In the dynamic city of Dubai, where cultural boundaries continuously expand, French producer Stéphane Boukris is creating waves. Known for his resilience and innovative spirit, Boukris is embarking on a groundbreaking venture with his latest project, Once Upon a Time in Dubai, a musical that’s poised to redefine the regional theater landscape when it premieres in December 2025. This ambitious production celebrates Dubai’s unique cultural mosaic, weaving a narrative of love, ambition, and the transformative energy of the city itself.
Boukris describes the project with palpable excitement: “This is more than just a musical—it’s a celebration of Dubai’s incredible energy and global status. We are bringing together a world-class team and creating something truly unique that blends music, storytelling, and the spirit of this extraordinary city. We can’t wait to share this experience with audiences here and around the world.” The story of Once Upon a Time in Dubai follows Will, a young artist who leaves London to pursue his dreams and love in Dubai, capturing both the emotional and ambitious drive that defines the city.
As the producer behind Once Upon a Time in Dubai, Boukris is no stranger to innovative projects. His journey is marked by numerous pioneering ventures and an indomitable spirit that has helped him navigate both successes and setbacks. From Robin Hood, a musical that reached over a million attendees across Europe, to various entrepreneurial adventures, Boukris has never shied away from pushing boundaries.
Boukris has also built a remarkable career as a tech entrepreneur. He co-founded Ametix, a digital services company, which was eventually sold in 2017 to Groupe La Poste, one of France’s leading organizations. Ametix distinguished itself in the market with innovative campaigns and events, such as the “Best Developer of France” hackathon, which attracted 10,000 participants and caught the attention of even former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
In 2012, Boukris created L’Express Ventures, a media-for-equity fund that partnered with major media brands to support startups in exchange for advertising space. With over half of the companies it backed still thriving nearly a decade later, L’Express Ventures reflects Boukris’s commitment to empowering emerging talent and his skill in fostering enduring business models.
After Ametix, Boukris launched Excelsior, a company specializing in the digital transformation of major brands, which achieved hyper-growth and quickly became a leader in the metaverse sector. Under his leadership, Excelsior advised clients such as AXA and Crédit Agricole. In 2023, Excelsior was acquired by Alan Allman Associates, underscoring the company’s value in the evolving digital landscape and marking yet another successful exit for Boukris.
In parallel with his theatrical ambitions, Boukris is a prominent figure in the UAE tech scene. As the President of French Tech Dubai – Abu Dhabi, he leads initiatives to foster collaboration between French and Emirati tech firms, with a focus on green tech and artificial intelligence. This dual commitment to both arts and technology uniquely positions him as a connector between cultural and technological innovation in the region.
Through his visionary work in Once Upon a Time in Dubai, Stéphane Boukris is not only shaping the arts but also making Dubai a central player in international culture and technology. His story serves as an inspiration, exemplifying how resilience, creativity, and a love for community can bring transformative projects to life. With Once Upon a Time in Dubai, Boukris invites audiences to experience the magic of a city that inspires people to dream big.
Connect with Stéphane Boukris on LinkedIn.
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