The City

Dubai is rapidly cementing its position as one of the world’s most visited destinations. In just the first half of 2025 (January to June), the city welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors, already surpassing the 18.72 million total recorded for all of 2024. This impressive 6% year-on-year growth puts Dubai firmly on track to achieve its ambition of ranking among the top three global tourism hubs, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (source).

So, what’s fueling this explosive tourism momentum? It’s not just luck—it’s a carefully orchestrated mix of world-class infrastructure, aggressive international marketing, strong hospitality performance, and an expanding portfolio of attractions catering to a global audience.

First, Dubai’s seamless connectivity remains unmatched. Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled 46 million passengers in H1 2025, maintaining its title as the world’s busiest international airport. Despite ongoing geopolitical instability in parts of the Middle East, DXB’s efficiency and Dubai’s safety reputation have kept the flow of visitors steady and strong.

The hospitality sector has played a major role in supporting this surge. Hotel occupancy reached 80.6%, while 22.24 million room nights were booked—up 4% from the same period last year. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) climbed to AED 584, and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) rose to AED 471, signaling not just volume but profitability. Dubai currently offers 152,483 hotel rooms across 822 establishments, ranging from luxurious beach resorts to affordable city stays.

New openings have kept the city fresh and appealing. Recent additions include Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Vida Dubai Mall, Cheval Maison in Expo City, and The Biltmore Hotel Villas. Dubai’s hotels are not just places to stay—they are destinations in themselves, offering curated experiences, wellness, and entertainment.

At the same time, Dubai has executed a smart and far-reaching global marketing strategy. Campaigns such as “Find Your Story” (featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi) and “Dubai, Ready for a Surprise?” (starring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma) have reached wide audiences and fueled tourism interest. Collaborations with major hospitality brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Premier Inn have further boosted exposure and bookings.

Dubai’s appeal is also increasingly diverse. Visitor origins span a wide spectrum:

Western Europe: 22%

CIS/Eastern Europe: 15%

South Asia: 15%

GCC and MENA: each 11–15%

Other regions, including the Americas, Northeast and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australasia, make up the remainder, reflecting Dubai’s truly global pull.

Dubai’s thriving MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry is another growth engine. The city secured 249 international event bids and expects over 127,000 business delegates in the coming years. Its food scene continues to gain global acclaim, with the 2025 MICHELIN Guide recognizing 119 restaurants—including Dubai’s first three-starred Indian restaurant, Trèsind Studio, and FZN by Björn Frantzén.

Altogether, tourism is more than a headline figure—it’s a pillar of the local economy, contributing over 12% of Dubai’s GDP and supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, retail, transport, and real estate. This steady growth signals the effectiveness of Dubai’s strategic vision: to be not just a stopover, but a destination that defines the future of urban tourism.

With nearly 10 million visitors already welcomed in just six months, 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Dubai. The emirate isn’t just nearing the global top three—it’s actively reimagining what world-class tourism looks like.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In an era where urban safety is often elusive, Dubai has emerged as a notable exception. With some of the world’s lowest crime rates and a top-10 ranking in multiple international safety indexes, the city has crafted a security ecosystem that blends technology, policy, and civic participation into a compelling model for the 21st century.

According to the 2024 Numbeo Safety Index, Dubai ranks 7th globally, registering a high safety score of 83.8 as of early 2025. These rankings are based on public data, user surveys, and statistical modeling that accounts for crime levels, safety perceptions, and law enforcement responsiveness. The UAE as a whole is ranked the second safest country in the world.

Central to Dubai’s safety record is its embrace of advanced technology. The city is covered by a vast network of CCTV cameras—many powered by artificial intelligence and facial recognition. These systems enable real-time monitoring and predictive policing strategies, allowing authorities to act swiftly and efficiently. Dubai has also pioneered Smart Police Stations, open 24/7, that allow residents and visitors to report crimes or access services without human intervention. In 2023, Dubai Police reported an average emergency response time of just 2 minutes and 24 seconds, one of the fastest globally.

But technological sophistication alone doesn’t explain the full picture. Dubai’s safety is reinforced by strict laws and swift enforcement. Public misconduct such as littering, reckless driving, or drunken behavior is penalized with zero tolerance. The law is applied consistently and transparently, creating a strong deterrent effect. Violent crime and street-level offenses remain rare, and the judicial system is designed to process violations efficiently.

Urban design plays its part as well. Public spaces in Dubai are intentionally built for safety: well-lit, monitored, and clean. Pedestrian zones are clearly defined, and public transport areas are regularly patrolled. Strategic placement of surveillance infrastructure further reduces blind spots where crime could take root.

Equally important is the role of the community. Dubai’s government fosters a culture of cooperation between law enforcement and residents. Initiatives like neighborhood watch programs and youth engagement events, such as the Positive Spirit campaign, bring citizens into the public safety mission. These efforts are especially significant in a city where over 200 nationalities live side by side. Public awareness campaigns promote legal literacy and cultural sensitivity, strengthening trust in public institutions.

In many ways, Dubai’s approach to safety mirrors its broader development philosophy: efficient, data-driven, and future-oriented. The city offers a striking example of what is possible when urban policy integrates modern technology with proactive governance and community engagement. While critics may raise concerns about surveillance or strictness, the numbers—and the lived experience of residents—paint a picture of a city that has successfully prioritized safety without sacrificing cosmopolitanism.

For a rapidly growing global hub, this is no small feat. It is, instead, a template that other cities may increasingly look to—not just for what Dubai has built, but for how it continues to evolve.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai, situated in one of the driest regions on Earth, relies heavily on desalination to meet its water needs. The emirate's primary desalination facility, the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Plant, is among the world's largest, producing approximately 490 million imperial gallons of water daily.

In recent years, Dubai has been transitioning to more energy-efficient desalination technologies. The Hassyan Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plant, scheduled to commence operations in 2026, will utilize solar energy and advanced reverse osmosis techniques to produce 818,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day.

To further enhance water sustainability, Dubai is investing in infrastructure such as the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project. This initiative aims to store up to 6,000 million imperial gallons of water, making it the largest project of its kind globally.

Through these efforts, Dubai is not only addressing its immediate water needs but also setting a precedent for sustainable water management in arid regions.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s ambitious Vision 2040 Urban Master Plan, unveiled in March 2021, charts a comprehensive roadmap for the emirate’s evolution over the next two decades. With a clear focus on sustainability, livability, and economic diversification, the plan aims to transform Dubai into a global city that balances growth with environmental stewardship and quality of life.

At the heart of Vision 2040 is a commitment to sustainable urban development. The plan seeks to double the area of green and recreational spaces, dedicating 60 percent of Dubai’s land to nature reserves and rural areas. This will not only preserve biodiversity but also combat urban heat and provide residents with accessible natural environments, a crucial step for a desert metropolis confronting climate challenges.

To reduce congestion and promote balanced development, the strategy identifies five major urban centers—Deira/Bur Dubai as the historic and cultural hub; Downtown/Jumeirah for tourism and retail; Sheikh Zayed Road as the global business district; the Expo 2020 district serving as an innovation and events focal point; and Dubai Silicon Oasis as the technology and knowledge center. These nodes will be interconnected through an integrated public transport network designed to place 55 percent of residents within 800 meters of transit stations by 2040.

Complementing this is the “20-minute city” concept, which envisions essential services, including education, healthcare, and leisure, to be accessible within a 20-minute walk or bike ride. Land allocation for tourism and commercial use will increase significantly—by 134 and 168 square kilometers respectively—supporting economic diversification beyond oil and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub.

Importantly, the plan also safeguards Dubai’s cultural heritage by revitalizing historic districts like Deira and Bur Dubai. This approach ensures that while Dubai embraces modern infrastructure and innovation, it retains the rich identity that underpins its unique appeal.

In sum, Dubai’s Vision 2040 is a forward-looking blueprint that reconciles rapid urban growth with sustainability and cultural preservation. By implementing these goals, Dubai aims to offer its residents an improved quality of life, attract international investment, and maintain its position as a competitive, resilient global city.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Once a quiet stretch of desert coast, Dubai’s shoreline now curves around some of the most ambitious artificial landforms ever constructed: the iconic Palm Jumeirah and the surreal archipelago of The World Islands. These man-made marvels have not only redefined urban planning but also challenged the limits of modern engineering and environmental science.

Building from the Sea

Construction of the Palm Jumeirah began in 2001, led by Dubai-based developer Nakheel and executed by Dutch dredging companies Van Oord and Boskalis. Instead of using concrete or steel, engineers relied on a process called land reclamation, which involves dredging sand from the sea floor and spraying it into place using GPS-guided ships—a technique known as rainbowing.

Palm Jumeirah contains around 94 million cubic meters of sand and 7 million tons of rock. Its structure includes a 4 km-long trunk, 17 fronds lined with villas, and a crescent-shaped breakwater designed to absorb wave energy and protect the interior lagoon. To stabilize the sand, engineers used a method called vibro-compaction, which vibrates the ground to increase its density. 

The World Islands project, located 4 km offshore, began in 2003. The development consists of about 300 small islands shaped to resemble a map of the world. More than 321 million cubic meters of sand and 386 million tons of rock were used to create the archipelago, which spans 9 kilometers in width and is enclosed by a crescent-shaped breakwater. 

Environmental Consequences

While visually striking, these developments have not come without ecological cost. The dredging process buried coral reefs and disrupted local marine ecosystems. Fine sediment suspended in the water—known as turbidity—reduced sunlight penetration, threatening seagrass beds and oyster habitats essential to marine biodiversity.

Moreover, the artificial islands altered natural coastal currents. This led to coastal erosion in some nearby areas and stagnant water zones in others, increasing the risk of algal blooms and oxygen depletion. According to environmental assessments, such disruptions posed long-term threats to marine life along Dubai’s coast. 

Engineering vs. Ecology

Dubai authorities have responded to these concerns with a mix of marine restoration and sustainable planning. Artificial reefs have been deployed around Palm Jumeirah to reintroduce marine habitats, while regulations on dredging and coastal development have become more stringent. Recent development proposals also emphasize climate resilience, seeking a better balance between innovation and environmental responsibility. 

Dubai’s artificial islands remain a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. But as climate challenges mount, the next chapter in the emirate’s coastal evolution may depend not only on what we build—but how we build it.

Photo credits: Earth Observatory NASA.

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Two Michelin‑recommended venues where presentation is art.

Trèsind Studio

Located at One&Only Royal Mirage, Trèsind Studio has built its reputation on a 16-course tasting menu described by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants as a visual and gastronomic tour of India. Signature creations—like the blossom chaat with pumpkin mash, yogurt, chutneys, edible flowers and crisp butterflies—are composed with meticulous symmetry on vivid crockery, each course curated like a miniature installation.

Photo credits: Trèsind Studio Instagram. 

Avatāra

This new fine‑dining vegetarian concept in Dubai Hills Estate is led by Chef Rahul Rana. Avatāra’s presentation emphasizes vibrant vegetable curries and appetizers, artfully plated with microgreens, edible flowers, and puree swirls that foreground the natural beauty of plant‑based ingredients.

The visual language here champions color, balance, and harmony—each plate assembled as a visual composition.

Photo credits: Avatāra.

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Situated within the Hyde Hotel in Business Bay, Seven Paintings offers a dining experience where plating transcends presentation—it becomes performance art. Conceived by Nadine Beshir of Dinner Time Story and Chef Omar Sartawi (with executive chef Daniel Shepherd), the two-hour, seven-course dinner marries culinary innovation with visual storytelling inspired by legends like Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali and Banksy.  

Upon entering, guests encounter a theatrical dining space: a circular table set against a large black canvas, digital projections enliven each course and invite participation—such as painting on chocolate or adding “tears” from a dropper bottle to a plate. The result is a playful yet precise narrative woven between art and cuisine.  

Chef Sartawi’s plating echoes the featured artists: bold colors, abstract arrangements and interactive elements. One course channels Jackson Pollock, as diners splatter salad dressings in jazz-fueled abstraction, while others reinterpret visual art into taste and texture.   

At approximately AED 450 per person, the experience is intimate—seating is limited to 20 guests per sitting, each served with matching theatrical flair.  

Seven Paintings distinguishes itself in the competitive Dubai dining landscape not by opulence, but by its fusion of immersive theater and precise gastronomy—a celebration of how food can become art.

Photo credits: Get Your Guide.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai is known for its glass towers, man-made islands, and desert backdrop. Yet tucked among its highways and high-rises are green spaces—both planned and unexpected—that offer a quieter counterpoint to the city's relentless pace.

One of the city’s oldest parks, Safa Park, sits just off Sheikh Zayed Road. Opened in 1975, the 64-hectare park includes lawns, a lake, and shaded paths frequented by joggers and picnickers. Despite its proximity to downtown, it maintains a slower rhythm. A view of the Burj Khalifa rises beyond the trees—a reminder of how nature and concrete exist side by side.

In Al Barsha, another green escape unfolds around a large man-made pond. Al Barsha Pond Park provides a wide jogging track, basketball courts, and landscaped gardens. Families gather on weekends for cycling and paddle boat rides. The park’s design favors functionality and accessibility over grandeur.

A more expansive and less manicured space lies at Mushrif Park, near Mirdif. Covering 13 square kilometers, the park features native Ghaf trees, bike trails, and an international village with miniature houses representing global architecture. Its remote location means it is less crowded than other urban parks, drawing those who want space and quiet.

For those seeking something curated and eco-conscious, Al Barari—an upscale residential area—offers an unusual mix of private villas and public botanical landscaping. Over 500 plant species are integrated into community walkways, small lakes, and shaded rest areas. Its development was pitched as a model of sustainable living, with an emphasis on biodiversity.

Farther afield, the Al Qudra Oasis and Love Lake sit within the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Established in 2018, this protected zone is one of the largest in the UAE, home to over 200 species of birds. The heart-shaped twin lakes and desert trails are popular with campers and birdwatchers. Unlike much of Dubai’s urban core, this area limits commercial development, preserving a sense of isolation.

Closer to the center, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary presents a different kind of green space—wetlands. Just off Dubai Creek, the reserve is home to thousands of flamingos during winter, along with herons, osprey, and crabs. Bird hides are accessible to the public, and entry is free. Few global cities offer protected wetlands within view of the skyline.

In more localized settings, smaller gardens are emerging in creative spaces. At Alserkal Avenue, rooftop gardens maintained by cultural institutions serve as quiet green areas during events and workshops. In Al Fahidi and Al Seef, traditional wind-tower houses now include rooftop terraces with potted palms and native herbs. These gardens are informal, but increasingly valued in older neighborhoods undergoing restoration.

Together, these spaces form a mosaic of green in a city better known for excess. They are not accidental. Under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, 60% of the emirate’s area is set aside for nature reserves and parks. These places serve more than recreation—they support urban cooling, protect biodiversity, and offer psychological relief in an environment often defined by speed.

Dubai’s hidden gardens do not compete with its skyline. Instead, they quietly challenge it—reminding residents and visitors that urban life and ecological awareness can coexist.

Photo credits: Visit Dubai. Safa Park. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Amid the serene waterways and wind towers of Madinat Jumeirah, Talise Spa stands as a tranquil retreat dedicated to the art of mindful living. Surrounded by lush gardens, palm-lined canals, and the gentle hush of the Arabian Gulf, the award-winning spa embraces a comprehensive approach to well-being guided by its four foundational pillars: Mental Wellness, Mindful Movement, Internal Well-being, and Restore. Here, traditional healing philosophies meet cutting-edge therapies, offering guests an immersive wellness experience that is both rooted in heritage and aligned with contemporary science.

One of Talise Spa’s most iconic offerings is its Full-Moon Yoga session, held monthly on the private beach beneath the Dubai sky. Led by acclaimed wellness expert Kajal Thakur, the session is timed with the lunar cycle to harness the moon’s symbolic energy of release and renewal. Participants are guided through a meditative flow that ends in stillness, accompanied by the soothing rhythm of waves and the shimmer of moonlight on water—an experience consistently praised for its profound emotional impact and sense of spiritual connection.

Inside the spa, advanced sensory treatments are centered around the Alphasphere Deluxe, a sound-and-light therapy pod designed by artist and researcher Sha, which synchronizes audio frequencies, light pulses, and ergonomic positioning to induce states of deep meditation. Used in both solo and guided sessions, it is especially effective in alleviating stress and anxiety while boosting mental clarity. Complementary therapies include sound-healing yoga, crystal healing sessions, and breathwork practices, all tailored to promote emotional release and physical vitality.

The spa’s approach to beauty and rejuvenation is equally holistic. Guests can experience Ayurvedic body treatments, hot sea shell massages, and the opulent 24-karat gold hammam, which infuses gold powder into traditional cleansing rituals to stimulate circulation and restore radiance to the skin. Sleep enhancement programs have also become a signature of Talise, incorporating guided meditation masks, vibroacoustic loungers, qi gong movement, and hypnotherapy to encourage restful, natural sleep cycles. Each treatment concludes with a calming tea ceremony, reinforcing the importance of ritual and reflection.

At Talise Spa, the ethos is clear: wellness is not a trend, but a lifestyle. With its blend of Arabian tradition, Eastern wisdom, and innovative sensory technologies, it remains one of Dubai’s most transformative destinations for those seeking not only relaxation but conscious renewal.

Photo credits: Madinat Jumeirah

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Situated on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Anantara Spa at The Palm Dubai seamlessly marries the time-honored traditions of Middle Eastern and Asian healing with cutting-edge wellness technologies, creating a sanctuary that caters to both body and mind. The spa’s expansive facilities include six luxuriously appointed couples’ suites designed to provide intimate, personalized experiences. Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of steam rooms, including aroma-infused, crystal and gemstone-enhanced chambers, as well as herbal saunas and salt inhalation areas that promote respiratory health and skin rejuvenation. The spa’s experience showers are engineered to stimulate circulation and enhance detoxification, while the Turkish and Moroccan hammams offer ritualistic cleansing practices that date back centuries. For those seeking a deeper form of relaxation, the Thai massage pavilion provides authentic Thai therapeutic techniques performed by skilled therapists.

Anantara’s wellness philosophy is embodied in its signature treatments that draw from ancient healing sciences. Crystal-infused steam rooms and gemstone therapies harness the natural energies believed to promote balance and rejuvenation, while Ayurvedic treatments align with the Indian tradition of holistic health, focusing on mind-body harmony. The spa also features specialized rituals utilizing CBD products from KLORIS, which have gained international acclaim for their purity and efficacy, targeting inflammation and stress reduction. Complementing these is the use of Phytomer marine-based wellness therapies, which incorporate seaweed and mineral-rich treatments to restore vitality and hydration.

A hallmark of the Anantara experience is its integration of sound healing and breathwork. Sound baths utilize crystal bowls and Tibetan singing bowls to create vibrational frequencies that facilitate deep meditative states and emotional release. Breathwork sessions guide guests through controlled breathing techniques designed to calm the nervous system and enhance mental clarity. Aromatic rituals, inspired by both ancient Asian and Arabian traditions, employ essential oils and resins like frankincense and myrrh, enveloping guests in sensory journeys that ground and elevate the spirit. Together, these elements coalesce into a holistic wellness journey that honors the interconnectedness of physical health and spiritual wellbeing, all set against the tranquil backdrop of the Palm’s shimmering waters.

Photo credits: Anantara Spa

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Rising along Sheikh Zayed Road beside the Dubai Water Canal, Al Habtoor Tower is poised to become the world’s largest residential skyscraper, with 81 floors and a total built-up area of approximately 3.5 million square feet. Developed by the Al Habtoor Group, the tower stands at around 345 meters tall and is located in Al Habtoor City, a 9-hectare urban complex known for its luxury hotels, entertainment venues, and landscaped pedestrian boulevards. The structure incorporates deep foundation barrettes drilled 80 meters into the ground and a patented single-column barrette system engineered to support up to 22,000 tons. High-strength steel and specialized concrete (C90) are used to reduce the building’s carbon footprint by over 50 percent compared to conventional towers. The design targets LEED Platinum certification, incorporating dual-glazed façades and advanced insulation systems expected to lower energy consumption by approximately 60 percent. Construction follows a top-down method, allowing simultaneous work on the tower and podium and enabling rapid delivery of more than 350,000 square meters of floor area within an estimated 1,000 days. The project includes three dedicated amenity levels on the 8th, 47th, and 70th floors, featuring a 285-meter wraparound infinity pool with panoramic views, spa and wellness facilities, a fitness center, library, cafés, padel tennis courts, children’s play areas, and multi-purpose lounges. Eighteen high-speed elevators are designed to ensure efficient vertical transportation throughout the building. Residential offerings range from one- to three-bedroom apartments with smart-home systems and private balconies. The uppermost floors feature Ultra Residences and Sky Villas, each with high ceilings, large terraces, and private pools offering unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Canal, and the Arabian Gulf. With its integration of artificial intelligence-enhanced building systems, environmentally responsive engineering, and hotel-grade lifestyle services, Al Habtoor Tower is designed not only as a luxury residence but also as a blueprint for future-ready urban living in Dubai.

Photo credits: Al Habtoor Tower

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

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.

Photo credits: Emirates Falconers’ Club.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.