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Keynote SpeakerPaolo Petrocelli

Head of Dubai Opera, cultural leader, academic and author

Dr. Paolo Petrocelli is a globally recognized cultural leader, academic and author, committed to the belief that culture, arts and education are powerful forces for social and economic progress. With more than 15 years of leadership experience across public and private institutions, he has established himself as one of the... Read more

Popular Talks

  • Cultural Diplomacy
  • Cultural Leadership
  • Performing Arts
  • Arts & Innovation
  • The Future of Creative Industries
    • More talks

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Biography

Dr. Paolo Petrocelli is a globally recognized cultural leader, academic and author, committed to the belief that culture, arts and education are powerful forces for social and economic progress. With more than 15 years of leadership experience across public and private institutions, he has established himself as one of the most prominent cultural executives of his generation.

As Head of Dubai Opera, the UAE’s leading performing arts center, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s cultural landscape. Under his direction, Dubai Opera has elevated its international profile, bringing world-class performances to the Middle East while spearheading initiatives to broaden accessibility, inclusivity and cultural education.

Dr. Petrocelli’s leadership and impact have been recognized globally. He is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Italy’s highest civilian honor. He has been named among the Top 100 most influential people in Dubai and the Top 30 leaders under 40 in the Middle East by Arabian Business, selected by Fast Company among the most creative personalities in the Middle East, honored by Cartier as a Luminary Thinker, and included in Fortune’s 40 Under 40 Italy, the first cultural leader ever chosen.

Beyond institutional leadership, Paolo Petrocelli has been a pioneer in cultural diplomacy. He is the Founder and President of EMMA for Peace, one of the world’s largest nonprofit organizations promoting peace through music diplomacy, and the Founder and Honorary President of the Italian Youth Association for UNESCO, the largest youth network in the UNESCO system worldwide. He also serves as Cultural Diplomacy Officer for the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates and as Cultural Advisor to Coldplay.

An engaged academic and thought leader, Dr. Petrocelli is a Research Affiliate at metaLAB (at) Harvard and has lectured at universities such as Yale, MIT, NYU and Université Paris-Sorbonne. He has been a Visiting Fellow at Yale University and a Visiting Researcher at MIT Media Lab. He contributes regularly to Forbes, is a TEDx Speaker, and was named a LinkedIn Top Voice for his influence in the cultural sector.

“Paolo and I worked closely across different entities during my time at Emaar. Paolo joined Dubaj Opera and instinctively was very clear on the re positioning strategy that would take a great opera house to an excellent opera house. During my time working with Paolo not only is he an incredible networker but someone who is always there to support others. He is clearly able to see the advantage of working closely together as one team and was able to support the hospitality division hosting key artists whilst driving room nights.It has been a pleasure seeing Paolo grow with Emaar and the city and I look forward to working with him in the future.” Mark Kirby President - One&Only Resorts Kerzner International
“I highly recommend Paolo Petrocelli for his exceptional leadership as Director of Dubai Opera. Paolo's strategic vision and expertise have significantly advanced the organization's position in the global arts community. With over two decades of experience at prestigious international institutions, Paolo consistently demonstrates remarkable foresight and dedication to cultural excellence. His contributions have notably enhanced Dubai Opera's artistic offerings and international reputation.” Zaki Nusseibeh Cultural Advisor to HH the President of the United Arab Emirates, Chancellor of United Arab Emirates University
“I am in awe of Paolo's breadth and depth of presence in the worlds of music and cultural diplomacy. His constant work calling for the recognition and use of culture - particularly in music - as an effective tool for creating understanding, empathy and creativity between people should be an example to us all.” Marshall Marcus, Executive & Artistic Director, European Union Youth Orchestra, Founder and President Sistema Europe, CEO International Youth Foundation

Popular Talks by Paolo Petrocelli

  • Cultural Diplomacy

    How culture and the arts foster dialogue, peace, and international cooperation.

  • Cultural Leadership

    Leading with vision and values in a globalized, interconnected world.

  • Performing Arts

    The evolving role of live performance in shaping societies and engaging audiences.

  • Arts & Innovation

    How creativity and cultural industries fuel innovation, transformation, and sustainable growth.

  • The Future of Creative Industries

    Opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving global economy.

  • Culture & Global Development

    Why investment in culture accelerates social and economic progress.

  • Leadership for the Next Generation

    Mentoring and empowering emerging cultural leaders worldwide.

  • Building Cultural Ecosystems

    Developing strategies to strengthen creative industries and cultural hubs.

  • Culture and Technology

    Exploring the intersection of digital innovation and artistic expression.