Look past the glossy façade of the city and you will find a Dubai steeped in heritage with an evolving creative community. As the emirate that represents the duality of the modern and the traditional, MOJEH Men charts the hidden courtyards, galleries and design marvels defining Dubai’s cultural renaissance.
Museum of the Future
Wrapped in Arabic calligraphy featuring poetry by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, this landmark torus-shaped structure offers a glimpse into life in 2071. Through multi-sensory exhibits that include bio-engineered forests, climate resilience technologies and outer-space environments, the destination bridges the gap between the present and the future, illustrating the nation’s role in pioneering global progress. Book Now
Dubai Frame
With the low-rise buildings of Old Dubai on one side and the towering skyscrapers of Downtown on the other, the Dubai Frame acts as a bridge between the different sides of the city. At a height of 150 metres, it gives one the opportunity to see Dubai in all its glory, especially through the glass-floored sky deck installed on top. Whether you’re a resident looking for ways to entertain yourself on a weekend or a tourist exploring the city, this is one place you should not miss out on. Book Now
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
To understand Dubai’s future, one must wander through its past. The Al Fahidi district remains one of the oldest heritage sites in the city, characterised by traditional gypsum and coral buildings topped with iconic wind towers (barajeel). This labyrinth of narrow sikkas (alleys) is now home to boutique art galleries, the Coffee Museum and quiet courtyards that offer a serene location separate from the city’s towering skyline. Learn More
Alserkal Avenue
The contemporary art scene in the region is continuously growing and if there’s one destination that shows it best, it is Alserkal Avenue. An industrial warehouse district turned cultural community, the Avenue hosts a range of initiatives including art galleries, cafes, the region’s first independent cinema, Cinema Akil, and plenty of spaces that host artisanal workshops. It is the city’s go-to destination for those looking to engage with though-provoking conversations with like-minded people. Learn More
Al Shindagha Museum
Head to Dubai Creek to explore the Al Shindagha Museum, a heritage museum that tells the story of the UAE’s transformation. The museum offers an immersive experience with state-of-the-art multimedia to talk about the birth of the city. Check out the Perfume House as well, where you can experience the olfactory history of the region and the role oud, saffron and damask roses play in Emirati hospitality. Book Now
Jameel Arts Centre
Set against the Jaddaf Waterfront, this minimalist arts space operates in the tradition of an independent kunsthalle, hosting thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions and public learning programmes. Its striking architecture, a cluster of white geometric pavilions interspersed with courtyards showcasing diverse desert biomes, mirrors its programming inside. With researched showcases that interrogate the intersection of humanity and ecology, it is an essential stop for the curious mind.
Featured image courtesy of Kamil Wantura
