Roberto Bolle and Friends bring world-class ballet to Dubai Opera in a dazzling cultural gala, marking Bolle’s UAE debut and celebrating Italian-Emirati artistic collaboration.
DUBAI: World-renowned ballet icon Roberto Bolle is set to make his much-anticipated Dubai Opera debut on Thursday, 6 November 2025, at 8:00 PM, in an electrifying performance of Roberto Bolle and Friends. Taking place in the heart of Downtown Dubai, this extraordinary gala will bring together an elite cast of international dancers, delivering a truly unforgettable evening of classical and contemporary ballet.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest ballet stars of his generation, Italian-born Bolle has achieved global acclaim as Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre in New York and as the first Italian étoile of Teatro alla Scala in Milan. His performance at Dubai Opera will showcase his exceptional career and artistic vision, as well as his commitment to expanding ballet’s global reach.
Bolle will lead an international cast of acclaimed soloists and principal dancers, including Nicoletta Manni from Teatro alla Scala, Ekaterine Surmava of Dortmund Ballet, Tatiana Melnik and Motomi Kiyota of Hungarian National Ballet, Baktiyar Adamzhan from Astana Ballet, and guest stars Toon Lobach and Ildar Gaynutdinov. Audiences can expect a rich programme that seamlessly blends traditional ballet repertoire with dynamic modern choreography.
“Each performance is an encounter between tradition and innovation,” said Bolle. “I am delighted to share this journey with the Dubai audience on one of the most exceptional stages in the world.”
The show, presented by ARTEDANZA Srl and sponsored by Mapei, also reflects a growing cultural collaboration between Italy and the UAE. With support from the Embassy of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, this event acts as a bridge between the two nations, using the universal language of dance to promote shared values and mutual appreciation.
Dubai Opera’s Head, Dr. Paolo Petrocelli, expressed pride in hosting the gala, calling it “a powerful symbol of creativity and collaboration between Italy and the UAE.”
Mapei, known globally for its leadership in construction innovation, is extending its support beyond infrastructure to cultural sponsorship. CEO Veronica Squinzi commented, “This partnership reflects our belief that excellence in construction and culture go hand in hand.”
HE Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, highlighted the diplomatic importance of the event: “This performance showcases the highest level of Italian ballet while deepening the cultural bonds between our two nations.”
With world-class talent and a mission rooted in cultural diplomacy, Roberto Bolle and Friends at Dubai Opera is set to be a landmark moment in the UAE’s performing arts scene.
