Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dr. Paolo Petrocelli (PhD, EMBA, FRSA) is a global cultural and performing arts leader, academic, and author, driven by the belief that culture, the arts, and education are transformative forces for growth and development worldwide. He currently serves as Head of Dubai Opera, leading one of the most prestigious performing arts institutions in the Middle East. A UNESCO Intercultural Leader for Peace, Dr. Petrocelli was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the highest honor conferred by the Italian state, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to culture, the arts, and international cooperation. A prominent voice in the global cultural sector, he has been recognized among the Top 100 Most Influential Personalities in Dubai and the Top 30 Leaders Under 40 in the Middle East by Arabian Business. Fast Company listed him among the Most Creative Personalities in the Region, while the French luxury house Cartier honored him as a Luminary Thinker. In 2023, Dr. Petrocelli was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum for his contributions to arts and cultural development on an international scale. He was also selected as a European Young Leader by the think tank Friends of Europe, recognizing him among the 40 most influential young personalities in Europe. Fortune magazine included him in its 40 Under 40 list of Italy’s most influential figures, the first time a cultural leader has been featured. With over 15 years of leadership experience, Dr. Petrocelli is widely recognized for his expertise in international relations, cultural diplomacy, and arts management, as well as for his dynamic and forward-thinking approach to institutional leadership. Deeply committed to fostering dialogue and connection through culture, he holds key institutional roles across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the United States. He is the Founder and President of EMMA for Peace, a leading global nonprofit promoting peace through music diplomacy. He also serves as Founder and Honorary President of the Italian Youth Association for UNESCO, Cultural Diplomacy Officer for the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, and Cultural Advisor to Coldplay. Dedicated to education and mentorship, Dr. Petrocelli lectures at leading universities worldwide, including Yale, MIT, NYU, and Université Paris-Sorbonne, helping to shape the next generation of cultural leaders. He is a TEDx Speaker, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and a contributor to Forbes and The Huffington Post. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Petrocelli
Managing and overseeing all areas within Dubai Opera, the main performing arts center in the United Arab Emirates. Responsible for setting the artistic direction, building and maintaining effective strategic relationships and leading the overall financial, operational and economic performance. Between 2023 and 2025, Dubai Opera delivered three consecutive years of record-breaking results, achieving new all-time highs in both audience attendance and overall performance each year. The latest season closed with over 260,000 tickets sold, the highest in the institution’s history.
Selected as one of 50 young leaders globally for the UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme.
Co-founded and chaired for 5 years (2014-2019) the largest youth organization in the UNESCO system worldwide (300+ members). As Honorary President dedicated to mentor, advise and train current board members and management of the organization.
Italian National Commission for UNESCO
Recognized as Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum for continued contributions to arts and cultural development internationally.
Named among The Dubai 100: The Most Influential Personalities in the Emirate by Arabian Business, alongside some of the most exceptional leaders across Dubai’s dynamic sectors.Named among The Dubai 100: The Most Influential Personalities in the Emirate by Arabian Business, alongside some of the most exceptional leaders across Dubai’s dynamic sectors.
Recognized by Arabian Business, the leading Arabic business magazine, in the prestigious 30 under 40 list, as one of the top 30 leaders under 40 years in the Middle East.
Member of the Society of Leadership Fellows at St George’s House, Windsor Castle, founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1966. The Society is limited to 250 leaders by invitation only from around the world, offering a unique space for reflection, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas on contemporary leadership and social responsibility.