In the heart of Dubai’s Al Quoz industrial district, where warehouses once stood in quiet utility, Alserkal Avenue has emerged as a vibrant cultural beacon, redefining the city’s identity on the global stage. The 2025 Art Dubai fair, hosted at this d...
Perched on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, At.mosphere is the world’s highest restaurant, offering French-European cuisine with panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf. In 2025, it remains a Michelin-starred icon, blending opulence with culinary finesse under chef Nicolas De Visch.
The degustation menu, starting at 880 AED, showcases dishes like langoustine royale and tarte tatin, crafted with premium ingredients. The art-deco interiors, featuring jewel-toned wallpaper and mirrored staircases, evoke timeless luxury. Afternoon tea, accompanied by live violin and piano, is a decadent ritual, with delicate sandwiches and champagne.
Despite its lofty price and formal dress code, At.mosphere’s allure lies in its unmatched setting. The view - glittering skyscrapers by day, a neon tapestry by night - makes it a favorite for celebrations. Booking well in advance is essential, as tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows are highly sought after. At.mosphere is Dubai dining at its most iconic.
Photo credits: Atmospheredubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Ossiano, nestled in Atlantis, The Palm, offers one of Dubai’s most surreal dining experiences: a Michelin-starred seafood journey surrounded by floor-to-ceiling aquarium views. Sharks, rays, and tropical fish glide past as diners savor chef Grégoire Berger’s ocean-inspired tasting menu, priced between 1,095 and 2,100 AED.
The 2025 menu features dishes like Norwegian langoustine with delicate herb emulsions and “Snacks of the Sea,” a playful medley of marine flavors. The underwater setting, described by reviewers as “otherworldly,” enhances every bite. In 2024, Ossiano ranked third on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, lauded for its artistry and ambiance.
The restaurant’s exclusivity - reservations are fiercely competitive - and its steep price point reflect Dubai’s appetite for spectacle. Yet, the seamless service and innovative cuisine ensure it’s more than a gimmick. For those seeking a bucket-list meal, Ossiano delivers a sensory immersion unmatched in the emirate.
In the heart of Dubai’s St. Regis Gardens, Trèsind Studio has redefined Indian cuisine with a historic achievement: in May 2025, it became the world’s first three-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, as announced by the Michelin Guide. Helmed by chef Himanshu Saini, this intimate 20-seat venue offers a 16-course tasting menu that traverses India’s regional flavors with modernist precision.
The Lana, opened in 2024 by the Dorchester Collection, sits along Marasi Bay Marina, offering serene views of the Burj Khalifa. Designed by Foster + Partners, its 225 rooms and suites, starting at 50 square meters, embrace understated elegance with pale rose velvet, pink leather, and mosaic columns. The rooftop infinity pool is a highlight, reflecting Dubai’s skyline at dusk.
Opened in 2024, One&Only One Za’abeel is Dubai’s first “vertical resort,” housed in a striking dual-tower structure linked by The Link, a 230-meter cantilevered boulevard. Located in Za’abeel, near Downtown Dubai, its 229 rooms and suites, starting at 65 square meters, feature glass walls with Burj Khalifa views. Grand suites include separate dressing rooms and standalone tubs.
Atlantis The Palm, opened in 2008 on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, is a 1,539-room ocean-themed resort. Its 46-hectare site blends luxury with family-friendly adventure, anchored by the Aquaventure Waterpark, the world’s largest with 105 slides. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to 65,000 marine animals, offers underwater views in select suites.
Perched on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, opened in 1999, redefined luxury hospitality. Its sail-shaped silhouette, stretching 321 meters, is a global symbol of Dubai’s opulence. The hotel’s 198 duplex suites, starting at 170 square meters, feature gold-leaf accents, Hermès toiletries, and 24-hour butler service.
Dubai, long synonymous with extravagance and architectural marvels, is now redefining luxury through a new lens: wellness. The emirate is swiftly evolving into a global hub where sophisticated self-care meets world-class hospitality, appealing to discerning travelers seeking holistic rejuvenation.
In a region long defined by its arid climate and rapid urban growth, Dubai is emerging as a global exemplar of sustainable development. Central to this transformation is the ambitious Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to produce 75% of the emirate’s energy from clean sources by mid-century. This bold vision reflects Dubai’s commitment not only to economic diversification but also to environmental stewardship.
At the heart of this green revolution is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, currently the largest single-site solar park worldwide. Set to reach a capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030, the solar park embodies the city’s transition from fossil fuels toward renewable energy. This massive infrastructure project promises to reduce carbon emissions and serve as a model for clean energy projects across the globe.
Dubai’s sustainability efforts extend beyond energy production. The city’s Sustainable City, the Middle East’s first fully operational eco-city, showcases how urban living can be both luxurious and environmentally responsible. With zero-net energy homes, extensive urban farming, and car-free zones, this community redefines modern city life by integrating green technology with social wellbeing.
Further reinforcing these initiatives are Dubai’s Green Building Regulations, introduced in 2014. These regulations mandate that all new developments comply with stringent energy and water efficiency standards, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in the city’s rapid urban expansion.
Dubai’s green economy trajectory reflects a larger global shift toward sustainability. By turning its desert landscape into a hub of renewable energy and eco-conscious living, Dubai is not only addressing climate challenges but also setting a new standard for sustainable urban growth in the 21st century.
Photo credits: dewa.gov.ae. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
In the heart of Al Quoz’s industrial sprawl, a cultural renaissance is quietly flourishing. Alserkal Avenue, founded in 2008 by Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, has evolved into Dubai’s leading contemporary arts district, home to more than 70 galleries, studios, and creative spaces spread across 500,000 square feet.
Dubai has long been celebrated for its record-breaking architecture and futuristic skyline. But beyond the skyscrapers and luxury developments lies a deeper, transformative ambition: to become the smartest and most innovative city in the world. Through cutting-edge technologies, data-driven governance, and a citizen-first approach, Dubai is not just preparing for the future—it is actively building it today.
Dubai 10X: A Blueprint for a Decade Ahead
At the core of this transformation is the Dubai 10X initiative, launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. The program challenges government entities to implement today what other cities might only consider ten years from now. The goal is to "disrupt" traditional services and business models through bold, forward-thinking ideas.
One example is the Dubai Courts' digital litigation system, which uses AI and blockchain to streamline case handling, reducing human error and expediting judicial processes. Another is the Dubai Health Authority’s Doctor for Every Citizen initiative, which uses telemedicine platforms powered by AI to offer 24/7 consultations for residents.
Dubai Paperless Strategy: A Greener Government
Launched in 2018 by the Dubai Digital Authority, the Dubai Paperless Strategy aims to eliminate all paper transactions from government entities. As of 2024, the initiative has succeeded in removing over 336 million paper documents, saving more than 14 million work hours and 1.6 billion AED in costs, according to official data released by Smart Dubai.
Government entities such as Dubai Police, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) are now fully paperless. Through smart apps and integrated platforms, residents can access hundreds of public services without printing a single page—dramatically reducing carbon emissions and improving administrative efficiency.
AI Integration: Intelligence Across Every Sector
In 2023, Dubai unveiled its Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, further advancing the goals of the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. The roadmap outlines a vision for incorporating AI across essential sectors such as transport, education, energy, and public safety.
The Dubai Metro, operated by the RTA, already features driverless trains, which are fully automated and monitored by smart systems. The RTA is also piloting autonomous taxis in partnership with Cruise (a GM-backed company), aiming for full deployment by 2030, when 25% of all transportation in Dubai is expected to be autonomous.
In healthcare, Dubai's AI strategy supports early diagnosis and predictive healthcare models. Hospitals under Dubai Health Authority have begun implementing AI algorithms for radiology scans, improving both speed and accuracy in diagnostics. Similarly, AI-powered surveillance systems are used by Dubai Police to enhance public safety and optimize emergency response times.
Blockchain and Big Data: Building Trust Through Technology
Dubai is also pioneering the use of blockchain in government. Through the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, the city aims to become the first blockchain-powered government in the world. Over 24 government departments have already adopted blockchain-based solutions for identity verification, property transactions, and supply chain transparency.
Meanwhile, the Smart Dubai platform, powered by Dubai Pulse, acts as the central data repository for the city. This open-data initiative allows government departments and private enterprises to access, analyze, and share real-time urban data to enhance decision-making and improve quality of life for residents.
Smart Living: Everyday Innovation for Everyone
For Dubai residents, the impact of the smart city strategy is tangible. The DubaiNow app integrates over 130 government and private services in a single interface—from paying bills to renewing vehicle registration and reporting public issues. The Happiness Meter, one of the world’s first city-wide sentiment measurement tools, allows residents to rate their satisfaction in real time, giving feedback directly to service providers.
Moreover, the city has embraced the Internet of Things (IoT) with thousands of smart sensors embedded across infrastructure—from street lighting to waste management. This enhances operational efficiency and aligns with Dubai's sustainability goals under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
Smart City
Dubai's Smart City vision is more than a series of high-tech upgrades—it is a holistic, citizen-centric strategy rooted in sustainable innovation, digital transformation, and global leadership. By harnessing AI, blockchain, big data, and automation, Dubai is not just racing toward the future—it is setting the pace for the world to follow.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
In the heart of the desert, where the sun reigns supreme, Dubai is harnessing its most abundant resource to redefine its energy landscape. The emirate, known for its towering skyscrapers and opulent lifestyle, is now chasing a more sustainable ambition: to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050, with a significant milestone targeted for 2025. At the core of this transformation is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a sprawling testament to Dubai’s commitment to clean energy and a model for cities worldwide grappling with the climate crisis.
Launched in 2013 with a modest 13-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) project, the solar park has grown into the world’s largest single-site renewable energy project, with a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030. As of early 2025, the park produces approximately 3,460 megawatts, enough to power over 800,000 homes, and accounts for roughly 24 percent of Dubai’s electricity mix. By the end of this year, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) aims to push this figure closer to 30 percent, a critical step toward the emirate’s long-term goal.
The solar park’s success is not just a matter of scale but of innovation. It combines cutting-edge PV panels with concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, which use mirrors to focus sunlight and store thermal energy, enabling electricity generation even after sunset. The Noor Energy 1 complex, part of the park’s fourth phase, features the world’s tallest solar tower at 260 meters and can deliver power 24 hours a day, thanks to 15 hours of molten-salt storage. Such advancements address the intermittency of renewables, a persistent challenge for grids worldwide.
Dubai’s renewable push is part of the broader Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, unveiled in 2015 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the emirate’s ruler. The strategy, which aims for 75 percent clean energy by 2050, is built on five pillars: large-scale renewable projects, smart grid infrastructure, energy efficiency, regulatory frameworks, and innovation. Beyond the solar park, initiatives like Shams Dubai encourage residents and businesses to install rooftop solar panels and sell excess power back to the grid, while a $27 billion green fund provides low-interest loans for clean-tech ventures.
This transformation is not without its complexities. Dubai, like much of the United Arab Emirates, remains heavily reliant on natural gas, which accounted for 94 percent of its electricity in 2021. Transitioning from a hydrocarbon-based economy—one that has fueled the emirate’s meteoric rise—requires not just technological leaps but cultural and economic shifts. The UAE, the world’s sixth-largest oil producer, is balancing its fossil fuel exports with a pivot to renewables, a pragmatic approach in a region where energy security and economic diversification are paramount.
The emirate’s leadership sees clean energy as more than an environmental imperative; it’s a strategic play to position Dubai as a global hub for green technology. The solar park’s Innovation Centre, a hub for research into advanced solar panels, battery storage, and solar-powered desalination, underscores this ambition. Partnerships with universities and tech giants like Tesla are testing next-generation solutions, from redox flow batteries to AI-driven grid management. DEWA’s green hydrogen pilot, the first in the Middle East, hints at a future where solar power fuels not just electricity but transportation and industry.
Yet, for all its progress, Dubai faces hurdles. The emirate’s scorching climate, with temperatures often exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, poses challenges for solar panel efficiency and grid stability. Dust accumulation on panels requires constant innovation in cleaning technologies, including robotic systems now deployed at the solar park. Moreover, while the UAE ranks sixth globally in per capita solar consumption, renewables still represent just 8.3 percent of the nation’s total electricity mix as of 2023, a reminder of the long road ahead.
Critics argue that Dubai’s green ambitions must extend beyond energy to address broader sustainability issues, such as water scarcity and urban sprawl. The emirate’s Waste-to-Energy Centre, which converts landfill waste into 200 megawatts of power, and its solar-powered desalination pilot are steps in this direction, but scaling these solutions remains a challenge. Others note that the UAE’s hosting of COP28 in 2023, while a diplomatic triumph, drew scrutiny for the region’s continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Still, Dubai’s solar push offers lessons for the world. Its ability to attract private investment—through long-term power purchase agreements and Sharia-compliant green sukuk bonds—demonstrates how public-private partnerships can accelerate renewable deployment. The solar park’s low electricity costs, with bids as low as 1.35 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour, rival those of fossil fuels, proving that clean energy can be economically competitive even in an oil-rich region.
As 2025 unfolds, Dubai stands at a crossroads. The emirate’s solar achievements are a beacon of what’s possible when vision, investment, and technology converge. Yet the path to 50 percent renewables by 2050 demands sustained commitment, not just to build more solar farms but to reimagine how a city consumes and produces energy. In a world racing to avert climate catastrophe, Dubai’s desert gamble may light the way.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
When the crescent moon heralded Eid Al Adha from June 15 to June 19, 2025, Dubai greeted travelers with a distinctive flourish: a limited-edition “Eid in Dubai” passport stamp, rolled out at Dubai International Airport and the Hatta land border crossing. Led by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) and designed by Brand Dubai, the stamp featured crescent moons, traditional lantern motifs, and the phrase “Eid in Dubai – 2025” in Arabic and English. This initiative, a seamless blend of cultural heritage and modern hospitality, underscored Dubai’s ambition to remain a global leader in tourism and cultural innovation.
The passport stamp campaign captured the imagination of visitors arriving during the festive season. Social media platforms buzzed with posts, showcasing travelers sharing images of their stamped passports, which amplified Dubai’s festive branding to a global audience. The initiative coincided with a surge in travel, with 629,559 travelers recorded at Dubai’s entry and exit points from June 5 to June 8, 2025, including 581,000 through airports. While the exact number of stamp recipients is not specified, the high volume of airport traffic—part of the 3 million passengers welcomed during the broader festive season, - suggests the campaign reached a significant portion of international arrivals, reinforcing Dubai’s status as the world’s busiest international airport.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
