Dubai is making headlines with its extraordinary and rapid growth, captivating the world with much more than just beach life and the glamour often seen in international media. This blend of modernity and tradition is frequently associated with its skyscrapers and favorable tax opportunities, but Dubai offers much more, especially in the realms of art and design. A new wave of investors is enriching the emirate with pioneering cultural institutions, trendy businesses, design icons, and innovative ideas in hospitality and retail.
Also recognized as the real estate emirate, Dubai is rapidly becoming a haven for banks and investment funds from around the world, attracting an increasing number of global financial giants. This surge in interest is evidenced by a significant growth in real estate transactions and investment opportunities in the luxury sector. Whether for a long weekend or a brief stopover on an intercontinental trip, Dubai and its neighboring emirates offer a vast array of attractions. With consistently warm temperatures, the UAE becomes an ideal refuge from harsh European winters at this time of year.
A dip into history: Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi
The exploration can begin at Dubai Creek and the historic district of Al Fahidi, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s history. Amid narrow alleys and wind towers, you can perceive the roots of the young, dynamic country and admire beautifully preserved traditional architecture. To fully appreciate the local culture, a culinary stop at the Arabic Tea House is a must. With multiple locations across the Emirates, this restaurant offers authentic dishes that tell the region’s story and taste.
Architectural icon: Burj Khalifa
Of course, no visit to Dubai would be complete without admiring the Burj Khalifa, once famous as the tallest skyscraper in the world. Standing at 828 meters tall, it was completed in 2010 and remains a symbol of cutting-edge engineering and design. Although surpassed by the Jeddah Tower currently under construction, it continues to fascinate with its grandeur.
New luxury landmark: The Lana
Located in the Business Bay district, The Lana is a new symbol of luxury and the first property of Dorchester Collection in the Middle East. Designed by Foster + Partners, the 30-story building harmonizes with the environment through interconnected gardens and The Lana Promenade, which features shops and restaurants. The hotel includes a spectacular rooftop pool. Interiors by the French duo Gilles & Boissier blend modern minimalism with cultural influences from the UAE, emphasizing refined details and textures.
Art and design space: Alserkal Avenue and Jameel Arts Centre
Those interested in art and design can visit Alserkal Avenue and Jameel Arts Centre, two of Dubai’s leading cultural centers. Alserkal Avenue is a vibrant arts district hosting galleries, concept stores, architect studios, and showrooms. This area is a meeting point for creatives and innovators looking to explore new artistic horizons. Jameel Arts Centre, the contemporary art hub founded in 2018, also stands out with Teible, its innovative restaurant offering locally sourced dishes, making it a culinary avant-garde in the region.
A Visit to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
A short distance from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah offer extraordinary architectural and cultural experiences. The capital, Abu Dhabi, is home to the architectural masterpiece by Jean Nouvel, the LouvreAbuDhabi, inaugurated in 2017. This iconic museum features an intricate domed roof 180 meters in diameter, composed of 7,850 stars creating a “rain of light” effect, a tribute to traditional Arab wind tower architecture.
In Sharjah, the BEEAHHeadquarters, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and completed in 2022, represents an emblematic fusion of innovative design and sustainability. The structure stands out for its curvaceous forms inspired by desert dunes, designed to optimize energy efficiency. This futuristic building not only integrates harmoniously with the surrounding landscape but is also designed to be powered by renewable energy sources and equipped with advanced technology to minimize environmental impact.
Another architectural gem in Sharjah is the House of Wisdom Library and Cultural Center, designed by Foster + Partners. Located along the Sharjah International Airport Road, ten kilometers from the city center, this two-story library features a large suspended roof over a transparent volume, harmoniously combining space and light. Aluminum and bamboo screens modulate natural lighting and ensure privacy. Inside, the library offers exhibition spaces and a café surrounded by columns of books, serving as an ideal refuge from the city’s chaos.
Sharjah and Abu Dhabi complement the Dubai experience, offering fresh perspectives and inviting a total immersion into the rich tapestry of culture and design that characterizes the United Arab Emirates.
