UAE schools can book their primary pupils into The Pearl Diver, a stage adaptation of Julia Johnson’s children’s book, at Theatre by QE2 aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 at Port Rashid. The performances run on six dates between November 2026 and March 2027 and are closed shows for pre-booked school groups only: there is no public sale.
The book was first published in 2003, illustrated by Patricia Al Fakhri, and has sold more than 40,000 copies. It is used in UAE school curricula for upper-primary pupils, with links to English literacy, Social Studies and Moral Education.
The production
Australian playwright and director Alex Broun adapted the story, using physical theatre, sound and visual storytelling. The staging draws on the region’s pearl-diving heritage, with traditional diving props, ocean-inspired silk visuals, lighting, soundscapes and the venue’s large LED screen. It is aimed at children aged 7 to 11, Years 3 to 6, and lasts about 50 minutes.
“The Pearl Diver gives students the chance to experience and understand the UAE’s pearling heritage through live theatre,” said Robert Duce, CEO of Theatre by QE2.
Dates, prices and workshops
Each date has performances at 9am and 11am: 24 and 25 November 2026, 26 and 27 January 2027, and 23 and 24 March 2027. Admission is AED 85 per student including VAT, and teachers and chaperones go free at one adult per 10 students.
After the 11am show, schools can add a Director’s Workshop of about an hour, led by the director and a cast member, for AED 40 per student including VAT, with a minimum of 40 students. Teachers receive a Teacher’s Pack by Julia Johnson once a booking is confirmed.
For more on children’s books with a UAE link, see The Light Never Left. Our stories on Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 and Lala Little Wonders cover more culture and family days out.
The Pearl Diver at Theatre by QE2 (school groups only): Details
- When: 24 and 25 November 2026, 26 and 27 January 2027, 23 and 24 March 2027, at 9am and 11am. About 50 minutes
- Where: Theatre by QE2, Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai
- Age: Aimed at ages 7 to 11 (Years 3 to 6). Pre-booked school groups only
- Price: AED 85 per student including VAT; Director’s Workshop AED 40 per student (minimum 40, after the 11am show)
- Book: theatrebyqe2.com/pearl-diver or schools@otbuae.com
See also: Toys, Treasures and Little Discoveries, Dubai cultural and community activities, Free events at The Plaza, Uptown Dubai.
Image: courtesy of Theatre by QE2.