At Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Bombay Club redefines Indian dining with a focus on Western India’s culinary heritage. Chefs Manav Tuli and Kumaran Balaji present dishes like baked guinea fowl samosas, tandoori red snapper, and Bohri lamb biryani, with ma...
In the shimmering corridors of Dubai Mall - the world’s largest shopping destination - two boutiques stand as sanctuaries of elegance: Graff and Cartier. Within their private salons, luxury transcends ornamentation. Here, jewelry is not simply worn - it is commissioned, curated, and composed to echo the singular identity of Dubai’s elite.
These maisons specialize in bespoke high jewelry, designed exclusively for individual clients. Graff, renowned for handling some of the rarest diamonds on Earth, works with ethically sourced stones from mines in Botswana and Lesotho. Cartier, meanwhile, offers haute joaillerie consultations in discreet salons where sketches and gemstones meet personal narratives and family heritage.
In Dubai, such custom pieces are more than accessories - they are statements of individual legacy. “Clients want something that no one else has. Exclusivity is the real luxury,” a Graff representative told The Jewellery Editor, a trusted publication covering global high jewelry trends.
Often, these creations are unveiled not in storefront windows but at private galas, hosted in villas on Jumeirah Bay or aboard superyachts moored in Dubai Marina. Set beneath crystal chandeliers and surrounded by art collectors, such events celebrate not only craftsmanship but also the emirate’s evolving aesthetic: opulent, yes - but increasingly personal.
This pursuit of individuality in high jewelry reflects a broader ethos in Dubai’s luxury culture - one rooted not merely in display, but in the art of bespoke expression.
Dubai Marina, a shimmering jewel along the Persian Gulf, has become synonymous with luxury yachting, hosting some of the world’s most opulent vessels. Among its 700 berths lies the AED 1 billion Icon - a floating palace owned by international billionaires who have turned Dubai’s vibrant waterfront into their private playground.
This superyacht exemplifies the pinnacle of nautical grandeur, with amenities rivaling five-star hotels, including expansive sundecks, swimming pools, helipads, and bespoke interior design. It is a symbol not just of wealth, but of a lifestyle where the boundaries between home, leisure, and spectacle dissolve at sea.
The owners and guests of these yachts represent a global elite - tech magnates, oil barons, royalty, and celebrities - who treat their vessels as second residences. Lavish parties aboard these floating palaces are a fixture in Dubai’s social calendar, seamlessly blending the extravagance of maritime living with the glittering backdrop of the city’s iconic skyline.
Dubai Marina’s strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities have helped it become a magnet for luxury yachting, supporting a booming lifestyle sector that intertwines leisure, status, and exclusivity. The scene captures a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, where the ancient allure of the sea meets Dubai’s futuristic urbanity.
On Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s man-made marvel shaped like a palm tree, beachfront villas gleam as monuments to ambition. These mansions, like the AED 300 million Ayumi project sold in 2024, are not mere homes but emblems of a city vying to eclipse London and New York as a haven for the world’s elite. With gold-detailed interiors, private infinity pools, and vistas of the Burj Khalifa piercing the sky, they draw billionaires seeking grandeur in a desert oasis. Here, high society finds a stage where wealth and dreams converge.
Palm Jumeirah, crafted by Nakheel Properties and completed in 2006, spans 560 hectares, its 16 fronds lined with 4,000 villas. The Ayumi villa, a 25,000-square-foot masterpiece on Frond G—dubbed Billionaires’ Row—boasts eight bedrooms, a private cinema, and marble floors inlaid with gold leaf. Its sale, brokered by Alpago Properties, reflects a 42.5% value surge since 2021, driven by global demand for Dubai’s tax-free luxury. Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani’s AED 293 million purchase for his son Anant underscores the frond’s allure for the ultra-rich.
These villas are engineered for exclusivity. Gated communities with 24-hour security ensure privacy, while private beaches and underground parking for six cars cater to lifestyles of seamless opulence. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Arabian Gulf and Burj Khalifa, blending indoor splendor with Dubai’s iconic skyline. Yet, their beauty lies in ambition: Dubai’s vision to rival global capitals. In 2024, 21 Palm Jumeirah properties sold above AED 30 million, outpacing Manhattan’s prime market, where similar homes fetch $80 million but lack Dubai’s tax advantages.
These mansions are more than homes—they’re declarations of a city sculpting its place among the world’s elite, where gold meets glass and desert meets sea.
In Dubai, where extravagance is a way of life, the thundering hooves of polo ponies at Desert Palm Resort offer a rare blend of sport and splendor. Tucked amid lush green fields—an oasis in the desert—this retreat draws the emirate’s high society to its sun-dappled polo matches, where private cabanas, vintage champagne, and royal tradition weave a tapestry of camaraderie. Here, among the clink of flutes and the roar of the crowd, Dubai’s elite find a timeless elegance that binds sheikhs to global tycoons.
Desert Palm, a 160-hectare estate just 20 minutes from Dubai’s glittering skyline, hosts four polo fields, a rarity in a region where sand typically reigns. Since its founding in 2008, the resort has become a high-society haven, its season from October to April drawing Emirati royals, European aristocrats, and Asian billionaires. A single match, with tickets starting at AED 500 and private cabanas fetching AED 5,000, transforms the grounds into a parade of bespoke suits and wide-brimmed hats, evoking Ascot in the desert.
Polo, rooted in Persian royal courts 2,500 years ago, resonates deeply in the UAE, where equestrian heritage runs as strong as Bedouin bloodlines. Desert Palm’s events, like the annual Gold Cup, see teams backed by patrons—often high-net-worth Emiratis—compete with Argentine pros, their mallets flashing under azure skies. Spectators, sipping Taittinger Brut from chilled flutes, cheer from shaded terraces, their conversations spanning deals in crypto and art. The sport’s intimacy—only 300 seats line the main field—fosters bonds among Dubai’s wealthiest, a microcosm of the city’s global allure.
The beauty of Desert Palm lies not just in its manicured lawns but in its curated exclusivity. Cabanas, draped in cream linens, offer caviar canapés and views of galloping steeds, while the resort’s Samana Spa tempts with post-match rose-infused massages at AED 800. The resort’s 38 suites, starting at AED 2,000 per night, often host visiting dignitaries, cementing its role as a high-society nexus.
Still, as the sun sets over Desert Palm, casting golden hues on players and patrons alike, the scene is undeniably beautiful. Polo here is more than a game—it’s a ritual where Dubai’s elite share laughter and ambition. In the gallop of hooves and the pop of corks, the emirate’s high society finds a fleeting, perfect harmony, a testament to a city that turns desert dreams into equestrian elegance.
In Monaco where elegance meets velocity, The Monegasque™ magazine has quietly established itself as one of the most exclusive titles in international publishing. Its formula is simple yet radical: every word is penned by public figures themselves, unfiltered voices of celebrities, athletes, and cultural icons. Its most recent edition, the “Grand Prix Issue,” is attracting attention not only for its editorial ambition but for a curious coincidence: every racing driver featured in the issue has since landed a major podium.
Oscar Piastri, Sébastien Buemi, and Maro Engel—three contributors to the issue—each enjoyed notable success within days of the magazine’s release. In a sport where even the smallest psychological edge can make the difference between a win and a loss, some are beginning to ask: is there a Monegasque effect?
The timing is hard to ignore.
On May 4, 2025, Oscar Piastri captured a commanding win at the Miami Grand Prix, his fourth victory of the Formula 1 season. Driving for McLaren, the 23-year-old Australian held off teammate Lando Norris in a dominant 1-2 finish, widening his lead in the Drivers’ Championship standings. In The Monegasque™, Piastri reflected on the psychological demands of racing at the sport’s highest level, describing the mental discipline that underpins his performance.
That same day, Sébastien Buemi—a long-time Monaco resident and veteran of Formula E—took first place at the Monaco E-Prix. Starting eighth on a rain-slicked grid, Buemi executed a tactically astute race to secure his first victory in six years. Writing for the magazine, Buemi explored the evolution of electric racing, pairing his analysis with a quiet confidence that now seems prophetic.
Just 24 hours earlier, GT racing specialist Maro Engel, also based in Monaco, earned a podium finish at the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup in Brands Hatch, driving for Mercedes-AMG. The result followed his win at the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour earlier in the year. Engel’s contribution to the magazine was a vivid account of endurance racing and the razor-thin margins between success and disappointment.
None of the drivers claim that their written reflections had any direct bearing on their performance. Yet the idea that the act of writing—of introspection, of clarity—could serve as a catalyst for competitive focus is not without precedent. In a paddock where many drivers turn to superstition, mindfulness, or repetition for an edge, a literary ritual may be no stranger.
Each essay is marked by the same traits that define their authors on the track. Piastri’s writing is methodical and analytical, mirroring the precision of his lap-14 overtake on Max Verstappen in Miami. Buemi’s measured tone echoes his strategic composure through Monaco’s wet corners. Engel’s prose is cinematic, as layered as his wheel-to-wheel battles in Europe’s toughest GT circuits.
What The Monegasque™ has created is more than a motorsports edition—it is a hybrid of culture and competition, where world-class drivers become storytellers. With its polished aesthetic and access to voices rarely heard in their own words, the magazine offers something increasingly rare in celebrity media: authenticity.
Whether or not its pages carry a touch of good fortune is, for now, a matter of speculation. What is certain is that its contributors are not only shaping podiums but reshaping how athletes can express themselves beyond them. As The Monegasque™ continues to redefine the role of celebrity editorial, motorsport fans—and perhaps a few drivers—will be watching closely to see if its streak holds.
The ancient art of falconry soars as a vibrant emblem of Emirati heritage. For over 4,000 years, this practice has woven itself into the cultural fabric of the region, evolving from a Bedouin survival tool to a revered sport and symbol of national pride. In Dubai, falconry is more than a tradition; it is a living bridge between past and present, celebrated through training centers, high-stakes competitions, and global recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2016. As the city balances modernity with its Bedouin roots, falconry remains a testament to courage, patience, and a deep connection to nature.
Falconry’s origins in the UAE trace back to the Bedouin tribes who relied on falcons to hunt scarce game like houbara bustards and hares in the unforgiving desert. The falcon, known as the “Saqr,” was prized for its sharp eyesight and speed, capable of diving at over 200 miles per hour to capture prey. Unlike other predators, falcons could be trained to deliver game alive, ensuring it remained halal by Islamic standards, which require animals to be slaughtered while still living. This practical necessity fostered a bond of trust and respect between falconer and bird, a relationship that endures today. “Your falcon is your brother,” says Ayesha Al Mansouri, a female falconer who began training at age four, reflecting the sport’s deep emotional resonance.
Dubai’s commitment to preserving falconry is evident in its world-class facilities and initiatives. The Dubai Falcon Hospital, alongside its larger counterpart in Abu Dhabi, is a global leader in avian care, offering everything from routine checkups to surgical interventions for these prized birds. Equipped with luxurious wards and cutting-edge technology like GPS tracking, the hospital underscores the UAE’s unique dedication—evidenced by its issuance of falcon passports, a world first. Training centers, such as those at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, provide hands-on education, teaching traditional techniques alongside modern innovations. Emirati falconers use tools like the “manqalah” (a padded cuff for perching) and “burgu” (a leather hood), while integrating satellite tracking to monitor birds during training. These centers also serve as cultural hubs, hosting workshops to pass skills to younger generations, ensuring the art’s survival.
Competitions are the heartbeat of modern falconry in Dubai, blending spectacle with tradition. The Fazza Championship for Falconry, launched in 2002 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a highlight, drawing thousands to its 400-meter desert races where falcons are timed with stopwatches for speed and precision. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) and Al Dhafra Festival further elevate the sport, featuring not only races but also beauty contests judging falcons on plumage and poise, with prizes reaching thousands of dollars. “These events are about more than competition; they celebrate our identity,” notes a member of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, which organizes many of these gatherings. In 2024, ADIHEX attracted over 150,000 visitors, showcasing falconry’s global appeal.
The falcon’s cultural significance extends beyond the desert. As the UAE’s national emblem, it adorns currency, stamps, and official documents, symbolizing courage, nobility, and resilience. Emirati poetry and songs often depict falcons as loyal companions, while the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a lifelong falconer, championed its preservation through initiatives like breeding programs in Al Ain. His 1976 book, Hunting with Falcons, remains a cornerstone of the sport’s literature. Today, falconry is a fixture in national celebrations, with displays at UAE National Day and desert safaris in Dubai, where tourists witness falcons soaring against the sunrise. Platinum Heritage’s in-flight falcon show, conducted from a hot air balloon, offers a unique vantage point, blending tradition with Dubai’s flair for innovation.
Yet, falconry faces challenges in a modernizing world. Urbanization and habitat loss threaten wild falcon populations, prompting conservation efforts like those led by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, which supports breeding and release programs. The UAE’s collaboration with 18 countries to secure UNESCO recognition in 2016 reflects its global leadership in safeguarding this heritage. Women, too, are reshaping the narrative. Falconers like Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum and Ayesha Al Mansouri are breaking barriers, training alongside men and inspiring a new generation. “Falconry teaches discipline and connection to our roots,” says Sheikha Mozah, who trains daily to strengthen her bond with her birds.
Dubai’s falconry scene is a microcosm of its ethos: a city that honors its past while embracing the future. From the quiet patience of a falconer in the desert to the roar of crowds at the Fazza Championship, this ancient art continues to captivate. As the UAE navigates globalization, falconry remains a soaring reminder of its Bedouin soul, a tradition that, like the falcon itself, refuses to be tamed.
Dubai’s nightlife, once defined by glitzy super-clubs, is diversifying into a vibrant tapestry of underground music, jazz lounges, and alcohol-free cultural evenings. Beneath the city’s shimmering skyline, a new scene is emerging, driven by local DJs and event organizers catering to varied tastes.
Iconic venues like WHITE Dubai and SKY2.0 in the Design District still draw crowds with international DJs and bottle service starting at AED 2,000 ($545 USD). Yet, underground spots like The Backyard at Steigenberger Hotel, hosting “Deep Like Thursdayz,” and Bridgewater DXB’s eclectic lineups are gaining traction for their focus on authentic music. “Clubbers crave originality over corporate venues,” says Deian Markov, promoter of Groove On The Grass, a pop-up festival drawing 4,000 fans.
Jazz clubs like Bahri Bar at Madinat Jumeirah, with Burj Al Arab views, and The Green Room in City Walk 2 offer soulful evenings, blending live music with mocktails. Alcohol-free cultural nights are also rising, with Global Village’s drum circles and Dubai Miracle Garden’s illuminated floral walks appealing to families and expats. These venues align with the UAE’s strict alcohol laws, relying on ride-hailing apps for safe transport.
DJs like Mike Bufton of Audio Tonic and promoters Rima and Dania at Electric Days curate fresh sounds, from house to Afrobeats, at venues like BLING Dubai. This blend of Arabian heritage and global influences creates a nightlife that’s both inclusive and innovative.
Dubai has emerged as a global hub for perfumery, blending ancient Arabian traditions with modern innovation to captivate scent enthusiasts worldwide. From the rich, woody notes of oud to bespoke fragrances crafted for individual tastes, Dubai’s perfume industry is a testament to its cultural depth and commercial prowess.
Dubai’s perfume heritage is rooted in the Arabian Peninsula’s ancient trade routes, where frankincense, myrrh, and oud—derived from the resinous agarwood tree - were prized commodities. Today, the city’s Deira Perfume Souk remains a sensory treasure trove, with shops like those in Al Sabkha offering attars, oil-based perfumes made from natural ingredients such as rose, saffron, and musk. These traditional blends, often crafted using techniques passed down through generations, reflect a culture where fragrance is a daily ritual, woven into religious ceremonies, social events, and personal expression.
Yet Dubai is no relic of the past. Its strategic location and luxury-driven economy have made it a magnet for global fragrance houses like Chanel, Dior, and Roja Parfums, which release region-specific scents with high concentrations of oud and amber to cater to Middle Eastern tastes. Local brands like Ajmal Perfumes, founded in 1951, and Swiss Arabian, known for alcohol-free attars, have also gained international acclaim, with Ajmal now selling in 50 countries. The UAE’s fragrance market, led by Dubai, is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2033, driven by a growing appetite for niche and premium scents.
Bespoke perfumery is a rising star in Dubai’s scent-scape. High-end boutiques in the Dubai Mall and Bur Dubai offer custom blending, where artisans work closely with clients to create unique fragrances using rare ingredients like Taif rose or saffron. This personalized approach, coupled with events like Beautyworld Middle East, an annual trade show highlighting cutting-edge trends, underscores Dubai’s role as a leader in olfactory innovation. In 2024, the event featured over 100 nominations for awards like Niche Fragrance of the Year, showcasing the city’s influence on global trends.
Modern fragrance houses, such as Lattafa and Hind Al Oud, are redefining the industry by merging heritage with contemporary flair. Lattafa’s Khamrah, launched in 2024, blends cinnamon, praline, and oud, rivaling high-end Western perfumes at a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile, boutique perfumers focus on small-batch creations, emphasizing storytelling through scent. These efforts have fueled a market growing at a rate three to four times higher than in Europe or America, with international brands like Eurofragance reporting €180 million in global sales in 2024, largely driven by the UAE.
Dubai’s perfume industry is more than a business; it’s a cultural bridge. Traditional attars and bakhoor - fragrant wood chips burned to release aroma - coexist with avant-garde scents, reflecting the city’s ability to harmonize past and present. As Abdulla Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Group, noted, “Traditional oriental fragrances continue to be the heart of the region’s olfactory identity,” even as they captivate Western consumers. This fusion of craftsmanship and innovation ensures Dubai’s scented legacy will linger for generations.
In Dubai, where innovation defies limits, The Floating Venice by Kleindienst Group is redefining luxury real estate. Part of The Heart of Europe project within the World Islands, this AED 2.5 billion ($680 million) resort, launched in 2025, offers 414 cabins across four decks, including underwater suites, inspired by Venice’s canals. As Dubai’s property market surges—45,000 new units in 2024, 50,000 more expected in 2025—floating communities captivate wealthy buyers seeking exclusivity.
Located 4 kilometers offshore, The Floating Venice features gondolas, 24 acrylic-bottomed pools, and a 400,000-square-foot coral reef nursery. With underwater lobbies and submerged restaurants, it targets ultra-wealthy buyers, with suites starting at AED 3 million ($817,000). The broader Heart of Europe, including Floating Seahorse Villas now valued at AED 20 million, draws investors from Saudi Arabia (40%) and the UAE (28%). Dubai’s real estate boom, with $5.44 billion in Q1 2024 transactions, fuels demand, bolstered by dual licensing as vessels and villas for asset flexibility.
As Dubai’s 18.7 million tourists in 2024 flock to its shores, The Floating Venice epitomizes the emirate’s bold vision.
Photo credits: The Heart Of Europe.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
In Dubai, where the skyline gleams with ambition, the Museum of the Future stands as a testament to the emirate’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Since its opening on February 22, 2022, this torus-shaped architectural marvel, adorned with Arabic calligraphy by Emirati artist Matar Bin Lahej, has captivated global audiences with its vision of a world 50 years hence. In 2025, the museum unveils a suite of new exhibits that seamlessly blend cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for forward-thinking ideas. These exhibits, curated under the Dubai Future Foundation, have drawn over 1 million visitors since the museum’s inception, with 2025 projections anticipating a 20% increase, fueled by immersive experiences that invite exploration of both tradition and tomorrow. Yet, as the museum dazzles with its futuristic flair, some visitors question the depth of its offerings, prompting curators to refine their approach to balance spectacle with substance.
Designed by Killa Design and engineered by Buro Happold, the Museum of the Future is more than a building; it’s a “living laboratory” that spans seven floors, each dedicated to themes like space exploration, sustainability, and human augmentation. The 2025 exhibits elevate this mission, introducing AR-driven installations that weave UAE’s pearl-diving heritage and Bedouin traditions with speculative visions of 2071. One standout, “Heritage Reimagined,” uses AR to recreate historical UAE trade routes, allowing visitors to “walk” through virtual souks and interact with holographic artisans crafting traditional dhows. Another, “Desert Futures,” merges AI and AR to simulate sustainable desert ecosystems, showcasing innovations like smart irrigation systems inspired by the UAE’s 2050 net-zero goals. These exhibits, launched in February 2025, align with the museum’s ethos of “seeing the future, creating the future,” as articulated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose poetic quotes grace the museum’s stainless-steel facade.
Dubai’s tourism boom—18.7 million visitors in 2024, with 5.31 million in Q1 2025—underscores the museum’s draw, bolstered by its location along Sheikh Zayed Road, accessible via Emirates Towers Metro. The museum’s ability to merge UAE heritage with AR-driven visions of 2071—backed by events like the Dubai FinTech Summit and partnerships with global innovators—positions it as a leader in redefining cultural institutions. As Dubai aims to double its economy under the D33 Agenda, the Museum of the Future’s 2025 exhibits offer a compelling glimpse into a world where tradition and technology converge, inviting visitors to not just witness but shape what lies ahead.
Dubai’s ambition to become a global tech hub is taking flight under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), launched in 2023 to double the city’s economy to AED 32 trillion by 2033. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) reported over 1,000 new tech startups registered in 2025, driven by the emirate’s tax-free zones, robust infrastructure, and focus on AI, blockchain, and fintech. This surge is transforming Dubai’s economic landscape, but challenges like talent retention and global competition test its staying power.
The D33 Agenda prioritizes innovation, targeting AED 100 billion in annual digital economy value by 2033. DIFC’s Innovation Hub and Dubai Internet City offer zero corporate tax and streamlined regulations, attracting startups like Tabby, a $1.5 billion-valued buy-now-pay-later platform, and Zand, the UAE’s first digital bank. Careem, a Dubai-born unicorn, remains a success story, while emerging ventures like Tarjama (AI translation) thrive with support from the Dubai Future Academy. Investors are bullish: the Dubai Future District Fund invested in 29 ventures in 2024, drawing AED 2 billion in venture capital in 2025. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, notes, “Dubai’s ecosystem empowers startups to outperform globally.”
The numbers are striking. Dubai’s GDP grew 3.3% in 2023 to AED 429 billion, with tech driving growth. Free zones host over 1,500 tech firms, and events like the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025 foster global partnerships. Yet, retaining talent and competing with tech giants like Silicon Valley remain hurdles. As Dubai balances innovation with sustainability, its startup surge signals a bold step toward a digital future.
Photo credits: DIFC Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
In Dubai, a city where the skyline is a canvas for ambition, the hum of drones is becoming the sound of progress. As part of its relentless pursuit to redefine urban living, Dubai has positioned itself at the forefront of drone delivery systems, with companies like SkyGo and Jeebly leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform last-mile logistics. In 2025, these efforts are scaling up, with trials expanding across Dubai South and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), aligning seamlessly with the emirate’s vision for smart mobility and sustainability. This initiative, rooted in the Dubai Program to Enable Drone Transportation launched in 2021, is not just a technological leap but a bold step toward reimagining how goods move in a city of 3.7 million. Yet, as drones take to the skies, questions linger about scalability, public acceptance, and environmental trade-offs, even as residents and logistics firms herald the promise of a faster, greener future.
The foundation of Dubai’s drone ambitions was laid with the Dubai Sky Dome policy in 2018, followed by the 2021 launch of the Dubai Program to Enable Drone Transportation under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. This program has fostered public-private partnerships, with Dubai South—a 145-square-kilometer economic zone—and DSO serving as testing grounds. In October 2023, Jeebly LLC, a UAE-based logistics provider, and Skye Air Mobility, India’s largest SaaS-based drone delivery company, conducted a groundbreaking three-week Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) trial in DSO. The trial, supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Future Foundation, used Skye Air’s Skye Ship One drone—equipped with proprietary navigation, parachutes, and collision-avoidance systems—to deliver consumer goods like snacks and small packages in under four minutes. By December 2024, Sheikh Hamdan placed the first order through a new drone delivery system, signaling plans to expand coverage to 33% of Dubai by 2030, a milestone that underscores the city’s commitment to the D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to double the economy through innovation.
The logistics impact is profound. Last-mile delivery, which accounts for up to 53% of shipping costs globally, is a bottleneck in urban centers like Dubai, where traffic congestion on roads like Sheikh Zayed can delay deliveries. Drones bypass this, offering speed and precision. For instance, trials in Dubai South, a hub for logistics and aviation, have demonstrated drones’ ability to deliver medical supplies and e-commerce packages to densely populated or remote areas, reducing delivery times by up to 70% compared to vans. Raman Pathak, CEO of Jeebly, emphasized, “This explorative drone project represents an effective and environmentally responsible solution for small to medium-sized packages, in line with the Universal Postal Union’s sustainable development objectives.” Logistics firms like SkyGo, which launched in Abu Dhabi in 2022 with a 40-station network for healthcare deliveries, are now expanding into Dubai, focusing on cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions. Studies, such as one from the University of North Texas, estimate drone deliveries cost $1.23 per package versus $5.33 for a four-mile van delivery, making them a game-changer for businesses.
Sustainability is a key driver. Drones, powered by electricity, produce up to 94% less energy per package than traditional vehicles, aligning with Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which targets 75% clean energy by mid-century. By reducing road-based deliveries, drones also ease traffic congestion, a pressing issue in a city that welcomed 92 million passengers through its airport in 2024. Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, Chief Officer of Engineering and Sustainability at Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, noted, “DSO has placed the highest priority on supporting entrepreneurs who utilize advanced technologies to offer smart city solutions.” The 2023 BVLOS trials, conducted over 18 months, included rigorous safety tests, ensuring drones can operate in Dubai’s extreme heat and urban density without compromising safety or reliability.
Residents, however, have mixed feelings. For some, like Ayesha Khan, a Dubai Marina resident, drones promise convenience: “Getting groceries or medicine in minutes without traffic delays is incredible.” Others, like Khalid Al Mansouri, a Deira shopkeeper, express concerns about noise and privacy, noting, “Drones buzzing overhead feel intrusive, and I worry about accidents.” Research from the International Journal of Logistics Management highlights societal concerns, including wildlife interference and collision risks, though Dubai’s drones incorporate low-noise propellers and multi-sensor positioning to mitigate these. Public acceptance remains a hurdle, with a 2022 Milan study showing only 60% of urban residents favor drone deliveries due to privacy fears.
With plans to integrate drones into 33% of the city’s logistics network by 2030, supported by events like Hypermotion 2025 showcasing smart mobility, Dubai is poised to redefine last-mile delivery. As drones weave through the city’s airspace, they carry not just packages but the promise of a smarter, greener urban future—provided the emirate can navigate the complexities of scaling this aerial revolution.
In 2025, Dubai continues to shine as a global beacon of safety, securing its place among the world’s safest cities with a crime index of just 16.5, according to Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index. Ranking third globally with a safety score of 83.8, behind only Abu Dhabi (88.4) and Doha (84.1), the emirate’s low crime rates and robust security infrastructure have solidified its reputation as a haven for residents and visitors alike. This achievement has fueled Dubai’s tourism boom, with 18.7 million international visitors in 2024—a 9% increase from the previous year—and projections for 2025 estimating 20 million, driven by the emirate’s reputation for security. Yet, beneath this gleaming success lies a shadow: the UAE’s 145th ranking out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, a persistent critique that raises questions about the balance between safety and openness in this desert metropolis.
Dubai’s safety is no accident. The emirate employs cutting-edge technology, including AI-powered cameras, facial recognition, and predictive crime modeling, to maintain order across its bustling streets, from the glittering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the sprawling souks of Deira. Numbeo data highlights Dubai’s remarkably low rates of violent crime (11.89), property theft (16.32), and concerns about physical attacks due to ethnicity or religion (13.65), all classified as “very low.” Strict legal frameworks, with severe penalties for offenses ranging from drug use to public misconduct, act as a powerful deterrent, while a visible police presence and extensive surveillance ensure swift responses to any disruptions. This environment allows tourists to roam freely, day or night, whether strolling along Jumeirah Beach or navigating the crowded Dubai Mall, fostering a sense of security that few global cities can match.
The impact on tourism is undeniable. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism reported 5.31 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, with Western Europe (22%) and South Asia (14%) leading the influx. The emirate’s safety ranking enhances its appeal as a destination for families, solo travelers, and business visitors, who flock to iconic attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and the newly expanded Deep Dive Dubai. The city’s real estate market also benefits, with high safety scores driving demand in freehold zones like Business Bay and Dubai Marina, where properties yield 6-8% annual returns and qualify investors for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai’s airports, handling 92 million passengers in 2024, further underscore its role as a global hub, with safety as a cornerstone of its appeal.
However, Dubai’s glittering image is not without flaws. The UAE’s 145th ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, reflects significant restrictions on media and freedom of expression. Critics argue that the emirate’s stringent laws, while effective in curbing crime, extend to limiting dissent and independent journalism, creating a tightly controlled information environment. This has sparked international debate about whether Dubai’s safety comes at the cost of openness, a tension that contrasts with its cosmopolitan image. For tourists, this may have little immediate impact—most prioritize security over press freedom—but for expatriates and investors, it raises questions about long-term transparency and governance.
As Dubai looks to 2025, its safety ranking remains a powerful draw, underpinning its ambition to be the world’s leading tourism and investment destination. The emirate’s ability to blend cutting-edge security with cultural and economic vibrancy is unmatched, yet the press freedom critique serves as a reminder that even the safest cities must navigate complex trade-offs. For now, as millions marvel at Dubai’s skyline or dive into its underwater wonders, the city’s promise of security continues to propel its global ascent, even as it grapples with the shadows of its own success.
