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In a city renowned for pushing culinary boundaries, KIRA has swiftly emerged as one of Dubai’s most talked-about dining destinations of 2025. Perched on the rooftop of the newly opened Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the contemporary fusion concept embodies the city’s appetite for culturally blended fine dining — and delivers it with quiet confidence.

Behind KIRA’s kitchen is Carlos de los Mozos, Group Executive Chef at AlphaMind. A chef whose career spans four continents, de los Mozos trained in Michelin-starred kitchens before taking the helm of some of AlphaMind’s most acclaimed concepts. At KIRA, he channels a distinctive style, merging heritage with innovation to craft dining experiences that are both elevated and immersive.

Opened in March 2025, KIRA reflects Dubai’s cosmopolitan palate through a carefully curated menu bridging Japanese and Mediterranean flavors. Designed in understated natural tones, the space exudes modern elegance while inviting guests into the culinary process via its open kitchen concept. The rooftop terrace — offering sweeping views of the iconic Burj Al Arab — further anchors KIRA’s appeal as a destination for refined yet relaxed dining.

On the plate, KIRA emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, presented with inventive flair. Complementing the cuisine is a beverage program featuring rare sakes and a selection of Old World wines, curated to enhance the cross-cultural flavors of the menu.

In a city that constantly redefines luxury hospitality, KIRA has quickly secured its place among Dubai’s noteworthy new venues of the year.

Photo credit: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Perched atop The Lana in Downtown Dubai, High Society transforms from a chic poolside lounge by day to an adults-only rooftop sanctuary after 5 p.m. in 2025. Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert—renowned for his work at Plaza Athénée in Paris and voted Chef of the Year 2019 by GQ—High Society elevates indulgence with culinary artistry that emphasizes simple yet authentic flavors.

Menu highlights include the croque-caviar, where golden brioche is layered with Oscietra caviar, and seared scallops delicately drizzled with truffle oil. The wine list, curated by sommelier Claire Dubois, features rare Champagnes like Krug Clos du Mesnil, meticulously paired with each dish. The sleek infinity pool, mirroring the Burj Khalifa, sets a cinematic scene complemented by intimate dining pods softly illuminated under starlight.

Since its relaunch in March 2025, High Society has emerged as a magnet for Dubai’s affluent crowd, recording a 15% increase in reservations from global jet-setters. Tables are booked weeks in advance, underscoring Dubai’s mastery in blending high gastronomy with breathtaking vistas. The venue’s beverage menu extends beyond rare Champagnes to include cocktails and spirits inspired by ancient sun-worshipping civilizations—offering guests a sensory experience that transcends conventional rooftop dining.

Photo credits: Dorchester Collection. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Dubai, a city synonymous with ambition, is now a global leader in the metaverse economy. In 2025, the emirate is leveraging its Dubai Metaverse Strategy to drive innovation in virtual worlds and blockchain-based commerce. The Dubai Future Foundation reports the metaverse sector added AED 3.2 billion to the economy this year, fueled by virtual real estate and digital events. Companies like Decentraland have set up in Dubai, drawn by its robust digital infrastructure.

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), fully implemented in January 2025, has made Dubai a pioneer in regulating digital economies, attracting firms like Meta. Emaar Properties’ virtual Burj Khalifa platform, launched in June, has generated AED 150 million in digital real estate sales. A YouGov poll shows 58% of residents engage with metaverse platforms, from gaming to virtual tourism.

Challenges like data privacy and accessibility persist, but Dubai’s Digital Skills Program is training thousands to bridge the gap. As the city blends its iconic skyline with virtual innovation, Dubai is redefining global influence in 2025.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Amid the buzz of new skyscrapers and Michelin stars, Dubai’s most quietly transformative story might be this: the rise of Free Zones as sanctuaries for global entrepreneurs.

As of 2025, Dubai is home to over 40 Free Zones, each offering 100% foreign ownership, zero import/export taxes, and repatriation of profits. For the global expat entrepreneur—especially from India, Europe, and Southeast Asia—this model is more than appealing. It’s life-changing.

With Dubai named the world’s fourth-best city for digital nomads by Nomad Capitalist, and the continued success of the Golden Visa Program, the emirate has become a magnet for self-starters. Whether it’s a food startup in Dubai Silicon Oasis or a fintech firm in DIFC, entrepreneurs benefit from fast-track licensing, global banking access, and connectivity to emerging markets in Africa and Asia.

The appeal goes beyond business. It’s about a quality of life rare in other tax-friendly havens. Access to healthcare, international schools, museums, and clean, safe public infrastructure make Dubai not just a business base, but a lifestyle choice.

In a decade that has seen democratic backsliding and regulatory uncertainty worldwide, Dubai is cultivating a middle path—liberal economics under a stable, efficient government, fused with global ambition.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

There is a quiet strength in Dubai’s economy—resilient, digitally nimble, and unlike any other in the region. In a feat few cities have achieved, Dubai ranks #1 globally for Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the fourth consecutive year.

This isn’t just an economic headline—it’s a case study in governance and vision. According to fDi Markets (a Financial Times service), the emirate drew 1,186 FDI projects worth more than $14.8 billion in 2024. That represents a nearly 70% year-on-year increase, signaling deep investor confidence. Dubai now ranks first globally in both project volume and job creation through FDI.

In today’s volatile world markets, the reasons are clear. First, the emirate’s pro-business laws—from 100% foreign ownership in Free Zones to the Golden Visa pathway—offer investors long-term strategic benefits. Second, the infrastructure is unmatched: from AI-optimized logistics hubs to digital government services, Dubai operates at a scale and speed rivaling any modern economy.

More subtly, Dubai’s leadership has embraced economic storytelling. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince, calls it "future-proofing through purposeful growth." The city is no longer simply a launchpad—it is a destination economy, attracting sectors from fintech and gaming to biotech and AI.

While many global cities chase unicorns, Dubai is building a diversified stable of smart, mid-size enterprises, nurtured in Free Zones tailored to tech, media, and finance. Unlike the fragile VC bubbles elsewhere, this ecosystem is engineered for sustainability and cross-sector innovation.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

From January to May 2025, Dubai welcomed 8.68 million international visitors, outpacing the same period last year by 7%. Tourism is not merely an industry in Dubai—it is a diplomacy of design, gastronomy, and experience. What many global capitals have struggled to rebuild post-pandemic, Dubai has reimagined entirely.

Hotels across the city are bustling: occupancy hit 83%, compared to 81% in the same period last year. According to the Department of Economy and Tourism, the city now boasts 825 hotel establishments with more than 153,000 rooms, offering everything from ultraluxury palaces to smart, minimalist co-living spaces.

But the real coup? The Michelin Guide’s 2025 edition for Dubai, which includes 119 culinary destinations, up from 90 in 2024. With the inclusion of Green Stars for sustainable dining, Dubai is not just attracting the elite but redefining what global, responsible luxury looks like.

This tourism triumph is no accident. It is rooted in policy and planning. The city’s “D33 Agenda” envisions Dubai as one of the world’s top three urban economies by 2033, blending sustainability with hospitality. The recent “Dubai. That’s How You Summer” campaign, featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi, is a masterclass in youthful, global branding. Even more impressive is Dubai’s newly minted status as the Eastern Hemisphere’s first Certified Autism Destination, a landmark moment for inclusive travel.

In a century increasingly driven by cultural diplomacy, Dubai’s evolution from desert port to planetary destination may serve as a blueprint—not just for tourism but for urban reinvention itself.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Literary Salon: Book Club column that savors classic works which illuminate history’s lessons while inspiring Dubai’s & World's forward-thinking ethos, curated by actress Vladyslava Garkusha.

Today, we explore Voltaire’s Candide (1759), a piercing satire that dismantles blind optimism with incisive wit. This Enlightenment masterpiece, sharp and timeless, resonates with Dubai’s fusion of historical pragmatism and innovative ambition, offering our book club a lens to reflect on progress in a city that turns vision into reality.

The Piercing Wit of Candide

Published in 1759, Voltaire’s Candide traces the young protagonist’s odyssey through disasters—earthquakes, wars, and the illusory utopia of El Dorado—each undermining his tutor Pangloss’s doctrine that “all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.” Voltaire’s crisp prose delivers lines like, “If this is the best of possible worlds, what are the others like?” By concluding with Candide’s resolve to “cultivate our garden,” the novel champions practical effort over passive hope, a message enduring for its intellectual clarity. Its satirical edge and philosophical depth cement its status as a cornerstone of Western literature, inviting readers to shape their futures with intention.

Historical Context: The Enlightenment’s Rational Surge

Candide emerged during the Enlightenment, when European thinkers championed reason and reform. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which killed an estimated 30,000–50,000 people, fueled Voltaire’s critique of unwarranted optimism. Global trade routes, connecting Europe to the Arabian Gulf, fostered idea exchange, mirroring Dubai’s role as a 19th-century trading hub along the Creek. This shared spirit of pragmatism links the Enlightenment’s intellectual drive to Dubai’s historical foundations.

Dubai’s Vision: A Sustainable Garden

Candide’s call to “cultivate our garden” finds a parallel in Dubai’s Sustainable City, a net-zero energy community launched in 2015 by Diamond Developers. With 500 villas powered by 10 megawatts of solar panels, it reduces energy consumption—and thus carbon emissions—by approximately 50% compared to traditional urban models. Its recycled water systems and urban farms embody Voltaire’s emphasis on practical progress, blending environmental stewardship with urban innovation. In a city that transformed from a trading port to a global metropolis, the Sustainable City reflects Dubai’s commitment to a future balancing ambition and responsibility.

Photo credits: New York Public Library.

Vladyslava Garkusha

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

In 2025, Dubai’s youth tech initiatives, like the Dubai Future Foundation’s One Million Arab Coders, trained 10,000 students, per government data. The 2024 Emirates Youth Professional School equipped 2,000 young Emiratis with AI and blockchain skills, aligning with the D33 Economic Agenda to double the economy by 2033. With 62% of the UAE population under 30, per 2024 Dubai Statistics Center data, youth are key to innovation.

Challenges persist. Only 15% of tech jobs are held by Emiratis, per a 2024 DIFC report, due to competition from expatriates. Funding for youth startups, at $100 million in 2024, is insufficient, per the Dubai Chamber. Access to mentorship is limited, with 20% of participants reporting no guidance, per a 2025 Emirates Foundation survey.

Dubai can expand by increasing funding, as planned for 2026 with a $200 million youth tech fund. Mentorship programs, like the 2024 Dubai Future Accelerators for 1,000 youth, can bridge gaps. Public-private partnerships, like Microsoft’s 2025 coding bootcamp, can scale training.

Empowering youth in tech ensures Dubai’s economic future. By investing in skills and support, the city can nurture a generation of innovators. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai​ said: “The Future Belongs To Those Who Can Imagine It, Design It, And Execute It. It Isn’t Something You Await, But Rather Create.”

Photo credits: Dubai Future Foundation.

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Dubai’s desert climate, with temperatures reaching 49.9°C in July 2024, per the UAE National Center of Meteorology, poses growing challenges. Sea level rise, projected at 0.7 meters by 2100 per IPCC 2023 data, threatens coastal developments like Palm Jumeirah, home to 80,000 residents. The UAE’s 2050 Net Zero Strategy includes Dubai’s carbon capture pilot, reducing emissions by 10% at test sites in 2024, per DEWA. Yet, Dubai’s per capita CO2 emissions—8.7 tons annually, per 2023 World Bank data—remain high, driven by air conditioning (40% of electricity use, per DEWA) and desalination.

Urban planning often prioritizes aesthetics over resilience. Only 8% of Dubai’s land has green cover, per a 2024 Dubai Municipality report, exacerbating heat islands. Flood risks, evidenced by 2023’s heavy rains disrupting 20% of roads, per RTA, demand urgent action.

Dubai can lead in adaptation. Expanding green roofs, as trialed in Zabeel Park in 2024, lowered local temperatures by 2°C. RTA’s 1,000 electric buses in 2024 cut transport emissions by 5%. Public campaigns, like DEWA’s 2024 “Use Less, Save More,” reduced household energy use by 10%. Investing in flood defenses, like the 2023 Al Warsan drainage system, and enforcing climate-resilient building codes can protect infrastructure.

Dubai’s resilience hinges on bold action. By integrating green tech, expanding public transport, and engaging communities, it can thrive in a warming world, setting a model for desert cities globally.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Dubai’s emergence as a fintech hub is transforming its economic landscape. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) hosted 620 fintech firms in 2024, a 23% increase from 2022, per DIFC reports, with investments reaching $2.1 billion. The UAE’s 2023 blockchain strategy and regulatory sandboxes have fostered innovations like digital wallets and crypto trading, with 85% of Dubai residents using mobile payments, per a 2024 Visa study. The DIFC’s FinTech Hive, mentoring 200 startups in 2024, positions Dubai to rival London and Singapore.

Yet, challenges loom. Cybersecurity threats are rising, with the UAE Cybersecurity Council reporting 50,000 incidents in 2023, including data breaches affecting fintech platforms. Talent shortages are another hurdle: only 10% of DIFC’s fintech roles are filled by Emiratis, per 2024 data, reflecting reliance on expatriates. Global competition is fierce, with Singapore’s fintech investments hitting $4 billion in 2024, per Bloomberg.

Dubai can solidify its position by strengthening cybersecurity through mandatory audits, as trialed in DIFC’s 2024 regulations, which reduced breaches by 15%. Expanding training programs, like the DIFC Academy’s 2024 fintech courses for 1,500 students, can build local expertise. Transparent regulations, aligned with the UAE Central Bank’s 2023 crypto guidelines, will boost investor confidence. Community outreach, such as DIFC’s 2024 public blockchain workshops, can demystify fintech for residents.

The opportunity is immense. By fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and prioritizing trust, Dubai can redefine global finance. But it must act decisively to outpace rivals and secure its place as a fintech powerhouse.

Photo credits: Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s pursuit of space exploration, led by the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), is a bold extension of its audacious spirit. The Hope Mars Mission, launched in 2020, made the UAE the first Arab nation to orbit Mars, collecting atmospheric data that NASA confirmed in 2024 is advancing global understanding of the planet’s climate. MBRSC’s next milestone, a lunar rover mission planned for 2026, aims to place Dubai among elite space-faring cities. The UAE’s space budget, reported at $820 million in 2024 by the UAE Space Agency, underscores its commitment to this frontier.

Yet, the costs are substantial. The Hope mission alone required $200 million, and critics, including a 2024 Gulf News analysis, argue that such funds could address pressing terrestrial issues like water scarcity or housing affordability, given Dubai’s 3.7 million residents face rising rents, up 22% in 2024 per the Dubai Statistics Center. The transient nature of Dubai’s expatriate population—88% of the total, per 2024 government data—also raises questions about building a local talent pool for a sustainable space industry.

Dubai’s space ambitions can yield earthly benefits. Satellite technology, like MBRSC’s 2023 KhalifaSat used for urban planning, can monitor climate change and optimize resources. The Emirates Mars Science City, a $135 million project launched in 2024, educates youth through immersive programs, with 10,000 students enrolled last year. To maximize impact, Dubai should expand STEM scholarships, as only 12% of MBRSC’s workforce is Emirati, per 2024 reports. Partnerships with global space agencies, like NASA’s 2024 collaboration on data sharing, can amplify expertise.

The challenge is balance. Dubai must ensure its cosmic dreams don’t overshadow local needs. By integrating space tech into solutions for water management or disaster preparedness, and fostering public engagement through initiatives like the 2024 Space Explorer Camp, Dubai can make its stellar aspirations a catalyst for progress on Earth. The stars are within reach, but only if Dubai grounds its vision in practical impact.

Photo credits: UAE Space Agency.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

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 global identity, a testament to a place where dreams are both imported and realized. From the British professionals shaping its skyline to the Indian community—roughly half of the foreign-born population—fueling its commerce, Dubai’s expatriates are not mere visitors but architects of a cosmopolitan experiment. Yet, their lives unfold in a city that demands resilience, navigating a delicate balance of opportunity and constraint.

Walk through Jumeirah’s bustling streets, and you’ll hear the cadence of countless tongues: Hindi in corner shops, Urdu among taxi drivers, Tagalog in vibrant cafes. English, alongside Arabic, serves as a lingua franca, stitching together a society where Pakistani laborers and Filipino entrepreneurs coexist with Emirati visionaries. This diversity is no accident but a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy, which relies on expatriates for everything from construction to high finance. In 2019, the Italian artist Princess Bee captured this spirit in her “Hi Dubai” series on Dubai One TV, profiling 25 women—Emirati and expat—who shaped the city’s cultural and social fabric. From event planners to artists, their stories illuminated how individual ambition fuels collective progress.

Yet, life as an expatriate in Dubai is a study in contrasts. The city’s promise of opportunity—tax-free salaries, world-class infrastructure—draws over 100,000 British residents and countless others from South Asia, Africa, and beyond. But the path is rarely smooth. Visa regulations, tied to employment or sponsorship, cast a shadow of impermanence, requiring constant renewals and compliance with strict laws. Cultural adaptation, too, tests newcomers: alcohol is confined to licensed venues, public behavior is closely monitored, and political expression is curtailed. These rules, rooted in the UAE’s conservative framework, coexist with a tolerance that allows mosques, churches, and temples to stand side by side. For many, the trade-off is worth it—a chance to build a life in a city that feels like the world’s crossroads.

Dubai’s expatriates do more than adapt; they create. Indian restaurateurs introduce biryani to global palates, while Filipino designers craft boutiques in Jumeirah that rival Paris or Milan. Pakistani drivers, navigating the city’s arteries, share stories of home with passengers, weaving personal histories into Dubai’s narrative. This interplay of cultures has made Dubai a global stage, where a single market stall or boardroom meeting can feel like a United Nations summit. Yet, the city’s reliance on its expatriate workforce raises questions about sustainability. With no path to permanent residency for most, Dubai must grapple with how to retain the talent that drives its growth while honoring its Emirati roots.

To live in Dubai as an expatriate is to embrace a paradox: a transient home that feels eternal, a city that is both yours and never fully yours. The voices of its 4 million residents—heard in the chatter of souks, the hum of offices, or the laughter on Jumeirah Beach—tell a story of resilience and reinvention. Dubai is not just a destination; it is a canvas, painted daily by the ambitions of those who call it home, however fleetingly. In their hands, a desert outpost has become a global city, its future as boundless as the dreams it inspires.

Photo credits: Unsplash. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.