The City

In Dubai, ambition is not confined to its towering skyline; it pulses through the city’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem, where startups are reshaping the future. Once a trading outpost, Dubai has become a magnet for entrepreneurs, with Dubai Internet City hosting over 1,600 tech firms, including giants like Microsoft and startups like Careem, acquired for $3.1 billion in 2019. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce reported 500 new businesses registered monthly in 2024, fueled by the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which commits $22 billion to make Dubai a top global economic hub by 2033.

This startup surge is deliberate. The Dubai Future District, a dedicated innovation zone, nurtures ventures in AI, fintech, and blockchain, with 2023 seeing $2.5 billion in venture capital inflows, per the Dubai FDI Monitor. Free zones like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) offer zero corporate tax for many sectors, attracting over 20,000 multinational companies. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) supports this ecosystem with smart infrastructure, enabling startups to leverage IoT and 5G for real-time solutions, from logistics apps to smart retail platforms.

Dubai’s appeal lies in its global connectivity. In 2023, the city welcomed 16.7 million tourists, per the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, many attending events like GITEX Global, a tech expo drawing 170,000 attendees. These gatherings connect startups with investors, fostering a culture of risk-taking. Yet, challenges persist. High operational costs and a competitive talent market test young companies, though initiatives like the Dubai Future Accelerators, which pair startups with government projects, ease these hurdles.

Dubai’s innovation ecosystem is a bold experiment in blending vision with pragmatism. It invites entrepreneurs to dream big but demands resilience in a fast-paced market. As the city positions itself as a global startup capital, it must ensure inclusivity, supporting local talent alongside international pioneers. For now, Dubai’s innovation hubs hum with possibility, proving that in this desert metropolis, ideas can rise as swiftly as its skyscrapers.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In Dubai, the act of dining has become a cultural crossroads, a vibrant tapestry woven from the flavors of the world. Once known primarily for its glittering skyline, the city has quietly emerged as a global culinary capital, where Bedouin traditions meet Michelin-starred innovation. In 2024, Dubai’s dining scene welcomed over 17 million visitors, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, with restaurants like IDAM by Alain Ducasse and Zuma drawing food enthusiasts to a city that has redefined gastronomic ambition.

This culinary renaissance is no accident. The Dubai Economic Agenda D33, with its $22 billion commitment to economic diversification, has fueled investments in hospitality, positioning the city as a rival to London and New York. The Michelin Guide, which debuted in Dubai in 2022, awarded stars to 17 restaurants by 2024, celebrating venues like Trèsind Studio, where Indian cuisine is elevated to an art form, and Ossiano, an underwater dining experience at Atlantis The Palm. Beyond fine dining, the city’s food markets, such as the Ripe Market in Dubai Police Academy Park, showcase local Emirati dishes like harees and luqaimat alongside global street food, reflecting a cosmopolitan ethos.

Technology amplifies this culinary ascent. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) supports smart hospitality systems, enabling apps like Zomato to integrate AI-driven recommendations, guiding diners to hidden gems in Deira’s spice souks or Jumeirah’s beachfront bistros. In 2023, the Dubai Food Festival attracted 300,000 attendees, per official tourism reports, celebrating everything from Emirati coffee rituals to fusion cuisines that blend Japanese and Middle Eastern flavors.

Yet, this culinary boom faces challenges. The city’s desert climate strains local agriculture, pushing reliance on imports, though initiatives like the UAE’s Food Tech Valley, launched in 2021, aim to boost sustainable farming with vertical gardens and hydroponics. As Dubai’s restaurants compete globally, they must also preserve the authenticity of Emirati cuisine, ensuring dishes like machboos remain as celebrated as international fare.

Dubai’s dining scene is a microcosm of its ambition: a city that invites the world to its table while honoring its roots. As it plates up innovation, Dubai must balance global allure with local heritage, ensuring its culinary renaissance endures. For now, every bite in this city tells a story of a culture unafraid to blend tradition with reinvention.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s skyline is a breathtaking testament to human ingenuity, a shimmering expanse of towers that seem to defy the desert’s limits. At its heart stands the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 829.8 meters, a needle of glass and steel piercing the sky since its completion in 2010. Its observation decks draw millions, with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism reporting 16.7 million visitors to the city in 2023, many captivated by this architectural icon. From its summit, one sees a city that has transformed from a quiet trading port into a global metropolis in mere decades.

Beyond the Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s skyline tells a story of audacious design. The Burj Al Arab, its sail-like form a symbol of luxury, redefines hospitality with its seven-star opulence. The Cayan Tower, twisting 90 degrees as it rises 306 meters, challenges engineering conventions, while the Dubai Marina’s dense cluster of skyscrapers reflects the city’s relentless ambition. These structures are more than aesthetic triumphs; they are integral to Dubai’s smart city vision. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) oversees the integration of IoT and AI technologies, enhancing visitor experiences with real-time navigation and smart infrastructure. The Dubai Economic Agenda D33, with its $22 billion investment in urban innovation, underscores this commitment, aiming to position Dubai as a leader in sustainable urban development by 2033.

Tourism fuels this architectural spectacle. In 2023, over 1.6 million visitors flocked to the Burj Khalifa alone, per official tourism data, contributing to an economy that thrives on global attention. The Dubai Fountain, choreographed to music and light, and the sprawling Dubai Mall nearby amplify the area’s allure, creating a sensory overload that defines the city’s ethos. Yet, this grandeur raises questions about sustainability. Cooling these towers in a desert climate demands immense energy, prompting investments in renewable solutions like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which aims to generate 5,000 megawatts by 2030.

Dubai’s skyline is a bold wager on the future, a city that builds upward and outward with unrelenting optimism. It invites the world to marvel at its vision but also challenges itself to balance spectacle with responsibility. As new towers rise, Dubai must ensure its growth aligns with environmental stewardship, preserving the allure of a skyline that captures the imagination of millions.

Photo credits: Unsplash. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

On Dubai’s Bluewaters Island, where the Arabian Gulf meets modern opulence, Banyan Tree Dubai has emerged as a beacon of wellness since its 2024 debut. Part of the globally renowned Banyan Tree brand, this spa transforms relaxation into an art form, blending Asian-inspired traditions with cutting-edge technology to offer an indulgent escape for travelers and locals alike.

Spanning 23 treatment rooms, the spa features two hammams, a sauna, an ice fountain, and an indoor pool, all enveloped in minimalist elegance with soothing earth tones. Its treatment menu is a global journey, offering massages to alleviate insomnia and muscle tension, alongside hydrating body scrubs infused with Tahitian monoi oil and papaya puree. The standout 90-minute Machine Queen Maximum Jetlag Recovery treatment uses Lymphatism Pants for lymphatic drainage and X-Wave technology to reduce cellulite, making it a favorite for jet-lagged visitors seeking revitalization. High-profile guests gravitate toward Dr. Rita Rakus’ Red-Carpet and Monte Carlo facials, which deliver radiant skin with a nod to Hollywood glamour. Treatments start at approximately AED 600, with premium packages offering extended indulgence.

Photo credits: Banyan Tree.

Beyond its innovative therapies, Banyan Tree Dubai emphasizes holistic wellness. Guests can complement their spa visit with yoga sessions or relax in the vitality pool, enjoying views of the glittering Dubai skyline. The spa’s personalized approach ensures each experience is tailored, whether for a quick refresh or a full-day retreat. By fusing global wellness trends with Dubai’s signature luxury, Banyan Tree Dubai offers a sanctuary where serenity meets sophistication, redefining self-care in the heart of the city.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

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 mains starting at AED 120. “We aim to showcase India’s diversity with every bite,” Tuli told Khaleej Times. The vibrant decor—rattan accents, animal prints, and bold colors—complements the lively menu, while a robust wine list elevates the experience.

Popular among Dubai’s Indian diaspora and food enthusiasts, it requires early reservations. The dress code is smart-casual, making it versatile yet upscale. Bombay Club is where tradition meets modernity, cementing its place in Dubai’s culinary elite.

Photo credits: Jumeirah Marsa AI Arab.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Perched on a private pier at Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Pierchic is Dubai’s ultimate romantic dining destination. Chef Laurent Gras’ European menu features seafood risotto, scallops with cauliflower, and Dover sole meunière, with tasting menus starting at AED 563 for two. The Michelin Guide praises its “elegant dishes and breathtaking views” of the Arabian Gulf and Burj Al Arab.

The overwater setting, with sea breezes and twinkling lights, creates an intimate ambiance, perfect for proposals or anniversaries. Reservations are crucial, often booked weeks ahead, and the dress code is strictly elegant. Pierchic’s serene beauty and culinary finesse make it a timeless choice for Dubai’s elite.

Photo credits: Jumeirah AI Qasr.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In DIFC’s Gate Village, Gaia, led by chef Izu Ani, is a love letter to Greek cuisine, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its value and quality. The menu highlights pristine ingredients in dishes like sea bream carpaccio, taramasalata with bottarga, and frozen Greek yogurt with honey, with mains averaging AED 150.

 “We bring the soul of Greece to Dubai,”  emphasizing authenticity. The dining room, adorned with olive trees and whitewashed walls, evokes a Mediterranean villa, while the terrace offers al fresco charm.

The atmosphere is vibrant yet refined, ideal for business lunches or romantic evenings. Reservations are essential, and the dress code is smart-casual. With outposts in London and Monte Carlo, Gaia’s Dubai flagship remains a beacon of Mediterranean sophistication.

Photo credits: Gaia Dubai Instagram.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

At Atlantis The Royal, FZN by Björn Frantzén earned three Michelin stars in 2025, cementing its status as a pinnacle of Dubai’s fine dining. Swedish chef Björn Frantzén, known for his Stockholm flagship, brings Nordic precision with Japanese influences to this 27-seat, two-story venue.

The 17-course tasting menu, priced at around AED 2,000 per person, features dishes like hand-dived scallops with sake gel and wagyu with yuzu kosho. The Michelin Guide praises its “impeccable ingredients and masterful execution,” noting the theatrical presentation of each course.

The interiors, with sleek wood paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows framing Dubai’s skyline, exude understated luxury. Service is flawless, with staff guiding diners through the menu’s narrative. Booking months ahead is necessary, and the dress code leans formal, aligning with the restaurant’s elite clientele. FZN is where Dubai’s high society indulges in culinary perfection.

Photo credits: FZN Dubai Instagram.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Set to open in 2025, Ciel Dubai Marina will claim the title of the world’s tallest hotel-only building at 365 meters. Designed by NORR Group, this 82-story tower in Dubai Marina features a glass atrium and a rooftop infinity pool offering 360-degree views. With 1,042 rooms, it aims to cater to both luxury travelers and business visitors, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global tourism hub.

Ciel’s engineering pushes boundaries. Its slender, curved silhouette withstands wind loads through aerodynamic modeling, while its foundation anchors deep into Dubai’s sandy soil. The project, valued at $500 million, reflects Dubai’s post-2008 economic recovery, pivoting from speculative real estate to sustainable tourism. Unlike earlier megaprojects, Ciel emphasizes energy efficiency with solar panels and water recycling systems.

Visitors can anticipate Ciel’s sky lounge, expected to rival the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck. Ciel represents Dubai’s forward gaze, a city that builds not just for today but for a future it intends to shape.

Photo credits: cieldubai.com

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

At the base of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain performs a daily spectacle that blends art and engineering. Spanning 275 meters—longer than two football fields—this $218 million fountain, designed by WET Design, shoots water up to 150 meters high, synchronized to music ranging from Arabic classics to global hits like Thriller. Since its debut in 2009, it has drawn millions, offering free evening shows every 30 minutes.

The fountain’s 6,600 lights and 25 projectors create a kaleidoscope of colors, while 83,000 liters of water dance in patterns programmed by a team of choreographers. Its mechanics are staggering: 22,000 gallons of water are airborne at any moment, propelled by high-pressure nozzles. Maintenance divers regularly inspect its underwater systems, ensuring flawless performances.

The fountain’s magic lies in its ability to pause Dubai’s frenetic pace, uniting strangers in shared awe. It’s a fleeting reminder that beauty, even when engineered, can feel transcendent.

Photo credits: burjkhalifa.ae

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

From space, the Palm Jumeirah looks like a tree sprouting from Dubai’s coastline, its 17 fronds and crescent-shaped breakwater forming a man-made archipelago. Completed in 2008, this $12 billion project added 78 kilometers of shoreline, hosting luxury hotels like Atlantis, The Palm, and private villas that attract the world’s wealthy.

The Palm’s creation was a marvel of marine engineering. Over 94 million cubic meters of sand were dredged from the Arabian Gulf and sprayed into place using GPS-guided vessels. A 11-kilometer breakwater, built with 7 million tons of rock, protects the island from waves. Yet, environmental concerns linger: studies suggest the project disrupted local marine ecosystems, though Dubai has since invested in artificial reefs to mitigate damage.

Visitors can explore the Palm via a monorail connecting the mainland to Atlantis, where a waterpark and aquarium draw families. Strolling the Boardwalk along the crescent offers views of Dubai’s skyline and the Gulf’s turquoise waters. The Palm Jumeirah embodies Dubai’s knack for turning improbable visions into reality, inviting travelers to ponder the line between innovation and excess.

Photo credits: Wikipedia. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

In Dubai, ambition takes physical form in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 829.8 meters. Completed in 2010, this steel-and-glass spire, designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, redefined what a skyscraper could be. Its Y-shaped base, inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis, anchors it against the region’s fierce winds, while its central core houses 57 elevators whisking visitors to the 148th-floor observation deck in under a minute.

The Burj Khalifa is more than a feat of engineering; it’s a symbol of Dubai’s relentless drive to transcend its origins as a modest trading port. Named after the president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, it was built at a cost of $1.5 billion, employing over 12,000 workers from across the globe. 

For visitors, the Burj Khalifa offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset when the desert horizon glows. Tickets to the 148th floor cost around $100, but booking early online saves time and money. Nearby, the Dubai Mall, with its 1,200 shops, provides a grounding contrast to the tower’s ethereal heights. To visit is to witness a city that dares to dream vertically, even as it grapples with its earthly challenges.

Photo credits: Burj Khalifa Instagram.

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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