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From space, the Palm Jumeirah looks like a tree sprouting from Dubai’s coastline, its 17 fronds and crescent-shaped breakwater forming a man-made archipelago. Completed in 2008, this $12 billion project added 78 kilometers of shoreline, hosting luxury hotels like Atlantis, The Palm, and private villas that attract the world’s wealthy.

The Palm’s creation was a marvel of marine engineering. Over 94 million cubic meters of sand were dredged from the Arabian Gulf and sprayed into place using GPS-guided vessels. A 11-kilometer breakwater, built with 7 million tons of rock, protects the island from waves. Yet, environmental concerns linger: studies suggest the project disrupted local marine ecosystems, though Dubai has since invested in artificial reefs to mitigate damage.

Visitors can explore the Palm via a monorail connecting the mainland to Atlantis, where a waterpark and aquarium draw families. Strolling the Boardwalk along the crescent offers views of Dubai’s skyline and the Gulf’s turquoise waters. The Palm Jumeirah embodies Dubai’s knack for turning improbable visions into reality, inviting travelers to ponder the line between innovation and excess.

Photo credits: Wikipedia. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Ossiano, nestled in Atlantis, The Palm, offers one of Dubai’s most surreal dining experiences: a Michelin-starred seafood journey surrounded by floor-to-ceiling aquarium views. Sharks, rays, and tropical fish glide past as diners savor chef Grégoire Berger’s ocean-inspired tasting menu, priced between 1,095 and 2,100 AED.

The 2025 menu features dishes like Norwegian langoustine with delicate herb emulsions and “Snacks of the Sea,” a playful medley of marine flavors. The underwater setting, described by reviewers as “otherworldly,” enhances every bite. In 2024, Ossiano ranked third on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, lauded for its artistry and ambiance.

The restaurant’s exclusivity - reservations are fiercely competitive - and its steep price point reflect Dubai’s appetite for spectacle. Yet, the seamless service and innovative cuisine ensure it’s more than a gimmick. For those seeking a bucket-list meal, Ossiano delivers a sensory immersion unmatched in the emirate.

Photo credits: atlantis.com

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

In the heart of Dubai’s St. Regis Gardens, Trèsind Studio has redefined Indian cuisine with a historic achievement: in May 2025, it became the world’s first three-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, as announced by the Michelin Guide. Helmed by chef Himanshu Saini, this intimate 20-seat venue offers a 16-course tasting menu that traverses India’s regional flavors with modernist precision.

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

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