A Spectacular Gala Featuring the Stars of International Dance
Dubai Opera proudly announces the debut performance of Roberto Bolle and Friends, a world-renowned ballet gala that has captivated audiences across the globe. The performance will take place on Thursday, 6 November 2025, at 8:00 PM, in the Main Auditorium of Dubai Opera, in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
For the first time, audiences in the UAE will have the rare opportunity to experience Roberto Bolle, universally recognized as one of the greatest ballet stars of his generation, together with a constellation of international dance luminaries in a production that embodies artistry, elegance, and innovation.
An Exceptional Evening of Dance
Italian-born Roberto Bolle, Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre in New York and the first Italian étoile at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, has performed as a guest artist with the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. His career, artistry, and vision have made him a true cultural ambassador for ballet, admired globally for his ability to bring this art form to new audiences and generations.
As Artistic Director and lead performer, Bolle has curated a programme that harmoniously blends the elegance of classical repertoire with the dynamism of contemporary choreography. The evening will feature an ensemble of distinguished international artists, including soloists and principals as Nicoletta Manni, étoile from Teatro alla Scala – Milano, Toon Lobach, International Guest Artist, Ekaterine Surmava, principal dancer from Dortmund Ballet – Dortmund, Ildar Gaynutdinov, International Guest Artist, Tatiana Melnik, principal dancer from Hungarian National Ballet – Budapest, Motomi Kiyota, first soloist with Hungarian National Ballet – Budapest, and Baktiyar Adamzhan, principal dancer from Astana Ballet Company – Astana, performing alongside Bolle in a series of captivating solos, duets, and ensemble works.
“Bringing Roberto Bolle and Friends to Dubai Opera for the first time is a privilege and a pleasure,” said Roberto Bolle, Artistic Director and Principal Dancer. “Each performance is an encounter — between artists and audiences, tradition and innovation, emotion and movement. I am delighted to share this artistic journey with the Dubai public, on one of the most exceptional stages in the world.”
Each segment of the programme invites audiences on a journey through the many forms of dance — from technical brilliance to expressive storytelling — reaffirming the vitality of ballet as a dynamic and universal art form.
Cultural Collaboration Between Italy and the UAE
This exceptional gala is presented by ARTEDANZA Srl, with the sponsorship of Mapei and the valued support of the Embassy of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the shared commitment of all partners to fostering cultural dialogue and artistic excellence between the two nations.
“At Dubai Opera, we are deeply honored to present Roberto Bolle and Friends for the very first time in the United Arab Emirates” said Dr. Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera. “This event is far more than an extraordinary artistic occasion; it is a powerful symbol of cultural dialogue and collaboration between Italy and the UAE. Through the universal language of dance, we celebrate the shared values of creativity, excellence, and openness that unite our two nations. We are profoundly grateful to Mapei and to the Embassy of Italy to the United Arab Emirates for their support in making this remarkable act of cultural diplomacy possible.
The Role of Mapei: Building Culture Beyond Construction
A key supporter of the initiative is Mapei, a global leader in construction materials, whose vision extends far beyond building structures to include fostering creativity and culture.
“For Mapei, supporting Roberto Bolle and Friends reflects our enduring belief that excellence in creation and construction goes hand in hand with excellence in culture,” said Veronica Squinzi, Chief Executive Officer of Mapei. “We are proud to stand beside Dubai Opera and the Embassy of Italy in supporting this prestigious initiative, which unites art, talent, and shared values between Italy and the United Arab Emirates.”
Through its sponsorship, Mapei continues its tradition of supporting projects that exemplify Italian excellence and strengthen the cultural bridge between Italy and the UAE.
The Italian Embassy’s Enduring Support for the Arts
The event also benefits from the support of the Embassy of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, which has long championed initiatives that showcase Italy’s artistic heritage and foster cultural understanding.
“The exceptional relationship between Italy and the United Arab Emirates,” said HE Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, “is also reflected in cultural events of such extraordinary significance. The Italian Embassy is pleased to contribute, together with MAPEI and Dubai Opera, to organise this remarkable artistic performance, which strengthens the ties between the highest expression of Italian ballet and the Emirati audience.”
The Embassy’s partnership in this initiative highlights Italy’s role as a driving force for cultural diplomacy and artistic cooperation in the region.
About Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera is the main performing arts center of the United Arab Emirates. A landmark venue inaugurated in 2016, Dubai Opera is the city’s only purpose-built multi-format theatre, featuring a 2,000-seat Auditorium and a 250-seat Studio. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai and developed by Emaar, Dubai Opera’s mission is to serve, unify, and inspire the community by celebrating the cultures of the world. Through artistic excellence and innovation, it aims to foster cultural engagement and position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of the global performing arts scene.
About Mapei
Founded in 1937 in Milan, Mapei is now one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chemical products for the building industry and has contributed to the construction of some of the most important architectural and infrastructural works worldwide. With 98 subsidiaries operating in 59 countries and 106 manufacturing plants in 42 different nations, the Group employs about 13,200 staff worldwide. The Mapei Group’s consolidated turnover amounted to €4,4 billion in 2024. The foundations for the success of the company are specialisation, internationalisation, research & development and sustainability.
