Paolo Petrocelli speaks with unmistakable pride when discussing Dubai Opera, a venue he describes as central to shaping the city’s cultural identity. “Dubai is becoming a global cultural capital,” he says, emphasising the role of the opera house in reflecting the diverse and dynamic spirit of the city. Petrocelli, who leads the Dubai Opera, has revealed an ambitious lineup for the upcoming season, one that underscores the venue’s position at the heart of Dubai’s cultural life.
Dubai Opera’s Diverse 2025 Season
The 2025 season at Dubai Opera is set to feature more than 50 productions and over 200 performances, spanning a wide range of genres from opera and ballet to musicals and symphonic concerts. The season will open with La Bohème, followed by Swan Lake, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and the highly anticipated UAE debut of Grease. The season also promises Wicked, a major musical that has long been awaited by audiences in the region.
“The season is monumental,” Petrocelli says. The line-up, which also includes a musical inspired by the teachings of the Persian poet Rumi, reflects Dubai’s commitment to cultural diversity. “A season for everyone,” he explains, pointing to the venue’s inclusive philosophy. This season offers something for every audience, encouraging individuals from all walks of life to find performances that resonate with their personal stories.
Dubai Opera’s Role in the City’s Cultural Evolution
Since opening its doors in 2016, Dubai Opera has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, attracting more than 1.5 million spectators. For Petrocelli, the venue is not just a stage for performances but a symbol of Dubai’s transformation from a global business hub to a cultural powerhouse. As the venue prepares to mark its tenth anniversary next year, Petrocelli reflects on the growth of both the opera house and the city itself. “Next year we’ll celebrate ten years of Dubai Opera,” he notes. “In the history of Dubai, a decade means a lot. We’ve grown with the city and helped it grow culturally.”
The challenge, Petrocelli explains, is not just about maintaining international standards but also about shaping what a cultural institution means in the Middle East. “Dubai Opera is different from any other theatre in the world,” he says. “It embraces the spirit of Dubai open, forward-looking, and full of possibilities.”
Nurturing Local Talent
Petrocelli is also focused on nurturing local and regional talent, with plans for the creation of a National Orchestra and a future Dubai Orchestra. “The next step will be to produce our own shows with Emirati and resident artists,” he says, highlighting the abundance of talent already present in the region.
This approach, Petrocelli believes, is not about change but rather a natural evolution of the venue’s cultural mission. “Every season is an opportunity to innovate, to surprise our audiences, and to find new ways of connecting tradition with modernity,” he adds. Dubai Opera’s diverse and well-travelled audience, with its high expectations, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. At the core of every production is artistic excellence, which remains the guiding principle for the opera house.
A Cultural Ambassador for Dubai
Before leading Dubai Opera, Petrocelli worked as a journalist in Italy, an experience he says still influences his leadership style. “Being a journalist taught me how to listen, how to read people,” he reflects. “That’s essential when you lead an organisation that serves the community. Ultimately, Dubai Opera serves people it’s a bridge that connects hearts and cultures.”
Looking forward, Petrocelli is confident that the next decade will be transformative not only for Dubai Opera but for Dubai itself. “Dubai is on the verge of something extraordinary,” he believes. “The demographics, the economic development, the diversity everything here makes it possible to imagine a new way of creating culture.” He sees Dubai’s inclusive environment as a model for the rest of the world, particularly as global tensions continue to rise.
As he reflects on his journey, Petrocelli smiles when asked if he ever misses being the one asking the questions. “Sometimes,” he admits, “But I still ask a lot of questions to my team, my colleagues, my partners. It keeps my mind open and helps me never lose the appetite to learn.”
