Dubai’s nightlife, once defined by glitzy super-clubs, is diversifying into a vibrant tapestry of underground music, jazz lounges, and alcohol-free cultural evenings. Beneath the city’s shimmering skyline, a new scene is emerging, driven by local DJs and event organizers catering to varied tastes.

Iconic venues like WHITE Dubai and SKY2.0 in the Design District still draw crowds with international DJs and bottle service starting at AED 2,000 ($545 USD). Yet, underground spots like The Backyard at Steigenberger Hotel, hosting “Deep Like Thursdayz,” and Bridgewater DXB’s eclectic lineups are gaining traction for their focus on authentic music. “Clubbers crave originality over corporate venues,” says Deian Markov, promoter of Groove On The Grass, a pop-up festival drawing 4,000 fans.

Jazz clubs like Bahri Bar at Madinat Jumeirah, with Burj Al Arab views, and The Green Room in City Walk 2 offer soulful evenings, blending live music with mocktails. Alcohol-free cultural nights are also rising, with Global Village’s drum circles and Dubai Miracle Garden’s illuminated floral walks appealing to families and expats. These venues align with the UAE’s strict alcohol laws, relying on ride-hailing apps for safe transport.

DJs like Mike Bufton of Audio Tonic and promoters Rima and Dania at Electric Days curate fresh sounds, from house to Afrobeats, at venues like BLING Dubai. This blend of Arabian heritage and global influences creates a nightlife that’s both inclusive and innovative.

Photo credits: SKY2.0 Dubai; Jumeirah, Bahri. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai has emerged as a global hub for perfumery, blending ancient Arabian traditions with modern innovation to captivate scent enthusiasts worldwide. From the rich, woody notes of oud to bespoke fragrances crafted for individual tastes, Dubai’s perfume industry is a testament to its cultural depth and commercial prowess.

Dubai’s perfume heritage is rooted in the Arabian Peninsula’s ancient trade routes, where frankincense, myrrh, and oud—derived from the resinous agarwood tree - were prized commodities. Today, the city’s Deira Perfume Souk remains a sensory treasure trove, with shops like those in Al Sabkha offering attars, oil-based perfumes made from natural ingredients such as rose, saffron, and musk. These traditional blends, often crafted using techniques passed down through generations, reflect a culture where fragrance is a daily ritual, woven into religious ceremonies, social events, and personal expression.

Yet Dubai is no relic of the past. Its strategic location and luxury-driven economy have made it a magnet for global fragrance houses like Chanel, Dior, and Roja Parfums, which release region-specific scents with high concentrations of oud and amber to cater to Middle Eastern tastes. Local brands like Ajmal Perfumes, founded in 1951, and Swiss Arabian, known for alcohol-free attars, have also gained international acclaim, with Ajmal now selling in 50 countries. The UAE’s fragrance market, led by Dubai, is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2033, driven by a growing appetite for niche and premium scents.

Bespoke perfumery is a rising star in Dubai’s scent-scape. High-end boutiques in the Dubai Mall and Bur Dubai offer custom blending, where artisans work closely with clients to create unique fragrances using rare ingredients like Taif rose or saffron. This personalized approach, coupled with events like Beautyworld Middle East, an annual trade show highlighting cutting-edge trends, underscores Dubai’s role as a leader in olfactory innovation. In 2024, the event featured over 100 nominations for awards like Niche Fragrance of the Year, showcasing the city’s influence on global trends.

Modern fragrance houses, such as Lattafa and Hind Al Oud, are redefining the industry by merging heritage with contemporary flair. Lattafa’s Khamrah, launched in 2024, blends cinnamon, praline, and oud, rivaling high-end Western perfumes at a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile, boutique perfumers focus on small-batch creations, emphasizing storytelling through scent. These efforts have fueled a market growing at a rate three to four times higher than in Europe or America, with international brands like Eurofragance reporting €180 million in global sales in 2024, largely driven by the UAE.

Dubai’s perfume industry is more than a business; it’s a cultural bridge. Traditional attars and bakhoor - fragrant wood chips burned to release aroma - coexist with avant-garde scents, reflecting the city’s ability to harmonize past and present. As Abdulla Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Group, noted, “Traditional oriental fragrances continue to be the heart of the region’s olfactory identity,” even as they captivate Western consumers. This fusion of craftsmanship and innovation ensures Dubai’s scented legacy will linger for generations.

Photo credits: Unsplash. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In Dubai, where innovation defies limits, The Floating Venice by Kleindienst Group is redefining luxury real estate. Part of The Heart of Europe project within the World Islands, this AED 2.5 billion ($680 million) resort, launched in 2025, offers 414 cabins across four decks, including underwater suites, inspired by Venice’s canals. As Dubai’s property market surges—45,000 new units in 2024, 50,000 more expected in 2025—floating communities captivate wealthy buyers seeking exclusivity. 

Located 4 kilometers offshore, The Floating Venice features gondolas, 24 acrylic-bottomed pools, and a 400,000-square-foot coral reef nursery. With underwater lobbies and submerged restaurants, it targets ultra-wealthy buyers, with suites starting at AED 3 million ($817,000). The broader Heart of Europe, including Floating Seahorse Villas now valued at AED 20 million, draws investors from Saudi Arabia (40%) and the UAE (28%). Dubai’s real estate boom, with $5.44 billion in Q1 2024 transactions, fuels demand, bolstered by dual licensing as vessels and villas for asset flexibility.

As Dubai’s 18.7 million tourists in 2024 flock to its shores, The Floating Venice epitomizes the emirate’s bold vision.

Photo credits: The Heart Of Europe. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

In Dubai, where the skyline gleams with ambition, the Museum of the Future stands as a testament to the emirate’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Since its opening on February 22, 2022, this torus-shaped architectural marvel, adorned with Arabic calligraphy by Emirati artist Matar Bin Lahej, has captivated global audiences with its vision of a world 50 years hence. In 2025, the museum unveils a suite of new exhibits that seamlessly blend cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for forward-thinking ideas. These exhibits, curated under the Dubai Future Foundation, have drawn over 1 million visitors since the museum’s inception, with 2025 projections anticipating a 20% increase, fueled by immersive experiences that invite exploration of both tradition and tomorrow. Yet, as the museum dazzles with its futuristic flair, some visitors question the depth of its offerings, prompting curators to refine their approach to balance spectacle with substance.

Designed by Killa Design and engineered by Buro Happold, the Museum of the Future is more than a building; it’s a “living laboratory” that spans seven floors, each dedicated to themes like space exploration, sustainability, and human augmentation. The 2025 exhibits elevate this mission, introducing AR-driven installations that weave UAE’s pearl-diving heritage and Bedouin traditions with speculative visions of 2071. One standout, “Heritage Reimagined,” uses AR to recreate historical UAE trade routes, allowing visitors to “walk” through virtual souks and interact with holographic artisans crafting traditional dhows. Another, “Desert Futures,” merges AI and AR to simulate sustainable desert ecosystems, showcasing innovations like smart irrigation systems inspired by the UAE’s 2050 net-zero goals. These exhibits, launched in February 2025, align with the museum’s ethos of “seeing the future, creating the future,” as articulated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose poetic quotes grace the museum’s stainless-steel facade.

Dubai’s tourism boom—18.7 million visitors in 2024, with 5.31 million in Q1 2025—underscores the museum’s draw, bolstered by its location along Sheikh Zayed Road, accessible via Emirates Towers Metro. The museum’s ability to merge UAE heritage with AR-driven visions of 2071—backed by events like the Dubai FinTech Summit and partnerships with global innovators—positions it as a leader in redefining cultural institutions. As Dubai aims to double its economy under the D33 Agenda, the Museum of the Future’s 2025 exhibits offer a compelling glimpse into a world where tradition and technology converge, inviting visitors to not just witness but shape what lies ahead. 

Photo credits: Museum of the Future. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s ambition to become a global tech hub is taking flight under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), launched in 2023 to double the city’s economy to AED 32 trillion by 2033. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) reported over 1,000 new tech startups registered in 2025, driven by the emirate’s tax-free zones, robust infrastructure, and focus on AI, blockchain, and fintech. This surge is transforming Dubai’s economic landscape, but challenges like talent retention and global competition test its staying power.

The D33 Agenda prioritizes innovation, targeting AED 100 billion in annual digital economy value by 2033. DIFC’s Innovation Hub and Dubai Internet City offer zero corporate tax and streamlined regulations, attracting startups like Tabby, a $1.5 billion-valued buy-now-pay-later platform, and Zand, the UAE’s first digital bank. Careem, a Dubai-born unicorn, remains a success story, while emerging ventures like Tarjama (AI translation) thrive with support from the Dubai Future Academy. Investors are bullish: the Dubai Future District Fund invested in 29 ventures in 2024, drawing AED 2 billion in venture capital in 2025. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, notes, “Dubai’s ecosystem empowers startups to outperform globally.”

The numbers are striking. Dubai’s GDP grew 3.3% in 2023 to AED 429 billion, with tech driving growth. Free zones host over 1,500 tech firms, and events like the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025 foster global partnerships. Yet, retaining talent and competing with tech giants like Silicon Valley remain hurdles. As Dubai balances innovation with sustainability, its startup surge signals a bold step toward a digital future.

Photo credits: DIFC Instagram. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

In Dubai, a city where the skyline is a canvas for ambition, the hum of drones is becoming the sound of progress. As part of its relentless pursuit to redefine urban living, Dubai has positioned itself at the forefront of drone delivery systems, with companies like SkyGo and Jeebly leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform last-mile logistics. In 2025, these efforts are scaling up, with trials expanding across Dubai South and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), aligning seamlessly with the emirate’s vision for smart mobility and sustainability. This initiative, rooted in the Dubai Program to Enable Drone Transportation launched in 2021, is not just a technological leap but a bold step toward reimagining how goods move in a city of 3.7 million. Yet, as drones take to the skies, questions linger about scalability, public acceptance, and environmental trade-offs, even as residents and logistics firms herald the promise of a faster, greener future.

The foundation of Dubai’s drone ambitions was laid with the Dubai Sky Dome policy in 2018, followed by the 2021 launch of the Dubai Program to Enable Drone Transportation under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. This program has fostered public-private partnerships, with Dubai South—a 145-square-kilometer economic zone—and DSO serving as testing grounds. In October 2023, Jeebly LLC, a UAE-based logistics provider, and Skye Air Mobility, India’s largest SaaS-based drone delivery company, conducted a groundbreaking three-week Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) trial in DSO. The trial, supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Future Foundation, used Skye Air’s Skye Ship One drone—equipped with proprietary navigation, parachutes, and collision-avoidance systems—to deliver consumer goods like snacks and small packages in under four minutes. By December 2024, Sheikh Hamdan placed the first order through a new drone delivery system, signaling plans to expand coverage to 33% of Dubai by 2030, a milestone that underscores the city’s commitment to the D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to double the economy through innovation.

The logistics impact is profound. Last-mile delivery, which accounts for up to 53% of shipping costs globally, is a bottleneck in urban centers like Dubai, where traffic congestion on roads like Sheikh Zayed can delay deliveries. Drones bypass this, offering speed and precision. For instance, trials in Dubai South, a hub for logistics and aviation, have demonstrated drones’ ability to deliver medical supplies and e-commerce packages to densely populated or remote areas, reducing delivery times by up to 70% compared to vans. Raman Pathak, CEO of Jeebly, emphasized, “This explorative drone project represents an effective and environmentally responsible solution for small to medium-sized packages, in line with the Universal Postal Union’s sustainable development objectives.” Logistics firms like SkyGo, which launched in Abu Dhabi in 2022 with a 40-station network for healthcare deliveries, are now expanding into Dubai, focusing on cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions. Studies, such as one from the University of North Texas, estimate drone deliveries cost $1.23 per package versus $5.33 for a four-mile van delivery, making them a game-changer for businesses.

Sustainability is a key driver. Drones, powered by electricity, produce up to 94% less energy per package than traditional vehicles, aligning with Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which targets 75% clean energy by mid-century. By reducing road-based deliveries, drones also ease traffic congestion, a pressing issue in a city that welcomed 92 million passengers through its airport in 2024. Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, Chief Officer of Engineering and Sustainability at Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, noted, “DSO has placed the highest priority on supporting entrepreneurs who utilize advanced technologies to offer smart city solutions.” The 2023 BVLOS trials, conducted over 18 months, included rigorous safety tests, ensuring drones can operate in Dubai’s extreme heat and urban density without compromising safety or reliability.

Residents, however, have mixed feelings. For some, like Ayesha Khan, a Dubai Marina resident, drones promise convenience: “Getting groceries or medicine in minutes without traffic delays is incredible.” Others, like Khalid Al Mansouri, a Deira shopkeeper, express concerns about noise and privacy, noting, “Drones buzzing overhead feel intrusive, and I worry about accidents.” Research from the International Journal of Logistics Management highlights societal concerns, including wildlife interference and collision risks, though Dubai’s drones incorporate low-noise propellers and multi-sensor positioning to mitigate these. Public acceptance remains a hurdle, with a 2022 Milan study showing only 60% of urban residents favor drone deliveries due to privacy fears.

With plans to integrate drones into 33% of the city’s logistics network by 2030, supported by events like Hypermotion 2025 showcasing smart mobility, Dubai is poised to redefine last-mile delivery. As drones weave through the city’s airspace, they carry not just packages but the promise of a smarter, greener urban future—provided the emirate can navigate the complexities of scaling this aerial revolution.

Photo credits: Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In 2025, Dubai continues to shine as a global beacon of safety, securing its place among the world’s safest cities with a crime index of just 16.5, according to Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index. Ranking third globally with a safety score of 83.8, behind only Abu Dhabi (88.4) and Doha (84.1), the emirate’s low crime rates and robust security infrastructure have solidified its reputation as a haven for residents and visitors alike. This achievement has fueled Dubai’s tourism boom, with 18.7 million international visitors in 2024—a 9% increase from the previous year—and projections for 2025 estimating 20 million, driven by the emirate’s reputation for security. Yet, beneath this gleaming success lies a shadow: the UAE’s 145th ranking out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, a persistent critique that raises questions about the balance between safety and openness in this desert metropolis.

Dubai’s safety is no accident. The emirate employs cutting-edge technology, including AI-powered cameras, facial recognition, and predictive crime modeling, to maintain order across its bustling streets, from the glittering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the sprawling souks of Deira. Numbeo data highlights Dubai’s remarkably low rates of violent crime (11.89), property theft (16.32), and concerns about physical attacks due to ethnicity or religion (13.65), all classified as “very low.” Strict legal frameworks, with severe penalties for offenses ranging from drug use to public misconduct, act as a powerful deterrent, while a visible police presence and extensive surveillance ensure swift responses to any disruptions. This environment allows tourists to roam freely, day or night, whether strolling along Jumeirah Beach or navigating the crowded Dubai Mall, fostering a sense of security that few global cities can match.

The impact on tourism is undeniable. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism reported 5.31 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, with Western Europe (22%) and South Asia (14%) leading the influx. The emirate’s safety ranking enhances its appeal as a destination for families, solo travelers, and business visitors, who flock to iconic attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and the newly expanded Deep Dive Dubai. The city’s real estate market also benefits, with high safety scores driving demand in freehold zones like Business Bay and Dubai Marina, where properties yield 6-8% annual returns and qualify investors for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai’s airports, handling 92 million passengers in 2024, further underscore its role as a global hub, with safety as a cornerstone of its appeal.

However, Dubai’s glittering image is not without flaws. The UAE’s 145th ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, reflects significant restrictions on media and freedom of expression. Critics argue that the emirate’s stringent laws, while effective in curbing crime, extend to limiting dissent and independent journalism, creating a tightly controlled information environment. This has sparked international debate about whether Dubai’s safety comes at the cost of openness, a tension that contrasts with its cosmopolitan image. For tourists, this may have little immediate impact—most prioritize security over press freedom—but for expatriates and investors, it raises questions about long-term transparency and governance.

As Dubai looks to 2025, its safety ranking remains a powerful draw, underpinning its ambition to be the world’s leading tourism and investment destination. The emirate’s ability to blend cutting-edge security with cultural and economic vibrancy is unmatched, yet the press freedom critique serves as a reminder that even the safest cities must navigate complex trade-offs. For now, as millions marvel at Dubai’s skyline or dive into its underwater wonders, the city’s promise of security continues to propel its global ascent, even as it grapples with the shadows of its own success.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In the heart of Dubai, where ambition meets innovation, Deep Dive Dubai has emerged as a global sensation, redefining adventure tourism with its record-breaking 60-meter-deep swimming pool—the world’s deepest, as verified by Guinness World Records. In 2024, this aquatic marvel welcomed over 100,000 visitors, a testament to its allure for divers, thrill-seekers, and curious tourists alike. Projections for 2025 anticipate a 15% surge in visitors, fueled by Dubai’s relentless drive to cement its status as a premier global destination. Yet, as the pool’s popularity soars, questions about its environmental footprint have surfaced, prompting plans for sustainable upgrades that reflect the emirate’s broader green ambitions.

Opened in 2021, Deep Dive Dubai is no ordinary pool. Spanning 15 million liters—equivalent to six Olympic-sized pools—it houses a meticulously crafted underwater city, complete with sunken cars, motorbikes, and arcade games, inspired by the UAE’s pearl-diving heritage. This immersive setting, described by director Jarrod Jablonski as a “unique underwater classroom,” caters to all skill levels, from beginners taking their first scuba plunge to certified divers exploring depths up to 30 meters. Social media has amplified its appeal, with influencers and newly engaged couples flocking to capture surreal underwater moments, further driving its global fame. The facility’s advanced technology even allows divers to listen to whale sounds or their favorite music, blending adventure with sensory delight.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Dubai’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of its economy, welcomed 18.7 million international visitors in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year, with Deep Dive Dubai emerging as a standout attraction. The emirate’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing reported 5.31 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025 alone, with Western Europe (22%) and South Asia (14%) leading the influx. Deep Dive Dubai’s visitor count of over 100,000 in 2024 reflects its role in this tourism boom, drawing a diverse crowd eager to experience its one-of-a-kind underwater city. Industry experts project a 15% rise in visitors for 2025, driven by expanded marketing and new freediving courses like the AIDA Level 1 and 2 programs, tailored for beginners and seasoned snorkelers.

Yet, the pool’s success comes with challenges. Maintaining 15 million liters of water at pristine conditions requires significant energy for filtration and temperature control, raising concerns among environmentalists about its sustainability. Critics argue that such resource-intensive attractions clash with Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable tourism, especially following the UAE’s hosting of COP28 in 2023. In response, Deep Dive Dubai has announced plans for solar-powered upgrades to its filtration systems, aligning with the emirate’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to generate 75% of Dubai’s energy from clean sources by mid-century. These upgrades, expected to roll out in 2026, could set a precedent for balancing tourism innovation with environmental responsibility.

As Dubai continues to break records—its International Airport handled 92 million passengers in 2024, the highest ever—the success of Deep Dive Dubai underscores the emirate’s knack for turning audacious ideas into global draws. But its future hinges on harmonizing spectacle with sustainability. For now, as divers descend into the depths of this underwater city, they embody Dubai’s relentless pursuit of the extraordinary, even as the city grapples with the costs of its own ambition.

Photo credits: Deep Dive Dubai. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In the ever-shifting landscape of global trade, Dubai’s DP World stands as a colossus, orchestrating the flow of goods across continents with unmatched scale and ambition. In 2025, the Dubai-based logistics giant solidified its influence with a $1.2 billion investment in African ports, spanning from Algeria to Zambia, reinforcing its role as a linchpin in the world’s supply chains. This strategic expansion, coupled with the continued dominance of its flagship Jebel Ali Port, which handled 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024, underscores Dubai’s ascent as a global trade powerhouse. Yet, as DP World extends its reach, environmental concerns over port-related pollution in the Persian Gulf cast a shadow, urging a reckoning with the ecological costs of such vast operations.

DP World’s investments in Africa reflect a calculated push to harness the continent’s economic potential. From modernizing ports in Senegal and Egypt to expanding the Berbera Port in Somaliland, the company is not merely building infrastructure but reshaping trade corridors. These efforts aim to transform ports like Berbera into major Red Sea hubs, with plans to boost its container capacity from 500,000 to 2 million TEUs annually. Such developments promise to unlock prosperity for landlocked nations like Ethiopia, which holds a 19% stake in Berbera, while positioning DP World as a gatekeeper of Africa’s maritime trade. This expansion aligns with the UAE’s broader geopolitical strategy, leveraging economic influence to secure access to critical markets and resources, including agricultural products vital for food security.

At the heart of DP World’s operations lies Jebel Ali Port, the Middle East’s largest and one of the world’s top ten container ports. In 2024, it processed 15.5 million TEUs, a million more than the previous year, driven by robust demand from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. The port’s cutting-edge infrastructure, including automated terminals and AI-driven yard management, enables it to handle ultra-large container vessels and diverse cargo, from wind turbines to humanitarian wheat shipments. Jebel Ali’s integration with the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), home to nearly 10,500 businesses, amplifies its economic impact, contributing 21% to Dubai’s GDP. The port’s record-breaking performance, including a peak of 1.4 million TEUs in July 2024, reflects its pivotal role in navigating global supply chain disruptions, such as the Red Sea crisis, while supporting Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33.

Beyond containers, Dubai’s gold trade, valued at $30 billion annually, further cements the emirate’s status as a global commerce hub. Jebel Ali serves as a critical node for this trade, facilitating the movement of precious metals through its advanced logistics network. The port’s connectivity to Dubai International Airport and its free trade zones ensures seamless re-export, making Dubai a vital link in the global gold market. This economic prowess, however, comes with challenges. The port’s reliance on fossil fuel-powered vessels and heavy machinery has raised environmental concerns in the Persian Gulf, where marine pollution and carbon emissions threaten fragile ecosystems.

Environmentalists and international regulators, including those enforcing MARPOL Annex V and VI, are pressing for greener practices at Persian Gulf ports. Jebel Ali has taken steps toward sustainability, implementing renewable energy and advanced waste management systems, but critics argue that more aggressive measures are needed. The International Maritime Organization’s classification of the Strait of Hormuz as a High Risk Area, combined with rising sea levels and storm frequency due to climate change, complicates operations and underscores the urgency of adopting cleaner technologies. DP World’s issuance of a $100 million blue bond in 2024 and its validation by the Science Based Targets initiative signal progress, but the scale of its operations demands bolder action to mitigate pollution and protect the Gulf’s marine environment.

DP World’s global expansion, from Africa’s ports to Jebel Ali’s bustling terminals, reflects a vision of trade as a catalyst for economic growth. Yet, as the company drives Dubai’s $20 billion trade network forward, it must navigate the delicate balance between ambition and responsibility. The calls for greener practices are not merely a challenge but an opportunity to lead by example, ensuring that the arteries of global commerce remain open without choking the environment they depend on. As Dubai continues to shape the future of trade, its ability to harmonize economic dominance with ecological stewardship will define its legacy on the world stage.

Photo credits: Wikipedia. Jebel Ali Port. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In the heart of Dubai’s Al Quoz industrial district, where warehouses once stood in quiet utility, Alserkal Avenue has emerged as a vibrant cultural beacon, redefining the city’s identity on the global stage. The 2025 Art Dubai fair, hosted at this dynamic hub, showcased over 400 artists from 40 countries, drawing an impressive 30,000 visitors. With a particular emphasis on emerging talents from the Middle East, including powerful works by Palestinian and Lebanese artists, the fair underscored Dubai’s growing role as a cultural crossroads—a place where diverse voices converge to shape contemporary discourse.

Art Dubai 2025, held from April 18 to 20 at Madinat Jumeirah, was more than an art fair; it was a testament to the city’s ambition to transcend its reputation as a commercial hub and claim a central place in the global cultural narrative. The event’s focus on artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Global South highlighted Dubai’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented perspectives. Palestinian and Lebanese works, in particular, brought poignant reflections on identity and resilience, resonating deeply with attendees and reinforcing the fair’s role as a platform for dialogue.

Meanwhile, Dubai’s Museum of the Future, a futuristic architectural marvel, unveiled a groundbreaking 2025 exhibition on AI-driven art, earning international acclaim for its innovative exploration of technology’s intersection with creativity. The exhibit showcased how artificial intelligence can push artistic boundaries, offering immersive experiences that captivated global audiences. This bold venture aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to position itself as a leader in both cultural and technological innovation.

Yet, for all its global reach, Dubai’s cultural scene faces challenges closer to home. Accessibility remains a hurdle for many locals, with high ticket prices and a focus on international audiences sometimes leaving Emirati residents feeling disconnected from the city’s burgeoning art world. While initiatives like the A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme at Art Dubai aim to engage younger audiences, broader efforts are needed to ensure that the cultural renaissance is inclusive of the local community.

Dubai’s cultural ascent is undeniable. From Alserkal Avenue’s gritty charm to the Museum of the Future’s cutting-edge exhibitions, the city is carving out a space where art, technology, and global perspectives intersect. 

Photo credits: Alserkal Avenue. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In Dubai, where gleaming skyscrapers and manicured boulevards often define the urban landscape, a new exhibition at the Ishara Art Foundation dares to embrace the raw, unpolished pulse of the street. No Trespassing, the foundation’s inaugural summer exhibition, running from July 4 to August 30, 2025, transforms the pristine white cube of the gallery into a dynamic canvas that channels the chaotic, vibrant, and ever-evolving aesthetics of city streets. Curated by Priyanka Mehra, this bold showcase features six UAE-based and South Asian artists—Fatspatrol (Fathima Mohiuddin), H11235 (Kiran Maharjan), Khaled Esguerra, Rami Farook, Salma Dib, and Sara Alahbabi—who engage with the street not merely as a backdrop but as a living medium and subject.

The exhibition resists the temptation to pin down the street’s essence, acknowledging its refusal to be neatly defined. Streets are more than physical spaces; they are tapestries of human experience, woven from the interplay of order and chaos, grit and beauty, spontaneity and structure. The artists capture this fluidity through works that incorporate the ephemera of urban life—signposts, pavements, building materials, street art, and human traces. These elements, often overlooked, become inscriptions of a city’s movement, its constant cycle of deconstruction and reinvention. As Mehra, the Exhibitions Manager and Programmes Curator at Ishara, notes, the street is both shaped by and shapes those who traverse it, a reciprocal dialogue that No Trespassing brings to the fore.

What sets this exhibition apart is its exploration of art’s relationship with the street through on-site interventions. The participating artists “tag” the gallery’s walls and floors, much like street artists mark urban surfaces, challenging the notion that institutionalized art holds greater cultural weight. This act of claiming space within the formal confines of the Ishara Art Foundation blurs the line between the street and the gallery, inviting viewers to reconsider the hierarchies that govern artistic expression. Works like Fatspatrol’s The World Out There (2025) exemplify this approach, transforming the gallery into a site of urban dialogue.

Mehra, whose curatorial vision is informed by her extensive background in design and urban art, brings a unique perspective to No Trespassing. Having worked on public art commissions at Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi, urban regeneration programs in India, and public art masterplans in Saudi Arabia, she has a deep understanding of how art can activate and redefine public spaces. Her experience as project director for the globally renowned site-specific artist Daku and her involvement in large-scale urban art festivals like St+art Delhi underscore her ability to bridge the raw energy of the street with the structured world of institutional art.

Supported generously by reframe, No Trespassing does more than display art; it invites audiences to engage in a conversation about the spaces we inhabit and the marks we leave behind. By bringing the street into the gallery, the exhibition challenges us to see the urban environment not as a mere setting but as a collaborator in the creative process. In doing so, it reimagines how we navigate and claim ownership of the world around us, one tag at a time.

Photo credits: Ishara Art Foundation. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.