In Dubai, a city that gleams with ambition, the true pulse lies not in its skyscrapers but in its people—4 million strong in 2025, of whom a staggering 92% are expatriates. This human mosaic, drawn from over 200 nations, is the engine of Dubai’s glob...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Elham Al Qasimi is a name synonymous with firsts and fearless determination. Born in 1982, she shattered cultural expectations and physical barriers by becoming the first Arab woman and first Emirati to reach the North Pole in April 2010, completing the expedition unsupported and unassisted—a feat demanding extraordinary endurance, resilience, and preparation.
Al Qasimi’s journey began with rigorous physical training and mental conditioning, reflecting a mindset forged in Dubai’s transforming social landscape. Her achievement not only put Emirati women on the global adventure map but also challenged prevailing narratives about gender roles in the region. It positioned her as a beacon of possibility and empowerment for young women eager to transcend traditional boundaries.
Beyond exploration, Elham combines her passion with academic rigor. She holds an MSc from the London School of Economics in NGO management, underscoring a commitment to social impact and leadership. Though not a visual artist or designer, her story resonates deeply within Dubai’s creative renaissance, symbolizing courage, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.
Al Qasimi continues to inspire through speaking engagements, advocating for youth empowerment and climate awareness. Her blend of daring adventure and intellectual engagement embodies the spirit of a new generation of Emirati women who are reshaping what it means to lead—whether in art, science, or social change.
At the forefront of Dubai’s creative renaissance stands Rania Naffa, Director of Tashkeel Dubai, the acclaimed arts organization dedicated to supporting and incubating the region’s emerging design talents. Founded in 2008 by Her Highness Lateefa bint Maktoum, Tashkeel is more than a creative space—it is an engine for cultivating a distinct Emirati and Gulf design identity in a rapidly globalizing world.
Under Naffa’s leadership, the flagship program Tanween has expanded its reach, commissioning local artists and designers to transform inspirations drawn from the UAE’s natural and cultural heritage—such as desert architecture, traditional weaving patterns, and native flora—into innovative products and installations. Tanween’s initiatives have garnered international recognition, with several commissions exhibited at Dubai Design Week and selected for global design fairs in Milan and London. This emphasis on regional narratives within contemporary design marks a significant shift from replication toward authentic creative authorship.
Beyond product design, Tashkeel engages in Arabic calligraphy workshops, critical design discourse, and mentorship programs, aiming to build cultural infrastructure within Al Quoz’s arts district and empower emerging practitioners. Naffa’s vision fosters a sustainable creative ecosystem where artists gain business acumen, technical skills, and international exposure. The organization’s educational programs also reach youth across the UAE, nurturing creative confidence as a national priority.
Tashkeel’s impact under Rania Naffa’s stewardship is palpable in Dubai’s evolving design landscape: it bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, providing a platform where local creatives can tell their own stories with sophistication and global resonance.
In a city defined by excess and innovation, the arrival of the Rimac Nevera in Dubai marks more than the introduction of a new hypercar—it signals a new era in ultra-luxury mobility. Officially launched in the UAE by Al Habtoor Motors in 2024, the Nevera is the world’s fastest street-legal electric vehicle, and perhaps the most radical redefinition of what speed, power, and sustainability can look like on the desert roads.
With a 1,914 horsepower quad-motor setup and a top speed of 412 km/h (256 mph), the Nevera accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.81 seconds. It’s not merely theoretical: the car shattered 23 world performance records in a single day in 2023, including the fastest quarter-mile (8.25 seconds), 0–400–0 km/h (29.94 seconds), and Nürburgring electric lap record (7:05.298). These feats establish Rimac as not just a disruptor, but a leader among high-performance automakers.
But the Nevera’s appeal in Dubai goes beyond raw numbers. Its body is sculpted entirely from carbon fiber, with an adaptive aerodynamic system and a battery pack integrated into its core structure for both efficiency and rigidity. Only 150 units of the Nevera will be built globally, each priced at over $2.1 million. Some models arriving in Dubai have been ordered with bespoke paint schemes, personalized battery tuning, and AI-assisted digital displays—placing the Nevera squarely in the realm of collector-grade engineering.
Dubai’s Al Habtoor Motors, appointed as Rimac’s exclusive UAE distributor, now hosts the region’s first dedicated Rimac showroom. Designed to cater to a new generation of EV-forward collectors, it offers fully digital car configuration, luxury delivery services, and direct support from Rimac’s technical team. Though initial deliveries in the UAE remain limited, interest is rising as high-net-worth buyers increasingly view EV performance as a worthy successor to V12 combustion grandeur.
In 2025, Rimac introduced the Nevera R, a track-focused upgrade with 2,107 hp and upgraded chassis, braking, and aerodynamics—capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 1.66 seconds and topping out at 432 km/h (268 mph). While production remains ultra-limited, the Nevera R represents the brand’s push into circuit culture, even while remaining fully road legal.
Unlike many hypercars on Dubai’s roads—the Nevera brings something rare to the city’s luxury scene: silent dominance. Its zero-emissions powertrain reflects the UAE’s forward-facing clean energy strategy. Its digital intelligence and customizability align with a culture of hyper-personalization. And its exclusivity, engineering, and European provenance place it in direct conversation with the Bugattis and Koenigseggs that came before.
On Sheikh Zayed Road, the Nevera appears less like a car and more like a statement of what’s next. It’s the rare hypercar that does not roar—but instead hums with intent, quietly reshaping the way Dubai thinks about speed, prestige, and the electric future.
Photo credits: Rimac Newsroom
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
On Sheikh Zayed Road few vehicles possess the sovereign presence of a Rolls‑Royce. The Phantom—favored by royals and captains of industry—is not simply a car but a declaration of permanence, power, and profound silence. With its hand-stitched interiors, star-lit ceilings, and “Magic Carpet Ride” suspension, the Phantom delivers a near-silent glide through Dubai’s kinetic sprawl.
Beyond the Phantom, the Cullinan SUV offers a commanding blend of desert-ready all-wheel drive and interior luxury suited to private jet standards. The younger Ghost appeals to a rising class of self-driving billionaires, while now-discontinued models like the Wraith and Dawn remain sought-after among collectors across the UAE.
What truly defines Rolls‑Royce in Dubai, however, is its bespoke philosophy. Nearly 100% of the vehicles sold in the region are customized—some with gold-plated details, silk-embroidered monograms, or even personal art pieces sealed behind glass dashboards. Coachbuilt rarities like the Boat Tail and Droptail exceed AED 100 million and are produced in single-digit quantities.
This appetite led Rolls‑Royce to open its first global Private Office outside Goodwood, right on Sheikh Zayed Road. Here, clients co-design every detail of their car—down to the scent of the leather—with direct access to Rolls‑Royce’s London design studio. In 2023 and 2024, the Middle East ranked among the brand’s top bespoke markets, prompting a £300 million investment into expanding ultra-luxury production.
In Dubai, a Rolls‑Royce is more than a luxury—it is personal architecture on wheels, hand-built with reverence for individuality. On these sunlit roads, to glide in a Phantom is to make no sound—only a lasting impression.
Photo credits: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
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.
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.
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.
Amid the architectural spectacle of Downtown Dubai, where every detail is designed to impress, Twice Salon takes a subtler, more refined approach to luxury. Located on the bustling Downtown Boulevard, this multi-level beauty destination blends understated design with expansive service, creating an experience that is both curated and complete.
Inspired by minimalist Pinterest aesthetics, Twice is awash in warm neutrals, soft curves, and gold accents. The atmosphere is polished yet serene—more boutique hotel than conventional salon. The layout is thoughtfully divided: the ground floor caters to hairstyling and nail services in a bright, social setting, while the upper floor offers a more private experience with VIP suites, facial and massage rooms, and even a drinks café tucked into the corner.
What sets Twice apart is its full-day pampering philosophy. Guests can indulge in packages that go beyond beauty treatments to include mocktails, light brunch-style fare, and extended wellness sessions. It’s a modern retreat for those who want their self-care to feel like an occasion, not an errand.
In a district known for extravagance, Twice Salon strikes a balance between quiet sophistication and sensory indulgence. It’s not just where people go to look good—it’s where they go to feel entirely looked after.
In a city where beauty is both routine and ritual, Snob Beauty Salon stands out by offering more than surface-level glamour. With two thoughtfully chosen locations—one in the villa-lined calm of Jumeirah and the other in the fast-growing neighborhood of Arjan—Snob brings together indulgence and practicality under one pastel-toned roof.
True to its name, the salon embraces a bold, feminine aesthetic. Blush pinks, floral accents, and soft lighting create an environment that is both Instagrammable and soothing. But it’s not just about appearances. Snob offers a comprehensive menu of services that includes precision nail care, expert hairstyling, full-body massages, traditional hammam rituals, and advanced body treatments—making it a one-stop destination for beauty and wellness.
Its dual-location strategy allows Snob to serve a broad demographic, from longtime residents in the heart of Jumeirah to newer communities in Arjan. Across both branches, the focus remains consistent: attentive service, relaxing interiors, and a seamless blend of traditional and modern treatments.
Snob Beauty Salon may exude playful elegance, but behind the soft hues lies a serious commitment to quality—a reflection of Dubai’s evolving beauty scene, where atmosphere and expertise are expected to go hand in hand.
