In the ever-shifting landscape of global trade, Dubai’s DP World stands as a colossus, orchestrating the flow of goods across continents with unmatched scale and ambition. In 2025, the Dubai-based logistics giant solidified its influence with a $1.2 billion investment in African ports, spanning from Algeria to Zambia, reinforcing its role as a linchpin in the world’s supply chains. This strategic expansion, coupled with the continued dominance of its flagship Jebel Ali Port, which handled 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024, underscores Dubai’s ascent as a global trade powerhouse. Yet, as DP World extends its reach, environmental concerns over port-related pollution in the Persian Gulf cast a shadow, urging a reckoning with the ecological costs of such vast operations.

DP World’s investments in Africa reflect a calculated push to harness the continent’s economic potential. From modernizing ports in Senegal and Egypt to expanding the Berbera Port in Somaliland, the company is not merely building infrastructure but reshaping trade corridors. These efforts aim to transform ports like Berbera into major Red Sea hubs, with plans to boost its container capacity from 500,000 to 2 million TEUs annually. Such developments promise to unlock prosperity for landlocked nations like Ethiopia, which holds a 19% stake in Berbera, while positioning DP World as a gatekeeper of Africa’s maritime trade. This expansion aligns with the UAE’s broader geopolitical strategy, leveraging economic influence to secure access to critical markets and resources, including agricultural products vital for food security.

At the heart of DP World’s operations lies Jebel Ali Port, the Middle East’s largest and one of the world’s top ten container ports. In 2024, it processed 15.5 million TEUs, a million more than the previous year, driven by robust demand from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. The port’s cutting-edge infrastructure, including automated terminals and AI-driven yard management, enables it to handle ultra-large container vessels and diverse cargo, from wind turbines to humanitarian wheat shipments. Jebel Ali’s integration with the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), home to nearly 10,500 businesses, amplifies its economic impact, contributing 21% to Dubai’s GDP. The port’s record-breaking performance, including a peak of 1.4 million TEUs in July 2024, reflects its pivotal role in navigating global supply chain disruptions, such as the Red Sea crisis, while supporting Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33.

Beyond containers, Dubai’s gold trade, valued at $30 billion annually, further cements the emirate’s status as a global commerce hub. Jebel Ali serves as a critical node for this trade, facilitating the movement of precious metals through its advanced logistics network. The port’s connectivity to Dubai International Airport and its free trade zones ensures seamless re-export, making Dubai a vital link in the global gold market. This economic prowess, however, comes with challenges. The port’s reliance on fossil fuel-powered vessels and heavy machinery has raised environmental concerns in the Persian Gulf, where marine pollution and carbon emissions threaten fragile ecosystems.

Environmentalists and international regulators, including those enforcing MARPOL Annex V and VI, are pressing for greener practices at Persian Gulf ports. Jebel Ali has taken steps toward sustainability, implementing renewable energy and advanced waste management systems, but critics argue that more aggressive measures are needed. The International Maritime Organization’s classification of the Strait of Hormuz as a High Risk Area, combined with rising sea levels and storm frequency due to climate change, complicates operations and underscores the urgency of adopting cleaner technologies. DP World’s issuance of a $100 million blue bond in 2024 and its validation by the Science Based Targets initiative signal progress, but the scale of its operations demands bolder action to mitigate pollution and protect the Gulf’s marine environment.

DP World’s global expansion, from Africa’s ports to Jebel Ali’s bustling terminals, reflects a vision of trade as a catalyst for economic growth. Yet, as the company drives Dubai’s $20 billion trade network forward, it must navigate the delicate balance between ambition and responsibility. The calls for greener practices are not merely a challenge but an opportunity to lead by example, ensuring that the arteries of global commerce remain open without choking the environment they depend on. As Dubai continues to shape the future of trade, its ability to harmonize economic dominance with ecological stewardship will define its legacy on the world stage.

Photo credits: Wikipedia. Jebel Ali Port. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

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 dynamic hub, showcased over 400 artists from 40 countries, drawing an impressive 30,000 visitors. With a particular emphasis on emerging talents from the Middle East, including powerful works by Palestinian and Lebanese artists, the fair underscored Dubai’s growing role as a cultural crossroads—a place where diverse voices converge to shape contemporary discourse.

Art Dubai 2025, held from April 18 to 20 at Madinat Jumeirah, was more than an art fair; it was a testament to the city’s ambition to transcend its reputation as a commercial hub and claim a central place in the global cultural narrative. The event’s focus on artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Global South highlighted Dubai’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented perspectives. Palestinian and Lebanese works, in particular, brought poignant reflections on identity and resilience, resonating deeply with attendees and reinforcing the fair’s role as a platform for dialogue.

Meanwhile, Dubai’s Museum of the Future, a futuristic architectural marvel, unveiled a groundbreaking 2025 exhibition on AI-driven art, earning international acclaim for its innovative exploration of technology’s intersection with creativity. The exhibit showcased how artificial intelligence can push artistic boundaries, offering immersive experiences that captivated global audiences. This bold venture aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to position itself as a leader in both cultural and technological innovation.

Yet, for all its global reach, Dubai’s cultural scene faces challenges closer to home. Accessibility remains a hurdle for many locals, with high ticket prices and a focus on international audiences sometimes leaving Emirati residents feeling disconnected from the city’s burgeoning art world. While initiatives like the A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme at Art Dubai aim to engage younger audiences, broader efforts are needed to ensure that the cultural renaissance is inclusive of the local community.

Dubai’s cultural ascent is undeniable. From Alserkal Avenue’s gritty charm to the Museum of the Future’s cutting-edge exhibitions, the city is carving out a space where art, technology, and global perspectives intersect. 

Photo credits: Alserkal Avenue. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In Dubai, where gleaming skyscrapers and manicured boulevards often define the urban landscape, a new exhibition at the Ishara Art Foundation dares to embrace the raw, unpolished pulse of the street. No Trespassing, the foundation’s inaugural summer exhibition, running from July 4 to August 30, 2025, transforms the pristine white cube of the gallery into a dynamic canvas that channels the chaotic, vibrant, and ever-evolving aesthetics of city streets. Curated by Priyanka Mehra, this bold showcase features six UAE-based and South Asian artists—Fatspatrol (Fathima Mohiuddin), H11235 (Kiran Maharjan), Khaled Esguerra, Rami Farook, Salma Dib, and Sara Alahbabi—who engage with the street not merely as a backdrop but as a living medium and subject.

The exhibition resists the temptation to pin down the street’s essence, acknowledging its refusal to be neatly defined. Streets are more than physical spaces; they are tapestries of human experience, woven from the interplay of order and chaos, grit and beauty, spontaneity and structure. The artists capture this fluidity through works that incorporate the ephemera of urban life—signposts, pavements, building materials, street art, and human traces. These elements, often overlooked, become inscriptions of a city’s movement, its constant cycle of deconstruction and reinvention. As Mehra, the Exhibitions Manager and Programmes Curator at Ishara, notes, the street is both shaped by and shapes those who traverse it, a reciprocal dialogue that No Trespassing brings to the fore.

What sets this exhibition apart is its exploration of art’s relationship with the street through on-site interventions. The participating artists “tag” the gallery’s walls and floors, much like street artists mark urban surfaces, challenging the notion that institutionalized art holds greater cultural weight. This act of claiming space within the formal confines of the Ishara Art Foundation blurs the line between the street and the gallery, inviting viewers to reconsider the hierarchies that govern artistic expression. Works like Fatspatrol’s The World Out There (2025) exemplify this approach, transforming the gallery into a site of urban dialogue.

Mehra, whose curatorial vision is informed by her extensive background in design and urban art, brings a unique perspective to No Trespassing. Having worked on public art commissions at Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi, urban regeneration programs in India, and public art masterplans in Saudi Arabia, she has a deep understanding of how art can activate and redefine public spaces. Her experience as project director for the globally renowned site-specific artist Daku and her involvement in large-scale urban art festivals like St+art Delhi underscore her ability to bridge the raw energy of the street with the structured world of institutional art.

Supported generously by reframe, No Trespassing does more than display art; it invites audiences to engage in a conversation about the spaces we inhabit and the marks we leave behind. By bringing the street into the gallery, the exhibition challenges us to see the urban environment not as a mere setting but as a collaborator in the creative process. In doing so, it reimagines how we navigate and claim ownership of the world around us, one tag at a time.

Photo credits: Ishara Art Foundation. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In the sun-scorched expanse of Saih Al-Dahal, 50 kilometers south of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park hums with activity, its 3.66 gigawatts of photovoltaic panels and concentrated solar power towers generating clean energy for 240,000 homes. This sprawling 77-square-kilometer facility, the world’s largest single-site solar park under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, is a cornerstone of the United Arab Emirates’ ambition to redefine itself as a global leader in renewable energy. In 2025, the UAE’s vision extends far beyond its borders, with Dubai-based AMEA Power spearheading solar and wind projects across 11 African nations, backed by the $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative launched at COP28 in 2023. Yet, as the UAE scales its renewable energy footprint, reliance on Chinese technology for critical components has sparked concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities, even as the emirate sets a global benchmark for sustainable development.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, managed by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is a linchpin of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to source 75% of the emirate’s energy from clean sources by 2050. By the end of 2024, the park’s capacity reached 3,660 megawatts (MW) from photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies, with an additional 1,000 MW under construction, per DEWA. The sixth phase, 53% complete as of March 2025, has 600 MW operational and will reach 1,800 MW by 2026, powering 540,000 residences and cutting 2.36 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, according to Zawya. With a planned capacity of 7,260 MW by 2030 and investments of AED 50 billion ($13.6 billion), the park will reduce 8 million tonnes of carbon emissions yearly upon completion, per DEWA. Its third phase, developed by a Masdar-led consortium, set a global record for the lowest solar tariff at 2.99 US cents per kilowatt-hour in 2016, while the sixth phase, with Masdar’s bid of 1.6215 US cents per kWh, continues to drive down costs, per DEWA.

AMEA Power, founded in Dubai in 2016, has emerged as a key player in exporting this expertise to Africa, managing a 6-gigawatt clean energy pipeline across 20 countries, with 2.6 gigawatts in operation or near completion in nations like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, per its 2025 corporate update. In Egypt, AMEA Power commissioned a 500 MW solar PV plant in Aswan in December 2024 and launched a 300 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in July 2025, the country’s first utility-scale BESS, financed by the International Finance Corporation, per posts on X. The company also operates a 51.75 MW wind farm in Jordan’s Tafilah Governorate and a 70 MW solar PV project with 4 MWh BESS in Togo, completed in February 2024, per AMEA Power. Its African portfolio includes projects in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, and Uganda, targeting underserved markets with decentralized energy solutions, per Renewables in Africa. The UAE’s $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative, announced at COP28 in Dubai, supports these efforts, channeling funds into renewable projects to address Africa’s electrification gap, where over 600 million people lack access.

The UAE’s broader renewable energy strategy, underpinned by the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, integrates solar, wind, nuclear, and hydrogen. The Al Dhafra Solar PV plant in Abu Dhabi, operational since November 2023 with a 2-gigawatt capacity, offers the world’s lowest solar tariff at 1.35 US cents per kWh, per the UAE Embassy. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, with four reactors, supplies 25% of the UAE’s electricity, saving 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, per the Economist Impact. Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, complements AMEA Power’s efforts, with projects like the 250 MWac solar PV and 63 MW BESS in Uzbekistan and a 300 MW solar plant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, per Masdar’s 2025 project portfolio. The UAE’s hosting of COP28 in 2023 elevated its global climate leadership, with 78 environmental initiatives approved, including solar energy regulations and sustainable tourism.

However, the UAE’s reliance on Chinese technology, particularly for solar panels and battery systems, raises supply chain concerns. The Al Dhafra project, developed with China’s Jinko Solar, and AMEA Power’s projects, which use Chinese-manufactured PV panels, reflect this dependency, per Power Technology. Geopolitical tensions and potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese solar components, noted by AGBI, could disrupt supplies, while quality control issues in Chinese-made equipment have occasionally delayed projects, per industry reports. The UAE’s high per-capita carbon footprint—40.31 tonnes in 2009, per Wikipedia—also underscores the urgency of its renewable push, though solar and wind accounted for only 8.3% of electricity in 2023, up from 4.5% in 2022.

Dubai’s 3.7 million residents, 88% expatriates per the Dubai Statistics Center, benefit from a cosmopolitan hub, but rising living costs, noted on X, challenge workers supporting its infrastructure. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park’s R&D Centre, with its solar-powered desalination plant, drives innovation, testing PV and CSP performance in desert conditions, per C40 Cities. As the UAE expands its renewable footprint in Africa, its model of public-private partnerships, exemplified by DEWA’s collaboration with ACWA Power and Masdar, sets a global standard, though navigating supply chain risks and economic disparities remains critical to sustaining its leadership.

Photo credits: DEWA Instagram. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

In April 2025, Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah resort hosted Token2049, a blockchain conference drawing 15,000 attendees from 150 countries, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a global crypto hub. A $2 billion investment by Abu Dhabi’s state-backed MGX into Binance, using USD1, a Trump-affiliated stablecoin, marked a milestone in Dubai’s push for decentralized finance leadership. The deal, alongside the city’s regulatory framework and tax-free incentives, underscores its strategic vision, though it has sparked scrutiny over transparency.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) hosts over 650 Web3 firms, per Cointelegraph, supported by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which licenses exchanges like Binance and Crypto.com. The UAE’s crypto market, valued at $744.3 million in 2024, is projected to grow 16.75% annually through 2033, per the Carnegie Endowment. VARA’s compliance with Financial Action Task Force standards and the UAE’s exit from the FATF grey list in April 2024, after $31.3 million in fines, enhance its credibility. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Ras Al Khaimah’s RAK DAO offer 100% foreign ownership, attracting firms like CoinW, which made Dubai its global headquarters in 2025.

Announced on May 1, 2025, by Eric Trump and Zach Witkoff, the MGX-Binance deal uses USD1, a dollar-pegged stablecoin on the TRON blockchain, to bolster Binance’s operations, per Reuters. Eric Trump noted its use for transactions at the planned Trump International Hotel and Tower, per The New York Times. The Dubai Land Department’s Prypco Mint platform, launched in May 2025, tokenizes property deeds on the XRP Ledger, enabling fractional ownership from 2,000 dirhams ($540), per CoinDesk. OKX’s zero-fee crypto payment app and Zodia Custody’s UAE entry via Tungsten Custody acquisition, per a May 2025 press release, highlight practical blockchain applications.

Token2049 positions Dubai to shape the $3.3 trillion global crypto market.

Photo credits: Dubai Token 2049. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In 2024, Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 92.3 million passengers, reclaiming its title as the world’s busiest international airport for the tenth consecutive year, per Airports Council International (ACI). Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on January 30, 2025, this 6% increase from 2023’s 86.9 million surpassed the 2018 peak of 89.1 million. The milestone highlights Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub, but with infrastructure strained, the city is preparing to transition to the larger Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

DXB, home to Emirates and flydubai, handled 440,300 aircraft movements in 2024, up 5.7% from 2023, and processed 2.2 million tonnes of cargo, a 20.5% increase, per Dubai Airports. December 2024 saw 8.2 million passengers, with India (12 million), Saudi Arabia (7.6 million), and the UK (6.2 million) as top markets. The airport’s 99.45% baggage handling success rate, with 5.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers, outperformed the global average of 6.9, per SITA. In Q1 2025, passenger numbers rose 8.4% year-on-year, driven by new routes to Asia and Europe, including Druk Air’s service to Paro, Bhutan, per Cirium.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, credited the city’s strategic location—seven hours from London, 14 from New York—and investments like Terminal 3’s luxury lounges, named the world’s most luxurious by AllClear in 2025. “This record reflects Dubai’s vision to connect the world,” Griffiths told Reuters on January 31, 2025. The surge aligns with Dubai’s tourism boom, with 16.8 million visitors in the first 11 months of 2024, up 14% from 2023, per the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Events like GITEX Global and the city’s top ranking for tourism FDI in H1 2024, per the Financial Times, fueled growth.

However, DXB’s capacity is stretched, with 416,000 movements in 2023 already testing limits. To address this, Dubai is expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). On April 28, 2024, Sheikh Mohammed approved a $34.85 billion terminal, set to handle 260 million passengers annually upon completion, with the first phase (150 million passengers) due by 2032. DWC, currently serving 27 carriers to 44 destinations, will incorporate biometric security and LEED Gold standards, supporting the UAE’s net-zero 2050 goal.

Challenges include aircraft delivery delays for Emirates and flydubai, per Aviation Week, and aviation’s contribution to the UAE’s high carbon emissions, per IATA. DXB’s 77,000 workers, mostly expatriates, face rising living costs, with affordability concerns noted on X. Security measures ensure safety, but the UAE’s 145th ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index raises transparency questions. Griffiths projects 100 million passengers by 2027, with DWC poised to redefine global travel. For now, DXB’s record cements Dubai’s status as a hub defying limits.

Photo credits: Dubai International Airport Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

When Atlantis The Royal opened in early 2023, it was heralded as a game-changer for Dubai’s hospitality sector — not just for its scale, but for its bold architectural statement and unmatched amenities. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the hotel’s futuristic structure of interlocking blocks rising 43 stories along Palm Jumeirah’s crescent has become an instant icon.

The mega-resort features 795 rooms, suites, and signature penthouses, many with private infinity pools and expansive terraces. Interiors, created by GA Design, blend contemporary minimalism with high-gloss glamour, incorporating elements of fire, water, and air — themes central to the property’s concept.

Culinary offerings are staggering. Atlantis The Royal is home to 17 restaurants and bars, including establishments by celebrity chefs like Heston Blumenthal, Gastón Acurio, Ariana Bundy, and José Andrés. The signature venue, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, brings the acclaimed British chef’s experimental gastronomy to the Middle East for the first time. Cloud 22, the rooftop infinity pool and lounge, has become a social hotspot with panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and The Palm.

The AWAKEN Wellness Center spans multiple levels, offering personalized treatments, a cutting-edge fitness center, and a wellness program emphasizing holistic health. Guests also enjoy access to the resort’s private beach, multiple pools, and exclusive retail boutiques.

Starting at approximately AED 2,700 per night, Atlantis The Royal caters to affluent travelers seeking high-impact design, exceptional dining, and a lavish lifestyle experience. Positioned as the “ultra-luxury” sister property to Atlantis The Palm, it has quickly redefined expectations of grandeur in a city known for its bold hospitality offerings.

Photo credits: Atlantis The Royal.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

When W Dubai – The Palm opened its doors in late 2021, it injected a bold new vibrancy into Dubai’s luxury hospitality scene. Part of Marriott International’s W Hotels brand — known globally for its fashion-forward, energetic ethos — the property was designed to redefine what a beachside escape on the Palm Jumeirah could be: daring, dynamic, and delightfully unconventional.

Strategically located on the western crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the 350-room hotel is immediately striking with its avant-garde architecture, featuring geometric patterns, sleek lines, and glass facades that reflect the Arabian Gulf’s ever-changing hues. Inside, the design narrative continues with eclectic interiors that combine vivid colors, contemporary art installations, and playful design elements inspired by local culture and international trends. The lobby — or “W Living Room” as branded by W Hotels — serves as a vibrant social hub, often energized by curated DJ performances and artistic pop-ups, capturing the spirit of Dubai’s cosmopolitan crowd.

At the heart of the hotel’s appeal is its signature “Whatever/Whenever” service, a hallmark of the W brand, offering guests personalized experiences on demand — whether that means arranging a private yacht cruise, securing last-minute reservations at Dubai’s trendiest restaurants, or organizing spontaneous celebrations.

The culinary offerings at W Dubai – The Palm are as bold and diverse as the hotel itself. The Kitchen Table serves as the all-day dining venue, presenting an eclectic mix of international flavors with a focus on interactive dining and vibrant presentation. Meanwhile, Kaito, a Japanese izakaya, has quickly become a destination in its own right. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Tetsuya Wakuda, Kaito offers a refined yet playful take on Japanese street food, paired with inventive cocktails and an atmosphere that blends Tokyo nightlife with Dubai’s beachfront cool.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the AWAY Spa offers a fresh take on wellness. Spanning multiple treatment rooms, the spa features an array of signature therapies that blend contemporary urban wellness trends with traditional practices. Treatments such as detoxifying massages, revitalizing facials, and customized body therapies are paired with a beauty bar and a social spa lounge — emphasizing wellness as a holistic and social experience. The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, FIT, and an outdoor WET Deck pool area, which doubles as a vibrant daytime party venue complete with resident DJs, private cabanas, and crafted beverages.

Beyond leisure, W Dubai – The Palm caters to a growing demand for luxury with a contemporary, energetic twist. It regularly hosts high-profile events, fashion launches, and music performances, positioning itself as a nexus for Dubai’s trendsetters, creatives, and global jet-setters.

Nightly rates at W Dubai – The Palm typically start around AED 1,900, reflecting its positioning as a premium lifestyle destination for travelers seeking more than just a traditional beach resort. With its bold design, immersive social scene, and innovative culinary concepts, the hotel appeals particularly to younger travelers and style-conscious guests drawn to the W brand’s unique fusion of luxury and laid-back attitude.

In a city known for its glittering five-star offerings, W Dubai – The Palm stands out by delivering an experience that feels both exclusive and refreshingly unpretentious — a place where high design meets high energy on the golden sands of Dubai’s most famous man-made island.

Photo credits: W Dubai.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Opened in late 2023, the Bulgari Hotel Dubai represents the illustrious Italian luxury brand’s first venture into a city-center location within the Middle East. Nestled in the vibrant Dubai Design District (d3) — a hub celebrated for its creative industries, design innovation, and artistic expression — this hotel elevates urban sophistication with a distinct Bulgari flair, perfectly merging the brand’s heritage of fine jewelry with refined hospitality.

Designed by renowned Italian architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the hotel’s architecture and interiors are a study in subtle opulence. From the moment guests enter, the atmosphere reflects Bulgari’s legendary craftsmanship, where every detail — from the rich materials and custom furnishings to the delicate lighting and bespoke finishes — is curated to evoke understated elegance. The design pays homage to the brand’s jewelry legacy, seamlessly translating the precision and artistry of fine jewels into spatial experience.

The hotel comprises 101 rooms and suites, each offering spacious layouts and sophisticated décor that blend modern comfort with timeless Italian style. Large windows frame sweeping views of the Dubai skyline, while interiors incorporate a palette of soft neutrals, warm woods, and tactile textures. Technology is seamlessly integrated to enhance guest convenience without detracting from the aesthetic harmony.

One of the property’s crowning features is its rooftop pool and bar, perched atop the building to offer panoramic vistas of the city’s iconic skyline. This elevated oasis provides a chic retreat where guests can unwind with expertly crafted cocktails or simply soak in the urban panorama by day or night. The ambiance is both exclusive and inviting, embodying a perfect balance of social vibrancy and intimate relaxation.

Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the Bulgari Hotel Dubai experience. The signature restaurant, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, bears the imprint of its Michelin-starred namesake chef, celebrated for his innovative take on modern Italian cuisine. The menu highlights refined flavors and seasonal ingredients, blending traditional recipes with contemporary techniques. The setting is sleek and elegant, offering a dining experience that complements the hotel’s sophisticated ethos.

Located in d3, the hotel’s surroundings are as much a part of its appeal as the property itself. Dubai Design District is a flourishing neighborhood where art galleries, design studios, and creative enterprises thrive. This vibrant environment draws a cosmopolitan clientele of art lovers, designers, and trendsetters, making the Bulgari Hotel Dubai a natural haven for those seeking refined luxury intertwined with cultural and creative exploration.

Rooms at Bulgari Hotel Dubai start at approximately AED 4,700 per night, reflecting its positioning as one of Dubai’s most exclusive urban retreats. Guests appreciate the combination of impeccable craftsmanship, personalized service, and prime location, which together create an experience of sophisticated glamour distinct from the resort-style properties commonly found elsewhere in the city.

In a landscape of rapidly evolving luxury hospitality, Bulgari Hotel Dubai stands out by merging the heritage of a storied Italian maison with the dynamic pulse of Dubai’s creative scene — a sanctuary for discerning travelers who seek both artistry and elegance at the heart of the metropolis.

Photo credits: Bulgari Hotel Dubai.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Since its debut in late 2014, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm has epitomized classic luxury amid the modern allure of Palm Jumeirah’s eastern crescent. As part of the globally recognized St. Regis brand, the hotel seamlessly combines timeless design elements with contemporary comforts, offering a refined sanctuary where old-world elegance meets the vibrant energy of Dubai.

The property comprises 294 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites, each spaciously designed to provide an atmosphere of serene sophistication. Interiors reflect the brand’s signature style, blending rich fabrics, polished woods, and subtle Art Deco motifs. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views of the Arabian Gulf or the iconic Palm itself, inviting natural light to flood the spaces. Among its signature offerings is the renowned St. Regis Butler Service, an exclusive touch that elevates the guest experience by anticipating every need, from unpacking luggage to personalized dining requests and tailored excursions.

Culinary options at The St. Regis Dubai are a highlight, embodying both global finesse and regional flavors. The hotel is home to La Petite Maison, an acclaimed French Mediterranean restaurant that has garnered acclaim for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and vibrant, elegant dishes inspired by the coastal regions of France and Italy. The setting is intimate yet refined, ideal for romantic dinners or sophisticated gatherings. Meanwhile, The St. Regis Bar offers a chic, inviting space for craft cocktails and socializing, with a curated menu that showcases mixology artistry against a backdrop of luxurious decor and plush seating.

Wellness and relaxation are central to the resort’s appeal. The expansive Iridium Spa, spanning some 2,000 square meters, offers a comprehensive menu of indulgent treatments designed to revitalize the body and mind. From traditional massages and signature facials to holistic therapies and wellness rituals, the spa provides an immersive experience tailored to individual needs. The facility’s design fosters tranquility, featuring private treatment rooms, steam rooms, and a dedicated fitness center. Adjacent to the spa, the rooftop infinity pool offers panoramic views over the Gulf, creating an idyllic setting for both exercise and leisure.

The hotel’s private beach further enhances its status as a premier destination for those seeking exclusivity and luxury by the sea. With attentive service and well-appointed sun loungers, guests can enjoy peaceful moments overlooking the turquoise waters or partake in water sports offered by the resort.

Strategically located just 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport and within easy reach of Dubai’s commercial and entertainment hubs, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm attracts discerning travelers from around the world. It is particularly favored by guests who appreciate a blend of classic hospitality with modern luxury, whether visiting for business or leisure.

Rooms typically start from AED 1,800 per night, reflecting the property’s commitment to offering exceptional value for an experience steeped in tradition and impeccable service. In a city defined by rapid innovation and opulence, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm stands out as a beacon of timeless elegance and personalized care.

Photo credits: The St. Regis Dubai. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Since opening in 2016, Jumeirah Al Naseem has swiftly become a standout within the sprawling Madinat Jumeirahresort complex, a property often described as a city within a city on Dubai’s coastline. As the newest jewel in this expansive collection of hotels, Al Naseem embraces a fresh, contemporary coastal design that balances modern luxury with a nod to the region’s rich maritime heritage.

With 430 rooms and suites, the hotel offers a spacious yet intimate retreat characterized by sleek interiors, natural materials, and airy layouts that flood spaces with light. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of lush tropical gardens or the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. The architecture and décor blend modern minimalism with subtle Middle Eastern motifs, creating a calming ambiance that invites relaxation and indulgence.

One of the hotel’s defining features is its direct access to a pristine private beach, stretching over a kilometer along Dubai’s glittering shoreline. Guests here find themselves steps away from soft sands and calm waters, with attentive beachside service offering everything from refreshing beverages to water sports equipment. Whether lounging on sunbeds or taking a dip in the sea, the beach experience here is a quiet, sophisticated escape from the city’s hustle.

The dining scene at Jumeirah Al Naseem is equally varied and compelling. Among its standout venues is Rockfish, renowned for its fresh seafood offerings and spectacular views overlooking the resort’s network of waterways. The menu, crafted by skilled chefs, features sustainable fish and shellfish dishes prepared with Mediterranean influences, pairing perfectly with the serene water vistas. Meanwhile, guests can savor the tastes of Greece at Shimmers, a beloved beachfront restaurant within Madinat Jumeirah known for its vibrant atmosphere, authentic Greek flavors, and picturesque setting on the water’s edge.

Beyond dining, wellness takes center stage at the Talise Spa, a sanctuary offering cutting-edge treatments designed to rejuvenate body and mind. Situated in peaceful surroundings, the spa features separate facilities for men and women, with an extensive menu that includes traditional hammams, massages, facials, and holistic therapies. The spa experience is elevated by expert therapists and luxurious products, many incorporating indigenous ingredients, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to blending cultural heritage with modern wellness trends.

Families and couples alike find Jumeirah Al Naseem an appealing destination. The resort caters to all ages with thoughtfully designed amenities: children enjoy tailored activities and dedicated kids’ clubs, while couples appreciate the romantic settings for sunsets and beach strolls. The hotel’s vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it a favorite for those seeking both energy and tranquility within a single stay.

Another unique advantage of Al Naseem’s location is its immediate proximity to the traditional souks, waterways, and markets of Madinat Jumeirah. This allows guests to explore the resort’s authentic Arabian charm, wandering through narrow alleyways filled with artisanal shops, vibrant cafes, and historic architecture that contrast with the hotel’s modern luxury. This blend of old and new is quintessential Dubai—where tradition and innovation coexist seamlessly.

Nightly rates at Jumeirah Al Naseem typically begin at AED 1,600, positioning it as a compelling option for discerning travelers who desire sophisticated style, access to pristine beachfront, and immersion in the cultural tapestry of Dubai’s most iconic resort complex.

For those seeking a contemporary coastal haven without sacrificing cultural richness or family-friendly amenities, Jumeirah Al Naseem stands as a consummate choice—a modern luxury escape wrapped in the timeless allure of the Arabian Gulf.

Photo credits: Jumeirah Al Naseem.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.