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Vladyslava Garkusha The City 07 August 2025

Dubai’s Vision 2040: Shaping the Future of Urban Living

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.

Vladyslava Garkusha The City 07 August 2025

Dubai’s Vision 2040: Shaping the Future of Urban Living

The Science Behind Dubai’s Artificial Islands

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.

Vladyslava Garkusha The City 07 August 2025

The Science Behind Dubai’s Artificial Islands

Michael Jackson’s Monaco Legacy, Revisited by His Brother in The Monegasque™ magazine

The Monegasque™ occupies a distinct place in international publishing - the magazine where influence speaks in the first person. Cultural, political and sports figures have not merely been covered in its pages; they have authored them. In this rare context, where contributors include H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Evander Holyfield, and Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria, Jermaine Jackson’s article stands out for its personal resonance and historical reflection.

In a piece titled King of the Rock, Jermaine Jackson marks the 15th anniversary of his brother Michael Jackson’s death by anchoring his legacy to the Principality of Monaco - a place, he writes, that "has long held a special place in my heart." The article, original to The Monegasque™, reflects on Michael’s deep ties to Monaco through the World Music Awards, particularly in 1993 and 1996. These ceremonies, held under the patronage of Prince Albert since their founding in 1989, became global showcases for musical excellence, staged in the rarefied setting of Monte Carlo.

Jackson’s account is not just a remembrance of Michael’s celebrated performances, but a firsthand perspective on the atmosphere of those events: moments when the convergence of global celebrity, artistic mastery, and principality protocol formed a uniquely Monegasque backdrop. He recalls Michael receiving accolades such as Best-Selling World Artist and American Recording Artist of the Year, honors that were both deeply personal and publicly monumental. One such moment, presented by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, drew standing ovations and international headlines.

Beyond the awards, Jermaine Jackson positions Michael as a global innovator - an artist whose influence persists across borders and generations. In a publication known for inviting rare voices into the editorial sphere, Jackson’s contribution underscores the enduring cultural link between the Principality and one of the most influential performers of the modern era.

As the world reflects on Michael Jackson’s life 15 years after his passing, The Monegasque™ provides a fitting forum for remembrance - not from journalists or critics, but from family and peers. In this, the magazine reaffirms its founding premise: to give voice to those who have lived the history they recount.

More from The Monegasque™ contributors can be found at monegasque.com

Vladyslava Garkusha

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

Vladyslava Garkusha The People 06 August 2025

Michael Jackson’s Monaco Legacy, Revisited by His Brother in The Monegasque™ magazine

Sébastien Buemi in The Monegasque™ magazine: Formula E Vision for a Net-Zero Future

The Monegasque™ continues its approach of featuring public figures in their own words. In its most recent edition, The Monegasque™ features a firsthand editorial by Swiss driver Sébastien Buemi - Formula E champion, four-time Le Mans winner, and one of motorsport’s most accomplished active competitors. The piece, titled Fast Track to Net Zerø, is less a racing memoir than a statement of purpose: electric motorsport as a vehicle for climate action.

Buemi traces his path from traditional combustion-powered racing into the all-electric Formula E championship, which he joined in its inaugural season. He reflects on the technological progression of electric vehicles - from early limitations that required drivers to switch cars mid-race, to today’s third-generation (GEN3 EVO) cars that now outperform Formula 1 cars in acceleration.

Performance alone is not the focus of Buemi’s editorial. He presents his team, Envision Racing, as part of a broader environmental mission. The team, which holds more podiums and points than any other in the series, integrates sustainability at its core. Regenerative braking technology allows cars to produce up to half the energy required during the race itself. Innovations such as 30-second ultra-fast charging are not just sport milestones—they are signals of what is possible in consumer electric vehicle infrastructure.

Buemi details how Envision Racing connects sport with climate advocacy. Through its Race Against Climate Change campaign, the team organizes educational and policy-focused events at Formula E race locations, encouraging fans to adopt greener habits. For each individual climate pledge taken through the team’s website - ranging from reduced meat consumption to increased use of public transport - a mangrove tree is planted in Madagascar. To date, more than 250,000 trees have been planted.

The article also emphasizes the commercial and cultural momentum of Formula E. With over 400 million viewers globally, the championship’s visibility continues to grow. Buemi argues that as electric racing becomes mainstream entertainment, it accelerates the global transition to electric mobility.

His reflections on Monaco - host of some of Formula E’s most dynamic races - close The Monegasque™ magazine’s article with a nod to both the principality’s racing heritage and its potential as a showcase for sustainable innovation.

More from The Monegasque™ contributors can be found at monegasque.com

Vladyslava Garkusha

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

Vladyslava Garkusha The People 05 August 2025

Sébastien Buemi in The Monegasque™ magazine: Formula E Vision for a Net-Zero Future

Unearthing a Forgotten Film: Annette Anderson Revisits Princess Grace’s Final Role in The Monegasque™ magazine

The Monegasque™ occupies a distinct place in international publishing - magazine where influence speaks in the first person. Contributors include global figures across sport, fashion, arts, heads of state and dynasts, each writing in their own voice.

In her article The Last Picture Show, Annette Anderson - president of the MonacoUSA Association and a key figure in Monaco’s cultural landscape - recounts the largely forgotten story of Rearranged, a short feature film produced and starred in by Princess Grace of Monaco shortly before her death in 1982. While the public widely considers High Society(1956) her final cinematic appearance, Rearranged stands as a little-known epilogue to her screen career.

Anderson, who moved to Monaco in 1989 and never met the Princess personally, was eventually granted rare access to view Rearranged in its entirety. The 33-minute comedy, privately screened just once at the Monaco Garden Club Gala in 1982, was created to promote the event’s 12th edition. Princess Grace, who founded the Garden Club in 1968, envisioned the project as a Hollywood-style production and enlisted Austrian director Robert Dornhelm, along with romance novelist Jacqueline Monsigny and her husband, American actor Edward Meeks.

The storyline, written by Monsigny, follows a case of mistaken identity: an astrophysicist arriving in Monaco is confused for a travel journalist and is unwittingly entered into a floral design competition by the Princess, who portrays herself in the film. Prince Rainier III appears briefly in a cameo as a fellow competitor. The production involved Garden Club members, staff, and even Princess Grace’s own chauffeur and head of security. Filming took place over ten days at locations across Monaco, including the now-demolished Winter Sporting building.

Though well received during its single public screening, the film was never released. ABC had expressed interest in airing it on television but required additional footage to meet broadcast length. Monsigny completed a revised script in the summer of 1982, and production was scheduled to resume that September. It never did. On September 13, 1982, Princess Grace suffered a stroke while driving and died the following day. The film’s final 15 minutes were never shot.

The only existing version of Rearranged is held by Monaco’s Audio-Visual Archives. Anderson describes how she first encountered it through a brief Japanese YouTube clip during research for a separate article. Through personal connections, she was eventually permitted to watch the full film privately under the supervision of the Archives. Despite limited sound quality, she recalls being moved to tears by the performance - a portrayal that conveyed the Princess’s warmth, grace, and composure in what would become her final onscreen appearance.

Anderson’s account in The Monegasque™ reconstructs a little-known episode in Monaco’s cultural history. It is not a tribute cloaked in nostalgia, but a factual retelling of an unfinished project that reveals the personal dimensions of a public figure whose legacy is still evolving.

More from The Monegasque™ can be found at monegasque.com

Vladyslava Garkusha

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

Vladyslava Garkusha The People 05 August 2025

Unearthing a Forgotten Film: Annette Anderson Revisits Princess Grace’s Final Role in The Monegasque™ magazine

Evander Holyfield’s “My Champion’s Creed” in The Monegasque™ magazine

The Monegasque™ magazine features original articles from heads of state, heirs, and global leaders across diverse fields.

In the article “My Champion’s Creed,” Evander Holyfield outlines the core principles that shaped his boxing career and life. From his earliest days in the ring, Holyfield credits three fundamental lessons taught by his mother: the importance of listening, following directions, and perseverance. These tenets provided the foundation for his resilience, particularly when confronting early setbacks in boxing. He recalls his mother’s counsel: «changing paths is a choice to be made in the light of success, not under the cloud of defeat».

Holyfield applies this philosophy beyond boxing, emphasizing the necessity of commitment to one’s pursuits and distinguishing transient interests from enduring ones. He highlights the strategic dimension of boxing, shaped by a coach who stressed the art of “striking without being struck,” underscoring the balance between offense and defense.

His personal code developed into a commitment to honesty and self-awareness, which became essential to his discipline and training. Holyfield maintains a rigorous standard: to accept defeat only when he has performed at his best. Central to his creed is also faith, saying “prayers avert adversities”.

Holyfield’s article reflects a life shaped by enduring values of resilience, integrity, and faith.

More from The Monegasque™ contributors can be found at monegasque.com

Vladyslava Garkusha

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

Vladyslava Garkusha The People 05 August 2025

Evander Holyfield’s “My Champion’s Creed” in The Monegasque™ magazine

Reebok’s Relentless Rise: Joe Foster in The Monegasque™ magazine

In a publication where world leaders, royals, and cultural icons speak in their own words, The Monegasque™ has carved a unique place in international media. Its editorial philosophy rejects third-person narratives in favor of first-hand accounts, offering readers direct access to figures who have shaped history and continue to influence global affairs. In its latest issue, Joe Foster - co-founder of Reebok - joins this chorus of singular voices.

Foster’s article, Thinking Outside the Shoebox, is the first in a two-part series that traces the creation of one of the most recognizable brands in athletic wear. His story, spanning three generations, offers a rare look into the making of Reebok, from a small workshop in Bolton, England, to its rise as the world’s top sports brand by the late 1980s.

The Foster family's roots in sports footwear stretch back to 1895, when Joe’s grandfather, J.W. Foster, developed some of the earliest spiked running shoes. These innovations helped British athletes claim Olympic gold in 1924, feats later dramatized in Chariots of Fire. Yet, as Foster recounts, success in one generation did not guarantee continuity. By the 1950s, J.W. Foster & Sons was faltering under fractured leadership.

Joe and his brother Jeff left the family business in 1958 to start anew. With little capital but a clear sense of purpose, they founded what would eventually become Reebok. The original name, Mercury Sports Footwear, had to be abandoned due to a trademark conflict. The brothers submitted a list of alternatives to their agent; “Reebok,” a name Joe pulled from an American dictionary, was their preferred choice. They secured the name - and a brand was born.

Over the next decade, the brothers refined their product line and sought a foothold in the U.S. market. Foster’s account details six failed attempts to secure an American distributor. Persistence paid off. In 1979, a distributor in Boston agreed to take on Reebok. Within two years, the company had caught the attention of the U.S. running market.

Then came the turning point: aerobics. Reebok’s “Freestyle” model, designed specifically for women, transcended fitness to become a fashion staple. Hollywood figures adopted the shoes, accelerating their visibility. Demand exploded. Between 1983 and 1987, Reebok’s revenue climbed from $9 million to $900 million, overtaking Adidas and Nike to become the global leader in athletic footwear.

Joe Foster now lives in Tenerife. He is the author of Shoemaker and serves as Reebok’s ambassador as well as Chairman of LetsLocalise. His story, told in The Monegasque™, reflects the strategic decisions and persistence behind Reebok’s global rise.

More from The Monegasque™ contributors can be found at monegasque.com

Vladyslava Garkusha

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

Vladyslava Garkusha The People 05 August 2025

Reebok’s Relentless Rise: Joe Foster in The Monegasque™ magazine

Bruno Senna, in His Own Words, Revisits Racing and Legacy in The Monegasque™ magazine

Amid a media landscape, The Monegasque™ magazine, a Monaco-based publication, distinguishes itself by offering public figures a platform to speak in their own voice. The magazine forgoes the usual filter of journalists, opting instead to publish first-person essays from individuals who are typically more seen than heard. The result is a publication where cultural figures, athletes, and descendants of dynasties do something increasingly rare: they write.

Among the contributors is Brazilian Formula One driver Bruno Senna, nephew of the late Ayrton Senna, who shares his story in the article 'The Magic of Senna: Continuing My Uncle’s Legacy in Monaco.'

Bruno Senna was born in São Paulo in 1983. His earliest memories, he writes, are of karting, engines, and helmeted heroes - chief among them, his uncle Ayrton, a three-time Formula One World Champion and six-time winner at Monaco. After Ayrton’s fatal crash at Imola in 1994 and the later death of Bruno’s father, any early aspirations toward racing were put on pause.

It wasn’t until the encouragement of his mother, Viviane Senna, and family friend Gerhard Berger, that the younger Senna returned to motorsport. He entered Formula One in 2010 with Hispania Racing and later raced for Renault and Williams. His best result came at the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix, where he finished eighth.

In 2010, Senna moved to Monaco. The Principality, long a hub for Formula One drivers, offered proximity to racing circuits, the same streets where his uncle had built much of his reputation.

That same year, Senna won the GP2 Feature Race in Monaco, putting the family name atop a Monte Carlo leaderboard for the first time since 1993.

Senna’s essay in The Monegasque™ is personal. He reflects on life in Monaco beyond the paddock: meeting his wife, raising a daughter, and working with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. There are no grand statements - just a steady accounting of life lived forward, with the past never far behind.

The Monegasque™ itself has published original contributions from Jermaine Jackson, Evander Holyfield, H.R.H. Prince Michel of Yugoslavia, and Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria. Other contributors include Joe Foster, co-founder of Reebok; Alberto Repossi, the jeweler; Chico Bouchikhi, co-founder of the Gipsy Kings; artist Laura Chaplin, the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin; and Formula One’s rising driver Oscar Piastri.

The magazine’s editorial philosophy is simple: let the people who’ve lived the story tell it. For Bruno Senna, that means stepping out of the shadow of a surname long immortalized in racing history - not by distancing from it, but by continuing it with precision, patience, and his own words.

More from The Monegasque™ contributors can be found at monegasque.com

Vladyslava Garkusha

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

Vladyslava Garkusha The People 05 August 2025

Bruno Senna, in His Own Words, Revisits Racing and Legacy in The Monegasque™ magazine

Trèsind Studio & Avatāra: Plating Elevated to Visual Poetry

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.

Vladyslava Garkusha All things Dubai 04 August 2025

Trèsind Studio & Avatāra: Plating Elevated to Visual Poetry

Seven Paintings: An Immersive Gastronomic Masterpiece in Dubai

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.

Vladyslava Garkusha All things Dubai 04 August 2025

Seven Paintings: An Immersive Gastronomic Masterpiece in Dubai

From Sand to Sky: Inside the World’s Most Exclusive Desert Retreat

In a city synonymous with hypermodern architecture and luxury skyscrapers, a different kind of opulence lies 45 minutes outside the city center—discreet, remote, and unmistakably exclusive. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, occupies a protected corner of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and offers a vision of solitude that few places in the Emirates can claim.

Set against an ochre-hued backdrop of sand dunes and Arabian oryx, Al Maha is not just a five-star resort—it is one of the region’s most carefully preserved experiences of the natural desert environment. The property comprises only 42 private suites, each styled after Bedouin architecture with handcrafted wood furnishings, panoramic views, and private temperature-controlled pools.

Privacy here is absolute. Guests are driven directly to their suites via winding paths that ensure near-total seclusion. There are no high-rises, no infinity-edge Instagram setups—only the sound of wind sweeping across the dunes. The only visible light at night is the soft glow of lanterns and the occasional movement of desert wildlife.

Yet isolation does not preclude refinement. Inside, the suites include custom-embroidered linens, curated antique Arabian artifacts, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The resort’s main restaurant, Al Diwaan, serves seasonal menus based on local ingredients, including Emirati-inspired dishes prepared with five-star precision.

What separates Al Maha from newer luxury desert retreats like Terra Solis or Sonara Camp is its strict conservation policy. As part of the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the resort operates under sustainability mandates that include low-impact architecture, conservation-driven animal management, and water recycling systems. Al Maha contributes directly to the protection of over 70 plant and animal species, including the endangered Gordon’s wildcat and the Arabian sand gazelle.

Rates begin at around AED 4,000 per night, often rising significantly during peak months, and include two desert activities per day—falconry, horseback riding, dune driving, or nature walks with guides trained in desert ecology. The guest list is discreet but includes diplomats, designers, and a global clientele seeking silence over spectacle.

In a city built on engineering marvels and record-breaking towers, Al Maha stands apart not by defying the desert, but by disappearing into it.

Photo credits: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai.

Oksana Bozhko
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Vladyslava Garkusha Travel 04 August 2025

From Sand to Sky: Inside the World’s Most Exclusive Desert Retreat

The Hidden Gardens of Dubai: Where Nature Thrives in the Urban Jungle

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.

Vladyslava Garkusha The City 04 August 2025

The Hidden Gardens of Dubai: Where Nature Thrives in the Urban Jungle

Muna Al Gurg: Architect of Cultural Institutions and Women’s Empowerment

Few figures embody the intersection of business acumen, cultural stewardship, and philanthropy like Muna Easa Al Gurg. As Vice Chairperson and Director of Retail at the prominent Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, she commands one of the UAE’s most influential family conglomerates while simultaneously steering key cultural institutions shaping Dubai’s heritage narrative.

In 2017, Al Gurg was appointed Managing Director of the Dubai Museums Company, a pivotal role overseeing world-class sites such as the Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha heritage district, and the futuristic Museum of the Future. Under her leadership, these venues have not only attracted millions of visitors but also fostered a renewed public engagement with Emirati history, innovation, and identity.

An avid art collector and patron, Al Gurg is a regular speaker at international platforms like Art Dubai, where she champions regional artists and promotes cultural dialogue between the Middle East and the world. Her efforts through the Meem Foundation and scholarship programs at institutions like the London Business School emphasize female entrepreneurship and economic inclusion, reflecting her dedication to expanding women’s roles in all sectors.

Her multifaceted leadership—spanning retail, museums, art, and education—illustrates how Dubai’s cultural renaissance is driven by visionary women who combine heritage preservation with forward-thinking innovation.

Photo credits: Wikipedia. Muna Al Gurg.