Promoting culture and the arts globally, strengthening dialogue between artistic institutions, and enhancing Italian musical heritage: this is the mission of Paolo Petrocelli, Superintendent of the Dubai Opera since 2023. A manager, academic and journalist, Petrocelli is convinced that "culture, arts and education are a positive force for development and innovation on a global level". Under his leadership, Dubai Opera is consolidating its role as an international hub for the performing arts. Last season saw record numbers, with strong growth in young audiences and a significant increase in revenues. "We want to focus on artistic excellence, accessibility and intercultural dialogue," says Petrocelli, who works closely with Italian artists and institutions to promote opera in the Gulf. "Opera is a total art form that has brought the Italian language to the most prestigious theaters on the planet," he emphasizes. "Those who study opera singing, wherever they are, must approach Italian, understand it, live it". This is also why Petrocelli considers opera a powerful vehicle for the internationalization of our language and culture. Recently, for his cultural commitment, he received the honor of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. "A recognition that I also dedicate to the symbolic value that the arts can have in representing Italy in the world," he commented. And to young people, he sent a message, "Believe in your talent. Italy needs your vision to write the next pages of its cultural history”.