Much-loved UAE theatre veteran and educator Eric Dury dies

Eric Dury, a British actor and university educator renowned for his extensive career on UAE stages, has passed away. His age and the cause of death remain undisclosed. Described as an integral part of the UAE theatre community, Dury was an actor who continued to perform across decades, an educator who imparted his knowledge to generations of students, and a dedicated supporter of theatre and those who made it possible. Known by his British name Eric, he adopted the Arabic moniker Roslee Abdullah during his time in the UAE.

Dury relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 1999, swiftly becoming a familiar figure in the independent theatre landscape. Many of his performances took place with the Dubai Drama Group. His extensive resume includes roles in Ben Elton's Gasping at Ductac, Ali F Mostafa's City of Life, Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Anton Chekhov's The Proposal, Harold Pinter's The Homecoming, Neil Simon's Plaza Suite, and the pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk.

Additionally, Dury contributed to various productions with Raw Theatre, Danu Dubai Theatre, Bark at a Crow Productions, Tall Tales Productions, and Short+Sweet Dubai.

Beyond his acting work, Dury held a significant position in English language education at the University of Sharjah and later Zayed University. In 2021, he appeared in Tall Tales Productions' Just Like That, a locally written comedy. In 2025, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural DXB Theatre Awards, recognizing his contributions to the independent theatre scene in Dubai.

Alongside his theatrical endeavors, Dury was dedicated to English language education at the University of Sharjah and Zayed University. Reflecting on faith, family, and the values he wished to instill in his daughter during Ramadan in 2022, Dury emphasized the importance of spiritual connection and setting positive examples for his loved ones. He is survived by his wife Shereen and daughter Tash. His Janazah was scheduled for Sunday, following Asr prayers at Al Qusais Cemetery Mosque in Dubai.