Dubai, UAE– 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 First & Only Puppet theatre in the UAE
Founded by Gabriella Skaf, a passionate advocate for children’s education and entertainment, Les Marionnettes aims to blend culture and play in a meaningful way. Whether through classic tales, original productions, or interactive workshops, the theater offers a refreshing alternative to digital entertainment, fostering a love for storytelling and performing arts from an early age.Les Marionnettes also works and partners with schools, nurseries, and other educational outlets in the UAE to create curriculuminspired stories and shows for field trips. The venue can also be privatized for exclusive events such as birthdays and other celebrations thanks to its 80+ seating capacity. The shows are available in multiple languages including English, French and Arabic.
Gabriella Skaf, who is French Lebanese, moved to Dubai in 2016 to work as a banking lawyer. She had previously obtained her law degree in Lebanon, before moving to the United States to complete her Master’s and obtain the New York Bar qualification. In June 2023, she decided to leave her legal career to fully dedicate herself to her entrepreneurial venture, Les Marionnettes. Having experienced firsthand the joy and laughter of her own children when she took them to Puppet Shows in Paris, Gabriella founded Les Marionnettes, Dubai’ s first puppet theater. Her goal is to offer families an authentic cultural experience, blending entertainment and education while preserving the rich tradition of puppetry. Through her theater, she hopes to instill a love for storytelling in children and create unforgettable moments of joy and wonder.
“My goal was to create a space dedicated to children and culture, in a unique environment that didn’t exist in Dubai. A tailor-made theater with childfriendly seating and live performances where interaction takes centre stage”,says Gabriella Skaf.
For more info on the theater: www.lesmarionnettes.net
