Stéphane Boukris
Dubai, a city synonymous with ambition and transformation, has welcomed countless innovators who seek to redefine the boundaries of possibility. Among them is Stéphane Boukris, a French entrepreneur, tech innovator, and cultural producer who has made the UAE his home. Now at the helm of Once Upon a Time in Dubai, an ambitious musical set to premiere in December 2025, Boukris is weaving a narrative that celebrates the vibrant soul of the city and its global significance.
A Bold Journey: From Paris to Dubai
Born and raised in France, Stéphane Boukris’s path has been anything but conventional. From his early entrepreneurial endeavors to his ventures in tech and entertainment, Boukris’s career has been defined by resilience and creativity. His first notable success came with the production of Robin Hood, a musical that captivated over a million spectators across Europe.
In parallel, Boukris carved a niche for himself in the tech industry. He co-founded Ametix, a cutting-edge digital services company that revolutionized tech recruitment and marketing in France. Known for its groundbreaking campaigns like the “Best Developer of France” hackathon, Ametix quickly rose to prominence and was acquired by Groupe La Poste in 2017.
Building on this success, Boukris launched Excelsior, a digital transformation powerhouse that thrived under his leadership. Focused on helping brands embrace the metaverse, Excelsior partnered with industry leaders like AXA and Crédit Agricole. In 2023, the company was acquired by Alan Allman Associates, marking yet another triumphant exit for Boukris.
Once Upon a Time in Dubai: A Love Letter to the City
Now based in Dubai, Stéphane Boukris has turned his attention to the arts, bringing his creative vision to the stage. His latest endeavor, Once Upon a Time in Dubai, is a musical that reflects the city’s dynamic culture and global appeal.
The production tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves to Dubai to pursue his dreams and reunite with his love, Sophia. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s dazzling skyline, the musical explores themes of ambition, resilience, and cultural diversity.
“This is more than just a musical—it’s a celebration of Dubai’s energy and global status,” says Boukris. Collaborating with acclaimed composer Nazim Khaled, Boukris has assembled a world-class creative team to bring the production to life. With the support of major sponsors like McDonald’s UAE and Coca-Cola, Once Upon a Time in Dubai is poised to become a cultural milestone for the region.
A Leader in Innovation
Beyond the stage, Boukris is deeply embedded in the UAE’s tech ecosystem. As the President of French Tech Dubai – Abu Dhabi, he fosters collaboration between French and Emirati tech firms, focusing on sectors like artificial intelligence and green tech. His dual expertise in culture and technology positions him as a unique force in the region, bridging creative and business innovation.
Boukris’s mentorship extends to startups, where he provides not only financial backing but also strategic guidance. His investments reflect his commitment to fostering talent and innovation, ensuring his impact resonates far beyond his immediate ventures.
Shaping Dubai’s Global Narrative
Stéphane Boukris’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience and creativity. From his early days navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in France to his current role as a cultural and tech innovator in Dubai, his story is one of transformation and vision.
With Once Upon a Time in Dubai, Boukris is crafting more than a musical—he’s shaping a narrative that celebrates Dubai’s unique spirit. As the city prepares to host this landmark production in 2025, Boukris stands as a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets creativity, inspiring a new generation to dream boldly.
Also Read:
Ramneek Ahluwalia Interview CEO of Higher Health
A Conversation with Founder Sandro Gerber
A Conversation with Renata Coura
