Dreaming big in Dubai: Inside the city's futuristic ambitions
Residents of the UAE undoubtedly have a drive for the future. This is visible not only in urban architecture but also in how cities function. Equally futuristic are their visions for the future. The art, which reflects dreams of a world with developed technology, is incredibly mesmerizing. For me, it's exceptionally bold and, at times, even alarming.
We have a penchant for sentimentality. We love to reminisce, analyze, and retell it, revealing new threads each time. The history of our country also shapes urban space. The course of events would level cities with the ground and rebuild them.
Emiratis boldly pursue their dreams of the future
Perspective changes when the story begins in a place free from history. You can write it from scratch. So why not build a narrative about a world of vast possibilities, bold plans, and unlimited resources? Being in Dubai felt like being in a generator of colourful future simulations—sometimes frightening but awe-inspiring.
For the Emiratis, nothing is impossible. One city of the future is not enough for them. They are now working on another futuristic megalopolis that is to be completely self-sufficient. However, it seems that even this will not satisfy their appetite for conquering the future world.
Museum of the Future takes tourists on a technological odyssey
Visit the top attractions in Dubai to see what ambitious Emirati plans taste like. Let's start with the Museum of the Future. Their unrestrained drive for the future is already evident there. The tour begins with a simulation in which visitors leave Earth and head into a developed outer space.
This place shows how science and technology can change our lives in the coming decades. Combining innovative technology tools with continuously developing artificial intelligence and augmented reality can yield surprising results.
Emiratis always say that the path to the future is simple – you just need to imagine it, design it, and realize it. Some of these visions, however, might seem somewhat frightening. Personally, I had such a feeling after talking to a humanoid robot that answered tourists' various questions without hesitation. For me, it's an increasingly realistic scenario from "Black Mirror".
The Earth is definitely not enough
However, the Emiratis' dreams do not end with technological transformations and reorganization of earthly life. Their dreams of the future reach far beyond Earth's atmosphere. The mystery and vastness of space seem so enticing that Arab perspectives have already shifted into the dimension of space travel. And this is precisely what the AYA Universe museum discusses—spaces beyond imagination.
This surreal, immersive experience guides visitors through 12 zones, telling various stories inspired by the future universe. Guests receive their cosmic passport at the entrance and embark on a cosmic journey full of sensory and imagination-stimulating experiences.
The perfect complement to this vision is the "La Perle" show at the specially designed La Perle Theatre in Al Habtoor City, Dubai. This place exceeded my expectations of a show with acrobatic elements. No wonder, as this venue is one of the world's most technologically advanced places of its kind.
When I thought the most surprising elements of the spectacle were behind me, more waves of shocking experiences came. It was very spectacular and very stressful. The action takes place in a world that combines earthly elements with a distant, cosmic world. The atmosphere itself introduces a surreal world of strange interdimensional or interworldly journeys.
Amazing effects based on advanced technology add a futuristic character. The use of water motifs and water-utilizing tools is awe-inspiring.
The future stands wide open
For me, Dubai is a place where powerful energy accumulates, which might one day have the ability to push us out of Earth's orbit.
For now, this city and its impressive projects are a tale of bold, at times even intimidating dreams of the Arab world. Who knows, perhaps the dreams of space colonization will soon become a reality.
