Atlantis The Palm, opened in 2008 on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, is a 1,539-room ocean-themed resort. Its 46-hectare site blends luxury with family-friendly adventure, anchored by the Aquaventure Waterpark, the world’s largest with 105 slides. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to 65,000 marine animals, offers underwater views in select suites.
Perched on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, opened in 1999, redefined luxury hospitality. Its sail-shaped silhouette, stretching 321 meters, is a global symbol of Dubai’s opulence. The hotel’s 198 duplex suites, starting at 170 square meters, feature gold-leaf accents, Hermès toiletries, and 24-hour butler service.
Dubai, long synonymous with extravagance and architectural marvels, is now redefining luxury through a new lens: wellness. The emirate is swiftly evolving into a global hub where sophisticated self-care meets world-class hospitality, appealing to discerning travelers seeking holistic rejuvenation.
In a region long defined by its arid climate and rapid urban growth, Dubai is emerging as a global exemplar of sustainable development. Central to this transformation is the ambitious Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to produce 75% of the emirate’s energy from clean sources by mid-century. This bold vision reflects Dubai’s commitment not only to economic diversification but also to environmental stewardship.
At the heart of this green revolution is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, currently the largest single-site solar park worldwide. Set to reach a capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030, the solar park embodies the city’s transition from fossil fuels toward renewable energy. This massive infrastructure project promises to reduce carbon emissions and serve as a model for clean energy projects across the globe.
Dubai’s sustainability efforts extend beyond energy production. The city’s Sustainable City, the Middle East’s first fully operational eco-city, showcases how urban living can be both luxurious and environmentally responsible. With zero-net energy homes, extensive urban farming, and car-free zones, this community redefines modern city life by integrating green technology with social wellbeing.
Further reinforcing these initiatives are Dubai’s Green Building Regulations, introduced in 2014. These regulations mandate that all new developments comply with stringent energy and water efficiency standards, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in the city’s rapid urban expansion.
Dubai’s green economy trajectory reflects a larger global shift toward sustainability. By turning its desert landscape into a hub of renewable energy and eco-conscious living, Dubai is not only addressing climate challenges but also setting a new standard for sustainable urban growth in the 21st century.
Photo credits: dewa.gov.ae. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
In the heart of Al Quoz’s industrial sprawl, a cultural renaissance is quietly flourishing. Alserkal Avenue, founded in 2008 by Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, has evolved into Dubai’s leading contemporary arts district, home to more than 70 galleries, studios, and creative spaces spread across 500,000 square feet.
Dubai has long been celebrated for its record-breaking architecture and futuristic skyline. But beyond the skyscrapers and luxury developments lies a deeper, transformative ambition: to become the smartest and most innovative city in the world. Through cutting-edge technologies, data-driven governance, and a citizen-first approach, Dubai is not just preparing for the future—it is actively building it today.
Dubai 10X: A Blueprint for a Decade Ahead
At the core of this transformation is the Dubai 10X initiative, launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. The program challenges government entities to implement today what other cities might only consider ten years from now. The goal is to "disrupt" traditional services and business models through bold, forward-thinking ideas.
One example is the Dubai Courts' digital litigation system, which uses AI and blockchain to streamline case handling, reducing human error and expediting judicial processes. Another is the Dubai Health Authority’s Doctor for Every Citizen initiative, which uses telemedicine platforms powered by AI to offer 24/7 consultations for residents.
Dubai Paperless Strategy: A Greener Government
Launched in 2018 by the Dubai Digital Authority, the Dubai Paperless Strategy aims to eliminate all paper transactions from government entities. As of 2024, the initiative has succeeded in removing over 336 million paper documents, saving more than 14 million work hours and 1.6 billion AED in costs, according to official data released by Smart Dubai.
Government entities such as Dubai Police, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) are now fully paperless. Through smart apps and integrated platforms, residents can access hundreds of public services without printing a single page—dramatically reducing carbon emissions and improving administrative efficiency.
AI Integration: Intelligence Across Every Sector
In 2023, Dubai unveiled its Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, further advancing the goals of the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. The roadmap outlines a vision for incorporating AI across essential sectors such as transport, education, energy, and public safety.
The Dubai Metro, operated by the RTA, already features driverless trains, which are fully automated and monitored by smart systems. The RTA is also piloting autonomous taxis in partnership with Cruise (a GM-backed company), aiming for full deployment by 2030, when 25% of all transportation in Dubai is expected to be autonomous.
In healthcare, Dubai's AI strategy supports early diagnosis and predictive healthcare models. Hospitals under Dubai Health Authority have begun implementing AI algorithms for radiology scans, improving both speed and accuracy in diagnostics. Similarly, AI-powered surveillance systems are used by Dubai Police to enhance public safety and optimize emergency response times.
Blockchain and Big Data: Building Trust Through Technology
Dubai is also pioneering the use of blockchain in government. Through the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, the city aims to become the first blockchain-powered government in the world. Over 24 government departments have already adopted blockchain-based solutions for identity verification, property transactions, and supply chain transparency.
Meanwhile, the Smart Dubai platform, powered by Dubai Pulse, acts as the central data repository for the city. This open-data initiative allows government departments and private enterprises to access, analyze, and share real-time urban data to enhance decision-making and improve quality of life for residents.
Smart Living: Everyday Innovation for Everyone
For Dubai residents, the impact of the smart city strategy is tangible. The DubaiNow app integrates over 130 government and private services in a single interface—from paying bills to renewing vehicle registration and reporting public issues. The Happiness Meter, one of the world’s first city-wide sentiment measurement tools, allows residents to rate their satisfaction in real time, giving feedback directly to service providers.
Moreover, the city has embraced the Internet of Things (IoT) with thousands of smart sensors embedded across infrastructure—from street lighting to waste management. This enhances operational efficiency and aligns with Dubai's sustainability goals under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
Smart City
Dubai's Smart City vision is more than a series of high-tech upgrades—it is a holistic, citizen-centric strategy rooted in sustainable innovation, digital transformation, and global leadership. By harnessing AI, blockchain, big data, and automation, Dubai is not just racing toward the future—it is setting the pace for the world to follow.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
In the heart of the desert, where the sun reigns supreme, Dubai is harnessing its most abundant resource to redefine its energy landscape. The emirate, known for its towering skyscrapers and opulent lifestyle, is now chasing a more sustainable ambition: to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050, with a significant milestone targeted for 2025. At the core of this transformation is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a sprawling testament to Dubai’s commitment to clean energy and a model for cities worldwide grappling with the climate crisis.
Launched in 2013 with a modest 13-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) project, the solar park has grown into the world’s largest single-site renewable energy project, with a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030. As of early 2025, the park produces approximately 3,460 megawatts, enough to power over 800,000 homes, and accounts for roughly 24 percent of Dubai’s electricity mix. By the end of this year, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) aims to push this figure closer to 30 percent, a critical step toward the emirate’s long-term goal.
The solar park’s success is not just a matter of scale but of innovation. It combines cutting-edge PV panels with concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, which use mirrors to focus sunlight and store thermal energy, enabling electricity generation even after sunset. The Noor Energy 1 complex, part of the park’s fourth phase, features the world’s tallest solar tower at 260 meters and can deliver power 24 hours a day, thanks to 15 hours of molten-salt storage. Such advancements address the intermittency of renewables, a persistent challenge for grids worldwide.
Dubai’s renewable push is part of the broader Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, unveiled in 2015 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the emirate’s ruler. The strategy, which aims for 75 percent clean energy by 2050, is built on five pillars: large-scale renewable projects, smart grid infrastructure, energy efficiency, regulatory frameworks, and innovation. Beyond the solar park, initiatives like Shams Dubai encourage residents and businesses to install rooftop solar panels and sell excess power back to the grid, while a $27 billion green fund provides low-interest loans for clean-tech ventures.
This transformation is not without its complexities. Dubai, like much of the United Arab Emirates, remains heavily reliant on natural gas, which accounted for 94 percent of its electricity in 2021. Transitioning from a hydrocarbon-based economy—one that has fueled the emirate’s meteoric rise—requires not just technological leaps but cultural and economic shifts. The UAE, the world’s sixth-largest oil producer, is balancing its fossil fuel exports with a pivot to renewables, a pragmatic approach in a region where energy security and economic diversification are paramount.
The emirate’s leadership sees clean energy as more than an environmental imperative; it’s a strategic play to position Dubai as a global hub for green technology. The solar park’s Innovation Centre, a hub for research into advanced solar panels, battery storage, and solar-powered desalination, underscores this ambition. Partnerships with universities and tech giants like Tesla are testing next-generation solutions, from redox flow batteries to AI-driven grid management. DEWA’s green hydrogen pilot, the first in the Middle East, hints at a future where solar power fuels not just electricity but transportation and industry.
Yet, for all its progress, Dubai faces hurdles. The emirate’s scorching climate, with temperatures often exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, poses challenges for solar panel efficiency and grid stability. Dust accumulation on panels requires constant innovation in cleaning technologies, including robotic systems now deployed at the solar park. Moreover, while the UAE ranks sixth globally in per capita solar consumption, renewables still represent just 8.3 percent of the nation’s total electricity mix as of 2023, a reminder of the long road ahead.
Critics argue that Dubai’s green ambitions must extend beyond energy to address broader sustainability issues, such as water scarcity and urban sprawl. The emirate’s Waste-to-Energy Centre, which converts landfill waste into 200 megawatts of power, and its solar-powered desalination pilot are steps in this direction, but scaling these solutions remains a challenge. Others note that the UAE’s hosting of COP28 in 2023, while a diplomatic triumph, drew scrutiny for the region’s continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Still, Dubai’s solar push offers lessons for the world. Its ability to attract private investment—through long-term power purchase agreements and Sharia-compliant green sukuk bonds—demonstrates how public-private partnerships can accelerate renewable deployment. The solar park’s low electricity costs, with bids as low as 1.35 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour, rival those of fossil fuels, proving that clean energy can be economically competitive even in an oil-rich region.
As 2025 unfolds, Dubai stands at a crossroads. The emirate’s solar achievements are a beacon of what’s possible when vision, investment, and technology converge. Yet the path to 50 percent renewables by 2050 demands sustained commitment, not just to build more solar farms but to reimagine how a city consumes and produces energy. In a world racing to avert climate catastrophe, Dubai’s desert gamble may light the way.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
When the crescent moon heralded Eid Al Adha from June 15 to June 19, 2025, Dubai greeted travelers with a distinctive flourish: a limited-edition “Eid in Dubai” passport stamp, rolled out at Dubai International Airport and the Hatta land border crossing. Led by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) and designed by Brand Dubai, the stamp featured crescent moons, traditional lantern motifs, and the phrase “Eid in Dubai – 2025” in Arabic and English. This initiative, a seamless blend of cultural heritage and modern hospitality, underscored Dubai’s ambition to remain a global leader in tourism and cultural innovation.
The passport stamp campaign captured the imagination of visitors arriving during the festive season. Social media platforms buzzed with posts, showcasing travelers sharing images of their stamped passports, which amplified Dubai’s festive branding to a global audience. The initiative coincided with a surge in travel, with 629,559 travelers recorded at Dubai’s entry and exit points from June 5 to June 8, 2025, including 581,000 through airports. While the exact number of stamp recipients is not specified, the high volume of airport traffic—part of the 3 million passengers welcomed during the broader festive season, - suggests the campaign reached a significant portion of international arrivals, reinforcing Dubai’s status as the world’s busiest international airport.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Dubai’s “Cashless Strategy,” an ambitious push to achieve 95% cashless transactions by 2026, is transforming the emirate into a global leader in digital finance. Initially targeting 90% by 2026, the goal was revised upward in early 2025, reflecting rapid adoption of digital payments, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. A standout feature of this initiative is the integration of cryptocurrency payments for select government and private services, with tokenized real estate transactions reaching $399 million in May 2025, as reported by posts on X.
Launched under the Dubai Blockchain Strategy of 2016, the Cashless Strategy aligns with the emirate’s vision to become a global hub for digital innovation. The Dubai Digital Authority oversees the rollout, enabling payments in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum for services such as property registration and select retail purchases. Emirates NBD, a leading UAE bank, reported a 47% increase in digital wallet transactions in Q1 2025, driven by its Liv platform, which supports crypto payments. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), established in 2022, ensures compliance, fostering trust in a sector once plagued by volatility. In 2024, Dubai attracted 1,117 foreign direct investment projects, many in fintech, per fDi Intelligence, underscoring its appeal to blockchain innovators.
The infrastructure is robust. Over 300 government services, including trade licenses and visa processing, now operate on blockchain platforms, reducing processing times by up to 70%, according to the Dubai Digital Authority. In retail, major hubs like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates have adopted crypto payment systems via QR codes, supported by partnerships with exchanges like Binance. Small businesses benefit from government incentives, such as zero-fee crypto transactions until 2027, encouraging merchants in areas like Al Fahidi’s souk to embrace digital payments. The launch of SuiHub in June 2025, a Web3 innovation hub in Dubai Silicon Oasis backed by VARA and the Sui Foundation, further accelerates this ecosystem, offering startups $100 million in funding and regulatory support.
Economically, the strategy is a powerhouse. Tokenized real estate, leveraging blockchain platforms like the XRP Ledger, accounted for 15% of Dubai’s property transactions in 2025, per VARA data. This has streamlined ownership transfers, cutting costs by 20% compared to traditional methods. The Dubai Economy Tracker noted a 12% rise in fintech-related business registrations in 2024, reflecting the sector’s growth. By positioning itself as a crypto-friendly hub, Dubai aims to capture a slice of the global digital asset market, projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, according to Statista.
Challenges persist. A 2025 YouGov survey revealed that 28% of Dubai residents over 50 prefer cash, citing unfamiliarity with digital systems. To address this, the government has deployed 500 digital literacy kiosks across community centers, targeting 50,000 trainees by mid-2026. Cybersecurity is another concern; Chainalysis reported a 22% increase in global crypto scams in 2024, prompting Dubai to invest $272 million in its 2025 Cyber Security Strategy to safeguard transactions. Market volatility remains a risk—Bitcoin’s 12% drop in April 2025 raised eyebrows—but VARA’s stringent regulations, including mandatory audits for crypto exchanges, have minimized systemic threats. To ensure inclusivity, cash remains accepted for public services until at least 2030, balancing the needs of low-income and migrant communities.
Dubai’s Cashless Strategy is a bold experiment in redefining money. From tokenized art sales at Art Dubai 2025 to blockchain-powered startups, the emirate is weaving digital finance into its fabric. If it can bridge accessibility gaps and maintain regulatory rigor, Dubai could set a blueprint for the world’s financial future, proving that a city can be as innovative in its economy as it is in its skyline.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai’s transformation into a global cultural hub is no longer aspirational—it’s measurable. In 2024, the emirate welcomed 17.15 million tourists, a 12% increase from 2023, with cultural attractions like the Museum of the Future and Jumeirah Al Naseem’s art fairs drawing significant crowds, per Dubai Tourism data. The city’s Alserkal Avenue, once a gritty warehouse district, now hosts 60 galleries and creative spaces, rivaling London’s Shoreditch or New York’s Chelsea.
In a region where water is scarcer than oil, Dubai is turning the desert into a laboratory for sustainable agriculture. The emirate’s Food Tech Valley, launched in 2021, has become a hub for vertical farming and agritech innovation, producing 10,000 tons of fresh produce annually by 2025, according to the Dubai Ministry of Food Security. Companies like Pure Harvest and Bustanica are using hydroponics and AI-driven climate control to grow leafy greens, berries, and herbs in facilities that use 90% less water than traditional farming.
The urgency is clear: the UAE imports 85% of its food, and global supply chain disruptions, like those seen in 2024 due to Red Sea shipping delays, exposed vulnerabilities. Dubai’s response is a $10 billion investment in food security by 2030, with agritech at its core. Bustanica’s 330,000-square-foot vertical farm, powered entirely by solar energy, now supplies Emirates Airlines with fresh salads, proving the model’s scalability. Meanwhile, startups in Food Tech Valley are experimenting with lab-grown proteins, aiming to reduce reliance on imported meat.
Skeptics point to high initial costs and energy demands, but proponents argue the long-term benefits—food independence and climate resilience—justify the investment. As global temperatures rise, with the UAE recording a record 52.1°C in July 2024, Dubai’s agritech push offers a blueprint for arid regions. The desert, long a symbol of scarcity, may yet become a source of abundance.
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.
Dubai’s skyline, already a testament to human ingenuity, is poised for a new chapter. The emirate is accelerating its push to become a global leader in urban air mobility (UAM), with plans to launch commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft services by 2026. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has partnered with companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation to integrate “flying taxis” into the city’s transport ecosystem. These electric aircraft, designed to carry passengers over short distances, promise to cut travel times dramatically—think Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Marina in under 10 minutes.
The initiative aligns with Dubai’s Vision 2030 to make 25% of all trips autonomous and sustainable. Trials conducted in 2024 at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport demonstrated the feasibility of eVTOLs navigating the city’s airspace, with noise levels comparable to a passing car. The RTA estimates that by 2030, UAM could handle 30,000 daily passengers, easing congestion on roads where the average commute time has crept up to 29 minutes in peak hours, according to a 2025 TomTom Traffic Index.
Yet, challenges loom. Regulatory frameworks for air traffic control in densely populated areas are still evolving, and public acceptance hinges on safety assurances. The cost of a ride, projected at $3-$5 per kilometer initially, may limit early adoption to affluent users. Dubai’s gamble is bold but not without precedent—its early adoption of drone delivery and autonomous buses has already reshaped urban logistics. If successful, flying taxis could redefine mobility, not just for Dubai but for cities worldwide watching this experiment unfold.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Luiz F. Costa Macambira is the former Publisher of Forbes Monaco and Forbes Netherlands.
In an age when conformity often masquerades as progress and rebellion gets filtered through the soft light of Instagram, Anna Mansour is a rare phenomenon: a bona fide heiress to a tradition of intellectual and aesthetic provocation. Imagine if Virginia Woolf had grown up in Manhattan, studied art history in London, dabbled in philosophy and fashion, and then decided to write speculative fiction about cyborgs and spiritual awakening. Add a dose of twenty-first-century cosmopolitan fluency—equal parts empathy, elegance, and edge—and you begin to understand what makes Anna Mansour tick.
