Artist rendition of Dubai Expo 2020
Dubai is famous for its impressive megaprojects, just as well known for the speed that they're built. Investors have long since been drawn to the city for its continuous development that offers diverse opportunities for business, financial growth, and an international audience of consumers. 2021 promises to be another landmark year of progress, with more projects launching in the months ahead, but beyond their remarkable scope, Dubai has always felt beholden to a concept of local inspiration at the center of every project. Take a closer look past the impressive numbers, and you'll find the heart of the city firmly and proudly on display.
Expo 2020's Inspiring Theme
Originally scheduled for 2020, Expo 2020 Dubai has been rescheduled for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now scheduled to begin on 1 October 2021 and run until 31 March 2022, the Expo promises to bring participants from 190 countries worldwide. Expo 2020 Dubai will be a culmination of world-class achievements in the city and will celebrate inclusion and cooperation through the theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. Perhaps even more poignant after a tedious 2020, this theme promises to uphold Dubai's constant commitment to collaboration, unity, and progress. The months-long Expo will be the first World Expo in the region, and it will showcase local art, music, food, and more. Thematic milestones and events have become a commonplace occurrence in Dubai, designed to inspire and guide the mood of the city, instilled by the government and royal family. It's a constant reminder that Dubai finds strength in principle and positive values that reverberate across the city.
Dubai Creek Tower's Cultural Significance
Designed and engineered by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava after a competitive bid from six other firms, Dubai Creek Tower will add another peak to the impressive city skyline. While the main focus of the tower's construction centers around its height, towering over the current tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Creek Tower will become an iconic symbol of Dubai and the entire region.
In a statement by Calatrava:
"The building's design is inspired by the Islamic tradition, evoking the same history that brought the world the Alhambra and the Mosque of Cordoba. These architectural marvels combine elegance and beauty with mathematics and geometry. The design of the tower of Dubai Creek Harbour is rooted in classical art and the culture of Dubai itself."
The tower's design draws inspiration from the minarets of mosques and the sophisticated lily flower. From the tower's Skydeck, guests have an unmatched 360-degree view of the city. Dubai Creek Tower will also feature restaurants, a hotel, and venues for entertainment. While the project's due date is under some speculation after disrupted construction in 2020, some are still hopeful for a 2021 launch.
Dubai Square's Smart City Initiatives
Located in the same Dubai Creek Harbor development as the Creek Tower, Dubai Square will be yet another awe-inspiring structure. The new mall seeks to revolutionize the retail experience, outdoing yet another Dubai record. With 8 million square feet of proposed space, Dubai Square seeks to be the largest mall in the world, shadowing the current largest shopping center, The Dubai Mall. The project will feature all of the expected shopping, hotel, and recreational spaces, but in a continuous effort to rank Dubai as one of the world's smartest cities, technology will be at the forefront of the project, as Dubai Square will emphasize artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and drones to enhance the visitor experience. Dubai Square is slated to be one of the city's next big smart initiatives, along with being completely paperless and supported by a progressive Blockchain strategy.
With the ambitious plans slated for 2021, Dubai surges ahead in the face of global economic uncertainty in a post-COVID world. There's something to be said for the city's unabashed optimism that continues to inspire both local and prospective businesses to view Dubai as the reigning choice for investment and growth in the Middle East and beyond. The numbers and statistics for these projects are indeed impressive, but perhaps the most remarkable feature of all is Dubai's commitment to honoring its beloved history and culture.