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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 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.

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.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai’s 2025 hotspot, hosts The Cullinan, a sophisticated steakhouse that has quickly become a must-visit. Designed by architect Tristan du Plessis, its interiors marry gleaming marble with antique golds and olive leather, while the Burj Al Arab-facing terrace offers white-clothed tables under whimsical, animal-printed umbrellas.

Perched on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, At.mosphere is the world’s highest restaurant, offering French-European cuisine with panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf. In 2025, it remains a Michelin-starred icon, blending opulence with culinary finesse under chef Nicolas De Visch.

The degustation menu, starting at 880 AED, showcases dishes like langoustine royale and tarte tatin, crafted with premium ingredients. The art-deco interiors, featuring jewel-toned wallpaper and mirrored staircases, evoke timeless luxury. Afternoon tea, accompanied by live violin and piano, is a decadent ritual, with delicate sandwiches and champagne.

Despite its lofty price and formal dress code, At.mosphere’s allure lies in its unmatched setting. The view - glittering skyscrapers by day, a neon tapestry by night - makes it a favorite for celebrations. Booking well in advance is essential, as tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows are highly sought after. At.mosphere is Dubai dining at its most iconic.

Photo credits: Atmospheredubai Instagram.

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

The Lana, opened in 2024 by the Dorchester Collection, sits along Marasi Bay Marina, offering serene views of the Burj Khalifa. Designed by Foster + Partners, its 225 rooms and suites, starting at 50 square meters, embrace understated elegance with pale rose velvet, pink leather, and mosaic columns. The rooftop infinity pool is a highlight, reflecting Dubai’s skyline at dusk.

Opened in 2024, One&Only One Za’abeel is Dubai’s first “vertical resort,” housed in a striking dual-tower structure linked by The Link, a 230-meter cantilevered boulevard. Located in Za’abeel, near Downtown Dubai, its 229 rooms and suites, starting at 65 square meters, feature glass walls with Burj Khalifa views. Grand suites include separate dressing rooms and standalone tubs.