The City

In the sun-scorched expanse of Saih Al-Dahal, 50 kilometers south of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park hums with activity, its 3.66 gigawatts of photovoltaic panels and concentrated solar power towers generating clean energy for 240,000 homes. This sprawling 77-square-kilometer facility, the world’s largest single-site solar park under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, is a cornerstone of the United Arab Emirates’ ambition to redefine itself as a global leader in renewable energy. In 2025, the UAE’s vision extends far beyond its borders, with Dubai-based AMEA Power spearheading solar and wind projects across 11 African nations, backed by the $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative launched at COP28 in 2023. Yet, as the UAE scales its renewable energy footprint, reliance on Chinese technology for critical components has sparked concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities, even as the emirate sets a global benchmark for sustainable development.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, managed by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is a linchpin of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to source 75% of the emirate’s energy from clean sources by 2050. By the end of 2024, the park’s capacity reached 3,660 megawatts (MW) from photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies, with an additional 1,000 MW under construction, per DEWA. The sixth phase, 53% complete as of March 2025, has 600 MW operational and will reach 1,800 MW by 2026, powering 540,000 residences and cutting 2.36 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, according to Zawya. With a planned capacity of 7,260 MW by 2030 and investments of AED 50 billion ($13.6 billion), the park will reduce 8 million tonnes of carbon emissions yearly upon completion, per DEWA. Its third phase, developed by a Masdar-led consortium, set a global record for the lowest solar tariff at 2.99 US cents per kilowatt-hour in 2016, while the sixth phase, with Masdar’s bid of 1.6215 US cents per kWh, continues to drive down costs, per DEWA.

AMEA Power, founded in Dubai in 2016, has emerged as a key player in exporting this expertise to Africa, managing a 6-gigawatt clean energy pipeline across 20 countries, with 2.6 gigawatts in operation or near completion in nations like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, per its 2025 corporate update. In Egypt, AMEA Power commissioned a 500 MW solar PV plant in Aswan in December 2024 and launched a 300 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in July 2025, the country’s first utility-scale BESS, financed by the International Finance Corporation, per posts on X. The company also operates a 51.75 MW wind farm in Jordan’s Tafilah Governorate and a 70 MW solar PV project with 4 MWh BESS in Togo, completed in February 2024, per AMEA Power. Its African portfolio includes projects in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, and Uganda, targeting underserved markets with decentralized energy solutions, per Renewables in Africa. The UAE’s $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative, announced at COP28 in Dubai, supports these efforts, channeling funds into renewable projects to address Africa’s electrification gap, where over 600 million people lack access.

The UAE’s broader renewable energy strategy, underpinned by the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, integrates solar, wind, nuclear, and hydrogen. The Al Dhafra Solar PV plant in Abu Dhabi, operational since November 2023 with a 2-gigawatt capacity, offers the world’s lowest solar tariff at 1.35 US cents per kWh, per the UAE Embassy. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, with four reactors, supplies 25% of the UAE’s electricity, saving 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, per the Economist Impact. Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, complements AMEA Power’s efforts, with projects like the 250 MWac solar PV and 63 MW BESS in Uzbekistan and a 300 MW solar plant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, per Masdar’s 2025 project portfolio. The UAE’s hosting of COP28 in 2023 elevated its global climate leadership, with 78 environmental initiatives approved, including solar energy regulations and sustainable tourism.

However, the UAE’s reliance on Chinese technology, particularly for solar panels and battery systems, raises supply chain concerns. The Al Dhafra project, developed with China’s Jinko Solar, and AMEA Power’s projects, which use Chinese-manufactured PV panels, reflect this dependency, per Power Technology. Geopolitical tensions and potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese solar components, noted by AGBI, could disrupt supplies, while quality control issues in Chinese-made equipment have occasionally delayed projects, per industry reports. The UAE’s high per-capita carbon footprint—40.31 tonnes in 2009, per Wikipedia—also underscores the urgency of its renewable push, though solar and wind accounted for only 8.3% of electricity in 2023, up from 4.5% in 2022.

Dubai’s 3.7 million residents, 88% expatriates per the Dubai Statistics Center, benefit from a cosmopolitan hub, but rising living costs, noted on X, challenge workers supporting its infrastructure. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park’s R&D Centre, with its solar-powered desalination plant, drives innovation, testing PV and CSP performance in desert conditions, per C40 Cities. As the UAE expands its renewable footprint in Africa, its model of public-private partnerships, exemplified by DEWA’s collaboration with ACWA Power and Masdar, sets a global standard, though navigating supply chain risks and economic disparities remains critical to sustaining its leadership.

Photo credits: DEWA Instagram. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

In April 2025, Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah resort hosted Token2049, a blockchain conference drawing 15,000 attendees from 150 countries, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a global crypto hub. A $2 billion investment by Abu Dhabi’s state-backed MGX into Binance, using USD1, a Trump-affiliated stablecoin, marked a milestone in Dubai’s push for decentralized finance leadership. The deal, alongside the city’s regulatory framework and tax-free incentives, underscores its strategic vision, though it has sparked scrutiny over transparency.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) hosts over 650 Web3 firms, per Cointelegraph, supported by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which licenses exchanges like Binance and Crypto.com. The UAE’s crypto market, valued at $744.3 million in 2024, is projected to grow 16.75% annually through 2033, per the Carnegie Endowment. VARA’s compliance with Financial Action Task Force standards and the UAE’s exit from the FATF grey list in April 2024, after $31.3 million in fines, enhance its credibility. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Ras Al Khaimah’s RAK DAO offer 100% foreign ownership, attracting firms like CoinW, which made Dubai its global headquarters in 2025.

Announced on May 1, 2025, by Eric Trump and Zach Witkoff, the MGX-Binance deal uses USD1, a dollar-pegged stablecoin on the TRON blockchain, to bolster Binance’s operations, per Reuters. Eric Trump noted its use for transactions at the planned Trump International Hotel and Tower, per The New York Times. The Dubai Land Department’s Prypco Mint platform, launched in May 2025, tokenizes property deeds on the XRP Ledger, enabling fractional ownership from 2,000 dirhams ($540), per CoinDesk. OKX’s zero-fee crypto payment app and Zodia Custody’s UAE entry via Tungsten Custody acquisition, per a May 2025 press release, highlight practical blockchain applications.

Token2049 positions Dubai to shape the $3.3 trillion global crypto market.

Photo credits: Dubai Token 2049. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In 2024, Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 92.3 million passengers, reclaiming its title as the world’s busiest international airport for the tenth consecutive year, per Airports Council International (ACI). Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on January 30, 2025, this 6% increase from 2023’s 86.9 million surpassed the 2018 peak of 89.1 million. The milestone highlights Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub, but with infrastructure strained, the city is preparing to transition to the larger Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

DXB, home to Emirates and flydubai, handled 440,300 aircraft movements in 2024, up 5.7% from 2023, and processed 2.2 million tonnes of cargo, a 20.5% increase, per Dubai Airports. December 2024 saw 8.2 million passengers, with India (12 million), Saudi Arabia (7.6 million), and the UK (6.2 million) as top markets. The airport’s 99.45% baggage handling success rate, with 5.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers, outperformed the global average of 6.9, per SITA. In Q1 2025, passenger numbers rose 8.4% year-on-year, driven by new routes to Asia and Europe, including Druk Air’s service to Paro, Bhutan, per Cirium.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, credited the city’s strategic location—seven hours from London, 14 from New York—and investments like Terminal 3’s luxury lounges, named the world’s most luxurious by AllClear in 2025. “This record reflects Dubai’s vision to connect the world,” Griffiths told Reuters on January 31, 2025. The surge aligns with Dubai’s tourism boom, with 16.8 million visitors in the first 11 months of 2024, up 14% from 2023, per the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Events like GITEX Global and the city’s top ranking for tourism FDI in H1 2024, per the Financial Times, fueled growth.

However, DXB’s capacity is stretched, with 416,000 movements in 2023 already testing limits. To address this, Dubai is expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). On April 28, 2024, Sheikh Mohammed approved a $34.85 billion terminal, set to handle 260 million passengers annually upon completion, with the first phase (150 million passengers) due by 2032. DWC, currently serving 27 carriers to 44 destinations, will incorporate biometric security and LEED Gold standards, supporting the UAE’s net-zero 2050 goal.

Challenges include aircraft delivery delays for Emirates and flydubai, per Aviation Week, and aviation’s contribution to the UAE’s high carbon emissions, per IATA. DXB’s 77,000 workers, mostly expatriates, face rising living costs, with affordability concerns noted on X. Security measures ensure safety, but the UAE’s 145th ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index raises transparency questions. Griffiths projects 100 million passengers by 2027, with DWC poised to redefine global travel. For now, DXB’s record cements Dubai’s status as a hub defying limits.

Photo credits: Dubai International Airport Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

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.

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.