Opened in November 2024, Les Marionnettes is Dubai’s first puppet theater, introducing the famous Guignol and bringing a touch of French tradition to the heart of the UAE.
The Founder of the ‘First & Only Puppet theatre in the UAE’, Gabriella Skafm spoke Exclusively to Emirates Reporter and here is the full interview for our readers.
ER– Please tell us about yourself and your theatre.
Gabriella– I’m Gabriella Skaf, founder of Les Marionnettes Theatre, the first dedicated children’s puppet theatre in the UAE, located in Sunset Mall, Jumeirah. After more than sixteen years working as a lawyer in banking and finance, I decided to follow my passion for culture and storytelling.
Les Marionnettes Theatre was born from a simple idea — to create a space where children and families could rediscover the magic of imagination through puppetry. Our shows are interactive, educational, and multilingual (English, French, Arabic, Russian, and more), helping children connect with art and language in a playful way.
ER– How did you take the sudden decision to move from law practice to entrepreneurship?
Gabriella-Since becoming a mother, I always wanted to start my own business to have more flexibility with my schedule. I was simply waiting for the right idea. During our travels to France, I noticed how much my children loved puppet shows. That’s when I realized this was the idea I had been looking for — something that combines creativity, education, and joy for children and families.
ER– Why choose puppetry as a profession?
Gabriella-Puppetry is one of the most beautiful forms of storytelling. It captures a child’s imagination instantly and allows complex ideas — kindness, honesty, courage – to be expressed in a way they understand. Puppetry is not just entertainment; it is a bridge between art and education. It brings together theatre, design, language, and emotion in one magical experience.
ER– Why do you think Dubai is the right place to exhibit your entrepreneurial skills and to set up your theatre business?
Gabriella-Dubai was the natural choice — it’s where I live with my family, and it’s a city that truly thrives on innovation, creativity, and diversity. Families here come from all over the world, and there’s a genuine appetite for cultural and educational experiences for children.
It felt like the perfect home for Les Marionnettes — a place that celebrates new ideas while valuing tradition. The city’s strong support for arts, culture, and entrepreneurship made this possible.
ER– What kind of response does your theatre draw from people, and besides kids do you plan to have puppet shows for adults as well?
Gabriella– The response has been truly heartwarming. Parents often tell us that our shows bring them back to their own childhoods, while children leave the theatre excited, curious, and full of laughter.
We’ve also started collaborating with corporates, festivals, and cultural institutions for family events — and the feedback has been wonderful.
Our shows are fun for adults too. Puppets speak to everyone — they have a unique way of touching emotions and creating joy across all ages.
ER– How are you promoting and propagating your art?
Gabriella-We collaborate with schools, nurseries, cultural centers, and community events across the UAE. We also operate a mobile puppet theatre that allows us to bring our performances to different venues — from malls and corporate family days to hospitals and festivals.
We’re active on social media and regularly partner with brands and organizations that share our values of culture, creativity, and inclusion.
ER-. What is your message for all those who want to pursue art and culture as their profession?
Gabriella-Follow your passion with courage. The path in art and culture is not always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling.
When you do something from the heart, it resonates — and that’s the true reward.
