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Since opening its doors in late 2017, the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah has become synonymous with refined luxury on Dubai’s world-famous man-made island. Situated on the Palm’s east crescent, this 319-room resort blends the glamour of 1920s Art Deco with contemporary Arabian touches, creating an elegant retreat that feels both grand and intimately inviting.

The hotel’s design captures a delicate balance: its soaring lobby and lush gardens evoke the romance of a bygone era, while the sleek lines and muted tones of the interiors hint at modern sophistication. Guests arriving here are greeted with an understated opulence that extends from the spacious rooms—each outfitted with plush furnishings and high-end amenities—to the sweeping private beach that curves gently along the shoreline.

Culinary offerings here reflect the hotel’s commitment to excellence. Al Nafoorah, the signature Lebanese restaurant, serves authentic Levantine dishes in a setting that is both warm and elegant, while Social by Heinz Beck, overseen by the three-Michelin-starred chef, invites guests on a contemporary Mediterranean journey. Each plate feels carefully crafted to satisfy both the eye and the palate.

Beyond its dining and design, the Waldorf Astoria offers a breadth of activities that cater to all kinds of travelers. Occupying such a magnificent location on Palm Jumeirah means guests have ready access to a private beach where they can soak up the sun in seclusion. For the more active, the resort features tennis courts, fishing excursions, and parasailing adventures that showcase the Arabian Gulf’s stunning vistas from above.

Families are well-catered for as well. While adults relax by the pool or indulge in spa treatments, younger guests can be safely entertained at Coco’s Kids Club, where supervised games and activities ensure a fun, engaging experience. And as day turns into night, visitors can explore Dubai’s renowned nightlife by venturing out to nearby destination bars and restaurants, all within easy reach.

The hotel’s Guerlain Spa is a sanctuary unto itself. With 12 treatment rooms and two private Couples Suites, it offers an extensive menu of luxurious therapies designed to restore balance and wellbeing. Drawing upon the famed French skincare brand’s expertise, the spa combines cutting-edge techniques with soothing ambiance to provide a deeply rejuvenating experience.

Rooms here start at approximately AED 1,900 per night, reflecting the property’s position as a top-tier luxury destination. Yet the Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah manages to avoid the excess often associated with Dubai’s hospitality scene, opting instead for a quiet confidence and timeless elegance. It is a place where tradition and modernity coexist, offering guests a chance to experience the best of both worlds on one of the world’s most spectacular waterfronts.

Photo credits: Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Atop the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Luna has carved a distinctive place in Dubai’s vibrant dining scene. Since its debut as a rooftop destination, Luna has evolved into a 2025 hotspot for Dubai’s elite, combining high-end gastronomy with an atmosphere defined by celestial allure and panoramic city views.

Luna’s setting is as much a part of its identity as its cuisine. The starlit terrace, positioned to showcase the glittering towers of the DIFC, offers a vantage point that merges the urban energy of Dubai’s financial heart with a rooftop ambiance designed for refined leisure. This visual contrast — sleek cityscape against a night sky — has made Luna a striking backdrop for evening gatherings and social occasions alike.

The culinary vision at Luna is led by Chef Marco Rossi, whose menu emphasizes bold Mediterranean flavors balanced with luxurious touches. Signature offerings include caviar-crusted langoustines and truffle risotto, each dish crafted with a focus on premium ingredients and sophisticated presentation. The carefully selected wine pairings, highlighted by rare Italian Barolos, underscore the restaurant’s dedication to creating a complete dining experience that speaks to both taste and occasion.

Following its 2025 menu overhaul, Luna has seen a tangible rise in interest. According to Fact Magazines, the restaurant reported a 20% increase in reservations, a surge attributed in part to its exclusive wine-pairing events that have resonated with Dubai’s high-profile clientele seeking curated culinary encounters.

Luna’s unique fusion of Mediterranean flavors and cosmic ambiance positions it at the forefront of Dubai’s luxury dining scene — a place where gastronomy, setting, and atmosphere intertwine. The rooftop’s growing reputation reflects a broader trend in the city: an appetite for experiences that combine world-class cuisine with distinctive environments that transform a meal into a memorable occasion.

At Luna, dining transcends tradition, offering guests an elevated encounter that captures the essence of Dubai’s evolving culinary narrative — one that celebrates both global flavors and the city’s own flair for sophisticated indulgence.

Photo credits: Four Seasons Hotel DIFC.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In 2025, Zuma Dubai, long established as a pillar of the city’s dining landscape, unveiled its newly revamped rooftop at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) - reaffirming its place among Dubai’s most iconic destinations for contemporary Japanese cuisine.

Perched above the heart of Dubai’s financial hub, the rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of the Sheikh Zayed Road skyline. The setting blends Zuma’s signature Japanese aesthetic with the city’s unmistakable sense of glamour. Sleek bamboo interiors set the scene for photographs that capture both the architectural precision of the space and the neon glow of Dubai’s skyline.

The menu reflects Zuma’s commitment to luxury and craftsmanship. The caviar-focused offerings include seared tuna with Oscietra and sushi platters adorned with gold leaf, all carefully paired with rare sakes such as Dassai Beyond. This attention to detail — in both presentation and pairing — has fueled Zuma’s continued appeal among Dubai’s power brokers and culinary enthusiasts.

According to Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, since the rooftop’s relaunch, Zuma has recorded a 25% increase in bookings, a rise credited in part to its exclusive wine-pairing dinners that have become a sought-after experience in the city’s upscale dining circuit.

Zuma’s influence in Dubai extends beyond its rooftop. Recognized repeatedly in the World’s 50 Best Bars listings and achieving a debut at No. 2 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants MENA, the restaurant remains synonymous with contemporary Japanese dining at the highest level. Located in the heart of DIFC, it offers guests a complete experience — from fine dining to handcrafted cocktails and live music in its vibrant lounge upstairs.

With its renewed rooftop concept, Zuma continues to merge Japanese precision with Dubai’s extravagant ethos, reinforcing its reputation as a destination where elevated cuisine, luxurious surroundings, and high-profile clientele converge in the city’s bustling financial district.

Photo credits: Zuma Restaurant Dubai. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In January 2025, Hanu opened its doors at St. Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah, introducing Dubai to a refined expression of Korean culinary artistry in a rooftop setting that frames the Burj Al Arab. From its first weeks, Hanu established itself as a standout destination on the city’s competitive dining scene — a place where tradition meets indulgence high above the Dubai skyline.

At the heart of Hanu’s kitchen is Chef Kyung Soo Moon, whose training in Seoul’s finest kitchens informs a menu that balances authenticity with modern luxury. Signature dishes such as caviar-topped galbi tartare and kimchi-infused lobster headline a selection designed to pair with both rare sojus and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The restaurant’s understated aesthetic enhances its culinary focus. A minimalist terrace adorned with bamboo accentsopens to sweeping views of Dubai, the skyline shimmering beyond — a setting that has become a natural backdrop for photographs since opening.

Hanu’s launch quickly captured the attention of the city’s dining elite. Hanu welcomed 8,000 diners within its first two months, a testament to its swift rise in popularity. The restaurant’s exclusive caviar tasting menu, offered nightly, became an immediate success, selling out consistently since its debut.

Hanu’s fusion of Korean tradition with the luxuries of Dubai’s dining culture reflects the city’s role as a global stage for elevated cuisine. Its rapid acclaim underscores a broader trend: in Dubai, culinary experiences are as much about artistry and heritage as they are about spectacle and exclusivity.

With its rooftop perch, dedicated chef, and a menu that draws both from Korea’s deep-rooted flavors and Dubai’s appetite for refined indulgence, Hanu stands as a new beacon in the city’s evolving gastronomic landscape — a testament to how Dubai continues to elevate world cuisines to new heights.

Photo credits: HANU Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

On the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, high above the iconic Palm Jumeirah, CouCou Dubai has emerged as one of 2025’s standout rooftop destinations. Since opening its doors in late 2024, CouCou has captured the attention of Dubai’s discerning diners and global visitors alike, blending Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.

At CouCou, dining is elevated — both figuratively and literally. The restaurant’s terrace offers a 360-degree vista of the Dubai coastline, with sunsets that have driven a reported 30% increase in bookings for prime evening slots this year, according to The Rooftop Guide. Against this stunning backdrop, the menu reads like a celebration of Mediterranean opulence: Oscietra caviar crowns flame-grilled octopus, while lobster ravioli is paired with vintage Champagnes, including the coveted Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013.

Inside, a sleek bar illuminated by crystal chandeliers anchors the venue’s vibrant ambiance — a space as photogenic as it is inviting. Live jazz performances accentuate the refined yet festive mood, making CouCou a favorite haunt for Dubai’s high rollers, who come as much for the cuisine as for the atmosphere.

Beyond its gastronomic allure, CouCou offers a multi-sensory experience. The Sky Lounge promises signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists using globally inspired flavors and eclectic ingredients. Whether for dinner, dancing, or a late-night cocktail, the venue’s festive rooftop setting invites guests to indulge in an evening where sophistication meets playful energy.

CouCou Dubai stands not just as a restaurant, but as a statement — where haute cuisine, panoramic views, and an indefinable high-energy spirit create a destination unlike any other in the city.

Photo credits: CouCou Dubai.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In a city renowned for pushing culinary boundaries, KIRA has swiftly emerged as one of Dubai’s most talked-about dining destinations of 2025. Perched on the rooftop of the newly opened Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the contemporary fusion concept embodies the city’s appetite for culturally blended fine dining — and delivers it with quiet confidence.

Behind KIRA’s kitchen is Carlos de los Mozos, Group Executive Chef at AlphaMind. A chef whose career spans four continents, de los Mozos trained in Michelin-starred kitchens before taking the helm of some of AlphaMind’s most acclaimed concepts. At KIRA, he channels a distinctive style, merging heritage with innovation to craft dining experiences that are both elevated and immersive.

Opened in March 2025, KIRA reflects Dubai’s cosmopolitan palate through a carefully curated menu bridging Japanese and Mediterranean flavors. Designed in understated natural tones, the space exudes modern elegance while inviting guests into the culinary process via its open kitchen concept. The rooftop terrace — offering sweeping views of the iconic Burj Al Arab — further anchors KIRA’s appeal as a destination for refined yet relaxed dining.

On the plate, KIRA emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, presented with inventive flair. Complementing the cuisine is a beverage program featuring rare sakes and a selection of Old World wines, curated to enhance the cross-cultural flavors of the menu.

In a city that constantly redefines luxury hospitality, KIRA has quickly secured its place among Dubai’s noteworthy new venues of the year.

Photo credit: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Perched atop The Lana in Downtown Dubai, High Society transforms from a chic poolside lounge by day to an adults-only rooftop sanctuary after 5 p.m. in 2025. Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert—renowned for his work at Plaza Athénée in Paris and voted Chef of the Year 2019 by GQ—High Society elevates indulgence with culinary artistry that emphasizes simple yet authentic flavors.

Menu highlights include the croque-caviar, where golden brioche is layered with Oscietra caviar, and seared scallops delicately drizzled with truffle oil. The wine list, curated by sommelier Claire Dubois, features rare Champagnes like Krug Clos du Mesnil, meticulously paired with each dish. The sleek infinity pool, mirroring the Burj Khalifa, sets a cinematic scene complemented by intimate dining pods softly illuminated under starlight.

Since its relaunch in March 2025, High Society has emerged as a magnet for Dubai’s affluent crowd, recording a 15% increase in reservations from global jet-setters. Tables are booked weeks in advance, underscoring Dubai’s mastery in blending high gastronomy with breathtaking vistas. The venue’s beverage menu extends beyond rare Champagnes to include cocktails and spirits inspired by ancient sun-worshipping civilizations—offering guests a sensory experience that transcends conventional rooftop dining.

Photo credits: Dorchester Collection. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Dubai, a city synonymous with ambition, is now a global leader in the metaverse economy. In 2025, the emirate is leveraging its Dubai Metaverse Strategy to drive innovation in virtual worlds and blockchain-based commerce. The Dubai Future Foundation reports the metaverse sector added AED 3.2 billion to the economy this year, fueled by virtual real estate and digital events. Companies like Decentraland have set up in Dubai, drawn by its robust digital infrastructure.

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), fully implemented in January 2025, has made Dubai a pioneer in regulating digital economies, attracting firms like Meta. Emaar Properties’ virtual Burj Khalifa platform, launched in June, has generated AED 150 million in digital real estate sales. A YouGov poll shows 58% of residents engage with metaverse platforms, from gaming to virtual tourism.

Challenges like data privacy and accessibility persist, but Dubai’s Digital Skills Program is training thousands to bridge the gap. As the city blends its iconic skyline with virtual innovation, Dubai is redefining global influence in 2025.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Amid the buzz of new skyscrapers and Michelin stars, Dubai’s most quietly transformative story might be this: the rise of Free Zones as sanctuaries for global entrepreneurs.

As of 2025, Dubai is home to over 40 Free Zones, each offering 100% foreign ownership, zero import/export taxes, and repatriation of profits. For the global expat entrepreneur—especially from India, Europe, and Southeast Asia—this model is more than appealing. It’s life-changing.

With Dubai named the world’s fourth-best city for digital nomads by Nomad Capitalist, and the continued success of the Golden Visa Program, the emirate has become a magnet for self-starters. Whether it’s a food startup in Dubai Silicon Oasis or a fintech firm in DIFC, entrepreneurs benefit from fast-track licensing, global banking access, and connectivity to emerging markets in Africa and Asia.

The appeal goes beyond business. It’s about a quality of life rare in other tax-friendly havens. Access to healthcare, international schools, museums, and clean, safe public infrastructure make Dubai not just a business base, but a lifestyle choice.

In a decade that has seen democratic backsliding and regulatory uncertainty worldwide, Dubai is cultivating a middle path—liberal economics under a stable, efficient government, fused with global ambition.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

There is a quiet strength in Dubai’s economy—resilient, digitally nimble, and unlike any other in the region. In a feat few cities have achieved, Dubai ranks #1 globally for Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the fourth consecutive year.

This isn’t just an economic headline—it’s a case study in governance and vision. According to fDi Markets (a Financial Times service), the emirate drew 1,186 FDI projects worth more than $14.8 billion in 2024. That represents a nearly 70% year-on-year increase, signaling deep investor confidence. Dubai now ranks first globally in both project volume and job creation through FDI.

In today’s volatile world markets, the reasons are clear. First, the emirate’s pro-business laws—from 100% foreign ownership in Free Zones to the Golden Visa pathway—offer investors long-term strategic benefits. Second, the infrastructure is unmatched: from AI-optimized logistics hubs to digital government services, Dubai operates at a scale and speed rivaling any modern economy.

More subtly, Dubai’s leadership has embraced economic storytelling. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince, calls it "future-proofing through purposeful growth." The city is no longer simply a launchpad—it is a destination economy, attracting sectors from fintech and gaming to biotech and AI.

While many global cities chase unicorns, Dubai is building a diversified stable of smart, mid-size enterprises, nurtured in Free Zones tailored to tech, media, and finance. Unlike the fragile VC bubbles elsewhere, this ecosystem is engineered for sustainability and cross-sector innovation.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

From January to May 2025, Dubai welcomed 8.68 million international visitors, outpacing the same period last year by 7%. Tourism is not merely an industry in Dubai—it is a diplomacy of design, gastronomy, and experience. What many global capitals have struggled to rebuild post-pandemic, Dubai has reimagined entirely.

Hotels across the city are bustling: occupancy hit 83%, compared to 81% in the same period last year. According to the Department of Economy and Tourism, the city now boasts 825 hotel establishments with more than 153,000 rooms, offering everything from ultraluxury palaces to smart, minimalist co-living spaces.

But the real coup? The Michelin Guide’s 2025 edition for Dubai, which includes 119 culinary destinations, up from 90 in 2024. With the inclusion of Green Stars for sustainable dining, Dubai is not just attracting the elite but redefining what global, responsible luxury looks like.

This tourism triumph is no accident. It is rooted in policy and planning. The city’s “D33 Agenda” envisions Dubai as one of the world’s top three urban economies by 2033, blending sustainability with hospitality. The recent “Dubai. That’s How You Summer” campaign, featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi, is a masterclass in youthful, global branding. Even more impressive is Dubai’s newly minted status as the Eastern Hemisphere’s first Certified Autism Destination, a landmark moment for inclusive travel.

In a century increasingly driven by cultural diplomacy, Dubai’s evolution from desert port to planetary destination may serve as a blueprint—not just for tourism but for urban reinvention itself.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Literary Salon: Book Club column that savors classic works which illuminate history’s lessons while inspiring Dubai’s & World's forward-thinking ethos, curated by actress Vladyslava Garkusha.

Today, we explore Voltaire’s Candide (1759), a piercing satire that dismantles blind optimism with incisive wit. This Enlightenment masterpiece, sharp and timeless, resonates with Dubai’s fusion of historical pragmatism and innovative ambition, offering our book club a lens to reflect on progress in a city that turns vision into reality.

The Piercing Wit of Candide

Published in 1759, Voltaire’s Candide traces the young protagonist’s odyssey through disasters—earthquakes, wars, and the illusory utopia of El Dorado—each undermining his tutor Pangloss’s doctrine that “all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.” Voltaire’s crisp prose delivers lines like, “If this is the best of possible worlds, what are the others like?” By concluding with Candide’s resolve to “cultivate our garden,” the novel champions practical effort over passive hope, a message enduring for its intellectual clarity. Its satirical edge and philosophical depth cement its status as a cornerstone of Western literature, inviting readers to shape their futures with intention.

Historical Context: The Enlightenment’s Rational Surge

Candide emerged during the Enlightenment, when European thinkers championed reason and reform. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which killed an estimated 30,000–50,000 people, fueled Voltaire’s critique of unwarranted optimism. Global trade routes, connecting Europe to the Arabian Gulf, fostered idea exchange, mirroring Dubai’s role as a 19th-century trading hub along the Creek. This shared spirit of pragmatism links the Enlightenment’s intellectual drive to Dubai’s historical foundations.

Dubai’s Vision: A Sustainable Garden

Candide’s call to “cultivate our garden” finds a parallel in Dubai’s Sustainable City, a net-zero energy community launched in 2015 by Diamond Developers. With 500 villas powered by 10 megawatts of solar panels, it reduces energy consumption—and thus carbon emissions—by approximately 50% compared to traditional urban models. Its recycled water systems and urban farms embody Voltaire’s emphasis on practical progress, blending environmental stewardship with urban innovation. In a city that transformed from a trading port to a global metropolis, the Sustainable City reflects Dubai’s commitment to a future balancing ambition and responsibility.

Photo credits: New York Public Library.

Vladyslava Garkusha

Vladyslava Garkusha is an Actress, TV Host, Model, and Editor-at-Large of Dubai Voice. The People, Dubai, World and Global Perspective.