9, 2026
Venue: New Covent Garden, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Gala Final: 500-seat main theatre (date TBA)
Participation: Free for all registered artists
Registration Deadline: Midnight, January 15, 2026
Follow us @ https://www.instagram.com/shortandsweetdxb/