In a region where water is scarcer than oil, Dubai is turning the desert into a laboratory for sustainable agriculture. The emirate’s Food Tech Valley, launched in 2021, has become a hub for vertical farming and agritech innovation, producing 10,000 ...
Dubai’s economy is a case study in transformation. From early dependence on oil, the emirate has matured into a diverse economic powerhouse. As of 2023, Dubai’s GDP reached AED 429 billion (approximately USD 116.8 billion), with oil contributing less than 1% to the total output.
Today, key drivers of the economy include trade, real estate, transportation, financial services, logistics, and tourism. The establishment of free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, and major logistics hubs like Jebel Ali Port, have positioned Dubai as a business gateway between East and West.
Emirates Airline, launched in 1985 with just two leased aircraft, has grown into one of the world’s most influential aviation brands. It plays a central role in Dubai’s connectivity and economic model.
In parallel, the emirate has invested heavily in innovation, sustainability, and smart city initiatives. The result is a resilient and future-ready economy that continues to thrive, even amid global headwinds.
Dubai’s tourism industry continues to surge in scale and influence. In the first half of 2025, the city welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors—surpassing total annual figures from just a few years prior. This represents a 6% year-on-year growth, reinforcing Dubai’s trajectory toward becoming one of the top three global tourist destinations.
The average hotel occupancy rate reached 80.6% across the city by mid-2025. Both the average daily rate and revenue per available room also showed notable increases. These metrics reflect a strong rebound and continued expansion within Dubai’s hospitality industry.
Several luxury properties debuted in 2025, including Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and Cheval Maison. Meanwhile, the upcoming Ciel Dubai Marina is set to become the tallest all-hotel tower in the world. Combined with a growing roster of internationally acclaimed restaurants and experiential tourism initiatives, Dubai is steadily solidifying its place at the top of the global travel industry.
Dubai’s free zones - such as DMCC, DAFZ, JAFZA, and Dubai Industrial City - are proving to be essential launchpads for Indian small and medium enterprises targeting global expansion. These zones offer a potent mix of benefits: fast-track licensing, 100 percent foreign ownership, zero income tax, full repatriation of profits, and state-of-the-art digital and logistics infrastructure.
With Dubai Chambers actively engaging in Mumbai and Bengaluru, and smart services like DAFZ’s digital clinic and AI‑powered supply‑chain platforms, Indian SMEs can scale without substantial capital outlay while maintaining operational lean‑ness.
For Dubai viewers, particularly within the business and entrepreneurial ecosystem, this underscores the city’s strategic role as a bridge for regional enterprises to build globally competitive models - from homeground to world reach.
Dubai is charting a deliberate pivot from its traditional strengths - to emerge as a global center for deep technology innovation. The city’s new RDI (Research, Development & Innovation) grants initiative offers non-dilutive funding to promising deep-tech founders, along with access to operational testbeds and field validation in the city’s real-world environment.
Agna Capital’s Senior Executive Officer, Pranav Sharma, underscores the significance: this is not an exercise in tokenism but a measured shift toward supporting research with tangible, international impact.
For Dubai residents, researchers, and entrepreneurs, the initiative signals a city ready to invest beyond tourism or real estate - one seeking to incubate breakthroughs that can influence industries globally.
In a remarkable evolution over just six months, Creators HQ has solidified its status as a global hub for digital creators - all within the heart of Dubai. Since its inception, the initiative has attracted a remarkable number of individuals and enterprises, drawn by its comprehensive infrastructure for content creation, networking, and growth.
The center offers more than facilities - it aligns closely with Dubai’s broader ambition to position itself as the world’s capital of the content economy. By fostering community, industry connections, and offering incentives under government frameworks, Creators HQ has become a potent symbol of the city’s cultural and digital transformation.
For Dubai viewers, the initiative represents both opportunity and aspiration: a place where local talent can scale globally and international creators choose to be based. Through this, Dubai deepens its footprint not just in finance or tourism, but in the digital zeitgeist shaping our era.
Dubai is rapidly cementing its position as one of the world’s most visited destinations. In just the first half of 2025 (January to June), the city welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors, already surpassing the 18.72 million total recorded for all of 2024. This impressive 6% year-on-year growth puts Dubai firmly on track to achieve its ambition of ranking among the top three global tourism hubs, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (source).
So, what’s fueling this explosive tourism momentum? It’s not just luck—it’s a carefully orchestrated mix of world-class infrastructure, aggressive international marketing, strong hospitality performance, and an expanding portfolio of attractions catering to a global audience.
First, Dubai’s seamless connectivity remains unmatched. Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled 46 million passengers in H1 2025, maintaining its title as the world’s busiest international airport. Despite ongoing geopolitical instability in parts of the Middle East, DXB’s efficiency and Dubai’s safety reputation have kept the flow of visitors steady and strong.
The hospitality sector has played a major role in supporting this surge. Hotel occupancy reached 80.6%, while 22.24 million room nights were booked—up 4% from the same period last year. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) climbed to AED 584, and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) rose to AED 471, signaling not just volume but profitability. Dubai currently offers 152,483 hotel rooms across 822 establishments, ranging from luxurious beach resorts to affordable city stays.
New openings have kept the city fresh and appealing. Recent additions include Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Vida Dubai Mall, Cheval Maison in Expo City, and The Biltmore Hotel Villas. Dubai’s hotels are not just places to stay—they are destinations in themselves, offering curated experiences, wellness, and entertainment.
At the same time, Dubai has executed a smart and far-reaching global marketing strategy. Campaigns such as “Find Your Story” (featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi) and “Dubai, Ready for a Surprise?” (starring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma) have reached wide audiences and fueled tourism interest. Collaborations with major hospitality brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Premier Inn have further boosted exposure and bookings.
Dubai’s appeal is also increasingly diverse. Visitor origins span a wide spectrum:
Western Europe: 22%
CIS/Eastern Europe: 15%
South Asia: 15%
GCC and MENA: each 11–15%
Other regions, including the Americas, Northeast and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australasia, make up the remainder, reflecting Dubai’s truly global pull.
Dubai’s thriving MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry is another growth engine. The city secured 249 international event bids and expects over 127,000 business delegates in the coming years. Its food scene continues to gain global acclaim, with the 2025 MICHELIN Guide recognizing 119 restaurants—including Dubai’s first three-starred Indian restaurant, Trèsind Studio, and FZN by Björn Frantzén.
Altogether, tourism is more than a headline figure—it’s a pillar of the local economy, contributing over 12% of Dubai’s GDP and supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, retail, transport, and real estate. This steady growth signals the effectiveness of Dubai’s strategic vision: to be not just a stopover, but a destination that defines the future of urban tourism.
With nearly 10 million visitors already welcomed in just six months, 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Dubai. The emirate isn’t just nearing the global top three—it’s actively reimagining what world-class tourism looks like.
Dubai, situated in one of the driest regions on Earth, relies heavily on desalination to meet its water needs. The emirate's primary desalination facility, the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Plant, is among the world's largest, producing approximately 490 million imperial gallons of water daily.
In recent years, Dubai has been transitioning to more energy-efficient desalination technologies. The Hassyan Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plant, scheduled to commence operations in 2026, will utilize solar energy and advanced reverse osmosis techniques to produce 818,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day.
To further enhance water sustainability, Dubai is investing in infrastructure such as the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project. This initiative aims to store up to 6,000 million imperial gallons of water, making it the largest project of its kind globally.
Through these efforts, Dubai is not only addressing its immediate water needs but also setting a precedent for sustainable water management in arid regions.
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.
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.
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.
The ancient art of falconry soars as a vibrant emblem of Emirati heritage. For over 4,000 years, this practice has woven itself into the cultural fabric of the region, evolving from a Bedouin survival tool to a revered sport and symbol of national pride. In Dubai, falconry is more than a tradition; it is a living bridge between past and present, celebrated through training centers, high-stakes competitions, and global recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2016. As the city balances modernity with its Bedouin roots, falconry remains a testament to courage, patience, and a deep connection to nature.
Falconry’s origins in the UAE trace back to the Bedouin tribes who relied on falcons to hunt scarce game like houbara bustards and hares in the unforgiving desert. The falcon, known as the “Saqr,” was prized for its sharp eyesight and speed, capable of diving at over 200 miles per hour to capture prey. Unlike other predators, falcons could be trained to deliver game alive, ensuring it remained halal by Islamic standards, which require animals to be slaughtered while still living. This practical necessity fostered a bond of trust and respect between falconer and bird, a relationship that endures today. “Your falcon is your brother,” says Ayesha Al Mansouri, a female falconer who began training at age four, reflecting the sport’s deep emotional resonance.
Dubai’s commitment to preserving falconry is evident in its world-class facilities and initiatives. The Dubai Falcon Hospital, alongside its larger counterpart in Abu Dhabi, is a global leader in avian care, offering everything from routine checkups to surgical interventions for these prized birds. Equipped with luxurious wards and cutting-edge technology like GPS tracking, the hospital underscores the UAE’s unique dedication—evidenced by its issuance of falcon passports, a world first. Training centers, such as those at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, provide hands-on education, teaching traditional techniques alongside modern innovations. Emirati falconers use tools like the “manqalah” (a padded cuff for perching) and “burgu” (a leather hood), while integrating satellite tracking to monitor birds during training. These centers also serve as cultural hubs, hosting workshops to pass skills to younger generations, ensuring the art’s survival.
Competitions are the heartbeat of modern falconry in Dubai, blending spectacle with tradition. The Fazza Championship for Falconry, launched in 2002 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a highlight, drawing thousands to its 400-meter desert races where falcons are timed with stopwatches for speed and precision. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) and Al Dhafra Festival further elevate the sport, featuring not only races but also beauty contests judging falcons on plumage and poise, with prizes reaching thousands of dollars. “These events are about more than competition; they celebrate our identity,” notes a member of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, which organizes many of these gatherings. In 2024, ADIHEX attracted over 150,000 visitors, showcasing falconry’s global appeal.
The falcon’s cultural significance extends beyond the desert. As the UAE’s national emblem, it adorns currency, stamps, and official documents, symbolizing courage, nobility, and resilience. Emirati poetry and songs often depict falcons as loyal companions, while the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a lifelong falconer, championed its preservation through initiatives like breeding programs in Al Ain. His 1976 book, Hunting with Falcons, remains a cornerstone of the sport’s literature. Today, falconry is a fixture in national celebrations, with displays at UAE National Day and desert safaris in Dubai, where tourists witness falcons soaring against the sunrise. Platinum Heritage’s in-flight falcon show, conducted from a hot air balloon, offers a unique vantage point, blending tradition with Dubai’s flair for innovation.
Yet, falconry faces challenges in a modernizing world. Urbanization and habitat loss threaten wild falcon populations, prompting conservation efforts like those led by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, which supports breeding and release programs. The UAE’s collaboration with 18 countries to secure UNESCO recognition in 2016 reflects its global leadership in safeguarding this heritage. Women, too, are reshaping the narrative. Falconers like Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum and Ayesha Al Mansouri are breaking barriers, training alongside men and inspiring a new generation. “Falconry teaches discipline and connection to our roots,” says Sheikha Mozah, who trains daily to strengthen her bond with her birds.
Dubai’s falconry scene is a microcosm of its ethos: a city that honors its past while embracing the future. From the quiet patience of a falconer in the desert to the roar of crowds at the Fazza Championship, this ancient art continues to captivate. As the UAE navigates globalization, falconry remains a soaring reminder of its Bedouin soul, a tradition that, like the falcon itself, refuses to be tamed.
