Nakheel’s Souk Al Marfa, Dubai’s newest wholesale marketplace, opens to the public…reports Asian Lite News
Souk Al Marfa, the new waterfront souk and marketplace by Nakheel, opens its first phase, featuring 400 stores across various categories, on Wednesday, 18 August 2021.
Dubai’s newest wholesale market opens
Strategically located at Deira Islands, the fully air-conditioned souk is a centralised, one-stop-shop, stretching 1.9 kilometres along the waterfront. Dubai’s residents and visitors can shop for a huge range of items, including carpets, lights, spices, fashion, electronics and more, and explore the authentic Thai Market offering Thai food, handicraft, street food and clothing. Souk Al Marfa also features Mohideen supermarket and a range of fast-food restaurants.
Designed as an indoor marketplace, Souk Al Marfa brings together businesses from local and international backgrounds in the form of small kiosks, retail stores, showrooms, and street food markets, at the first retail destination on Deira Islands.
Shops now open at Souk Al Marfa
OMAR KHOORY, CHIEF ASSETS & HOSPITALITY OFFICER, NAKHEEL: “The opening of Souk Al Marfa is an exciting milestone for the UAE, Dubai and Nakheel, bringing us a step closer to cementing Dubai’s position as the world’s third-largest re-exporting hub. Souk Al Marfa provides affordable growth opportunities to traders across the country, with the potential to ship and import directly to its shops and pavilions, and promises a diverse, large-scale shopping experience for customers. In this first phase, over 1,000 stores will open over the coming weeks, with a wider expansion in phase two towards the end of the year. When fully operational, Souk Al Marfa will be the UAE’s largest wholesale souk and waterfront destination.”
Located at Deira Islands, a stone’s throw from Dubai’s oldest and most traditional trading hub, Souk Al Marfa is within easy reach of the Riu Dubai and the soon-to-open Centara Mirage Deira Islands Beach Resort. It is also easily accessible from other parts of Dubai, Sharjah and the northern emirates.
Souk Al Marfa opens to public
Souk Al Marfa has 4,000 onsite parking spots, and public transport is readily available, with free RTA buses from Gold Souk daily from 6am to 11pm until 1 September, after which regular fares will apply.
Toyota Corolla achieves a global sales milestone of 50 million vehicles…reports Asian Lite News
Further strengthening the 55-year legacy of its best-selling vehicle, Al-Futtaim Toyota has announced that the iconic Corolla model has surpassed sales of 50 million units worldwide. The incredible milestone underlines the enduring appeal of the much-loved model, which is globally renowned for providing low operating costs and reliable, trouble-free motoring stemming from quality engineering, together with outstanding comfort levels.
1974-Corolla–3rd-generation-
ANDY BARRATT, MANAGING DIRECTOR, AL-FUTTAIM TOYOTA: “We are proud to have achieved this fantastic milestone, which demonstrates the huge impact the Corolla has had on people’s lives, not just here in the UAE but around the world. Being the world’s best-selling car speaks volumes about the satisfaction and loyalty our customers have towards Corolla and the Toyota brand. Corolla’s legendary reputation for quality and reliability, combined with its exceptional comfort and efficiency, has led to these incredible sales. I would like to thank all of our past, present, and future customers for placing their trust in us.”
Since its launch in 1966, the Corolla series has continued to evolve in line with the needs of the times and remains a highly popular choice among drivers. New advanced features and functions have been introduced to suit the expectations of customers, all while inheriting the original model’s core DNA―reliability and usability―from the very first generation.
1970-Corolla–2nd-generation-
Exemplifying Toyota’s continuous commitment to providing environmentally-friendly vehicles is the addition of a hybrid electric (HEV) model, which combines two power sources consisting of a petrol engine and two electric motors. The class-leading model offers the lowest fuel consumption value in its category at 27.6km/L, enabling customers to contribute to a greener future while enjoying the increased driving satisfaction provided by its advanced technologies. The HEV model offers exceptional cabin quietness and smooth acceleration, especially when accelerating from a stand-still.
Swiss Arabian, UAE’s first fragrance house takes a stride forward in digital transformation to enhance customer experience…reports Asian Lite News
With a vision to adapt to a time where technology is at its peak, Swiss Arabian looks to innovate and adapt to the modern-day digital era by incorporating a 3D virtual tour of the showroom at Dubai Mall, and online fragrance quiz to provide a more tailored array of choices.
As UAE’s fragrance pioneer, Swiss Arabian bridges a piece of UAE’s heritage with the digital world we live in today to continue adapting to accommodate its customers.
Swiss Arabian
Virtual Showroom
The retail industry significantly shifted over the past year as companies began combining their online platforms and physical showrooms to provide an overall holistic customer experience. Ensuring online shoppers are receiving a personalized service as they would in-store, Swiss Arabian has incorporated a 3D virtual showroom on their website, bringing that human connection to their customers regardless of location.
Fragrance Finder
Swiss Arabian has also launched their online fragrance finder to help narrow down the customers preference, bringing to life that real-time connection a customer would have with an in-store associate. The fragrance finder begins with asking the user simple questions, such as their gender and fragrance style – to more detailed questions such as personality type. Once the quiz is over, the website will present a list of tailored options to choose from.
The architecture of Israel’s pavilion is an inspiration from the arid landscapes of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries…reports Asian Lite News
The Israeli pavilion, produced by AVS, a company headed by Malki Shem-Tov, and designed by Knafo Klimor Architects, is 15 meters (M) high and 1,550 square meters (SQM) built up area.
The architecture draws its inspiration from the arid landscapes of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. The pavilion adopts the shape of sand dunes and shaded Middle Eastern streets. These dunes are framed by seven LED screen gates at 15M high using 630SQM LED panels, creating a significant open space for people to gather, discuss and share ideas. The Israeli pavilion plot area comprises a built indoor area of 765SQM with an additional outer shaded area of 828SQM. The Dune surface area is 986SQM.
360 Degree Room
The dunes sit on a raft foundation, the pavilion has a steel structure prepared in the workshop in Dubai and assembled on-site using dry connections and multiple, approved, cladding materials for the finish. The dune floor is formed using a thin layer of concrete on top of a trapezoidal steel paneled structure to create the dune’s unique geometry, this is then topped with sand-colored, recycled rubber.
David Knafo, Managing Director of Knafo Kilmore architects said: “The Israel pavilion offers an open space, a dune surrounded by seven gates reflecting joy and hope. The dune offers a place where imagination can create a breakthrough for the future of our planet, its ecological diversity and the preservation of human heritage. The present climate and ecological crisis call for urgent mobilisation of global good will, new technologies, inventions and close partnerships, in order to create new horizons for the next generations.”
The pavilion, spearheaded by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses many unique and smart elements. The LED screen wall can be used by the visitor as a game engagement with people in Israel, as well as have certain control over the live presented content. These LED screens are also the cladding material of the seven gates inner walls. The LED screens will be presenting a variety of images and videos showcasing varied and timely content, such as; reducing world hunger, protecting nature, energy for everyone, water conservation and adaptation for arid countries, health technologies and cyber security. The dune level is also equipped with virtual reality binoculars, allowing visitors to experience the landscape of Israel.
On top of the dune, there is a large, illuminated, feature sign, 15m long and 5m high, using an aluminium structure with a translucent front cover and LED lighting fixtures inside. The sign is formed from letters in “Aravrit”, a font invented by the typographer, Liron Lavi Turkenich. Aravit is a hybrid of two local scripts, combining Hebrew and Arabic characters. Each letter is composed of Arabic on the upper half and Hebrew on the lower half. The meaning of the sign text in both languages is the same, “Towards Tomorrow”.
Seven Gates of the Israel Pavilion
In the main hall inside the pavilion, a 360-degree immersive show on 250SQM of screen, will present the Israeli innovation for a better future. The challenges of our time in medicine and healthcare, in food production and agriculture, in communication and space and in many other critical aspects of human life.
The pavilion creates a microcosm, with a temperate microclimate achieved using shading and sprinklers. The pavilion is designed to be demolished after the expo ends and except for the concrete floor, all the construction material and elements will be recycled.
DAVID KNAFO, MD, KNAFO KILMORE ARCHITECTS: “The Israel pavilion offers an open space, a dune surrounded by seven gates reflecting joy and hope. The dune offers a place where imagination can create a breakthrough for the future of our planet, its ecological diversity and the preservation of human heritage. The present climate and ecological crisis call for urgent mobilisation of global good will, new technologies, inventions and close partnerships, in order to create new horizons for the next generations.”
Elazar Cohen, Commissioner General of the Israel Pavilion said: “Our Pavilion reflects the Israeli spirit, which has made us who we are. We are composed of various peoples and cultures. We may walk different paths but we all share today’s same great challenges. We are looking to connect our minds and solves these challenges together.”
This open space overlooking Expo Park is a place to connect minds and find solutions to today’s human issues. The Israeli pavilion echoes the urgent need to reinvent our future by sharing technology achievements, scientific invention and novel ideas for the benefit of all.
the Middle Eastern star met his wax figure for the very first time inside the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai
A wax figure of the celebrated performer, recording artist, and humanitarian Mohammed Assaf will join the star-studded ensemble at Madame Tussauds Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
The excitement surrounding the opening of the globally renowned attraction Madame Tussauds Dubai has increased further with the news that a wax figure of the celebrated performer, recording artist, and humanitarian Mohammed Assaf will join the star-studded ensemble.
He was introduced to his wax figure during a truly memorable ‘side by side’ unveiling held in partnership between Madame Tussauds and Ain Dubai. The singing sensation was also given the honour of being the first celebrity to step foot inside one of Ain Dubai’s 48 uber-luxurious cabins. Ain Dubai is the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel standing at over 250 metres located right next door to Madame Tussauds Dubai.
Mohammed has captured hearts and enthralled fans ever since the Palestinian singer famously won the second series of Arab Idol in 2013 – an event watched by millions around the world and celebrated in unprecedented fashion across Gaza. His incredible rags-to-riches story was later turned into the 2015 biopic The Idol, directed by the renowned filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad.
The Middle Eastern star met his wax figure for the very first time inside the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai
Born Mohammad Jaber Abdul Rahman Assaf on the 1st September 1989 in Misrata, Libya, from the age of four Mohammad grew up in the overcrowded Khan Yunis refugee camp on the Gaza Strip. A true champion of the region and its people, the star has never forgotten his roots and has continually used his success as a force for good and a means for raising awareness about the Palestinian cause. His ongoing hard work and commitment to his home country have been well recognised; in 2013 Mohammad was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for Peace by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the Palestinian government also named him an Ambassador of Arts and Culture.
Reflecting on his career and the role that his heritage has played Mohammed has said: “I do feel that I have a responsibility towards my people to carry their voices, their dreams, their hopes to the world so they can be heard”. His most recent album ‘Stories about Palestine’ is described as a message of love to his home country and loyal fans and now that his figure will appear at Madame Tussauds Dubai, visitors will be able to share his journey like never before.
Mohammed Assaf singer comments, “Today marks a very special occasion as I got to uncover my wax figure. I am very happy to be featured among some of the biggest names in the world at Madame Tussauds when it opens later this year in the beautiful city of Dubai. I am very impressed with the resemblance the figure holds to me and I cannot wait for everyone to visit the attraction and see it.”
The striking likeness between Mohammed and his figure is the result of a huge amount of time and hard work and began when an expert team of Madame Tussauds’ sculptors travelled to Dubai to observe him, documenting over 500 of his precisely detailed movements. Armed with this information and insights, they then set to work in London, spending three months intricately crafting the figure by hand, even inserting real hair, strand by strand.
Decked out in one of his very own exquisite suits, which he donated to Madame Tussauds, Mohammed’s figure will have a permanent spot in what will be one of the most extravagant – and exclusive – A-list party rooms in the world. Styled as a glamorous desert oasis, visitors will have the chance to first rub shoulders (and take selfies) with wax figures of an array of internationally adored movie stars and musicians – including of course Mohammed – before strutting their stuff on the dance floor, as the DJ plays all the latest hits.
Sanaz Kollsrud, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Dubai comments, “It’s an honour to reveal our second side-by-side figure and offer a glimpse into the magic that is Madame Tussauds. Mohammed is a true star of the Arab world, and we can’t wait to welcome his fans to the attraction when it opens. Thank you to our location partner and neighbour on Bluewaters, Ain Dubai, for giving us the opportunity to host this special event at your exceptional attraction.”
the Middle Eastern star met his wax figure for the very first time inside the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai
Quite literally an all-star destination, the world-famous wax attraction located within sophisticated, must-visit island destination Bluewaters, will be the first of its kind in the GCC. Excitement levels surrounding the opening have been growing for some time now and the wait is nearly over; the attraction will welcome its first visitors later this year and promises to provide a star-studded experience like no other in the UAE, with wax figures of over 60 global celebrities, including 16 brand-new figures from the Middle East, notably Balqees Fathi, Maya Diab, and Nancy Ajram.
Thanks to the seven themed rooms, a visit to Madame Tussauds Dubai will be an immersive, interactive one that will thrill all ages and offer something for every taste and interest – from football fans to fashion fiends, aspiring actors, and artists looking to meet their heroes and those keen to encounter an esteemed political or historical figure.
Madame Tussauds Dubai will be located next to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, and will further enhance the area’s reputation as one of Dubai’s most attractive and vibrant spots.
Israel announces cultural highlight events at the Dubai Expo 2020…reports Asian Lite News
Israel’s pavilion at EXPO2020 announces its series of cultural and entertainment events that will take place during the EXPO2020 in Dubai from 1st October 2021 – 31st March 2022.
Highlights include; January 9th, 2022, which will see the celebration of Israel’s National Day. Israel’s High state officials, will be in attendance to launch celebrations. On the 22nd and 23rd, there will be a special performance by the Jerusalem East and West Orchestra conducted by Israeli Maestro Tom Cohen.
Infected-Mushroom-Image-by-Ohad-Kab.
Israel’s culture and entertainment schedule will include more than 20 events and shows, hosted in the Israeli pavilion, additionally, every Thursday evening, the pavilion will celebrate with a party, Israeli style.
The events will proudly present Israel’s unique culture, which includes a huge amount of cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity. As part of Middle Eastern culture, the ongoing dialogue between East and West and between tradition and innovation will be celebrated and felt by all.
Most events will feature musical performances – as according to Josh Bendit, Israel’s Pavilion Director: “Music, as an international language, overcomes language barriers and brings hearts and senses together. Our music beats to the rhythm of unity between different cultures that come together from all over the world.” In addition, the pavilion will host street theatre performances, culinary events and feature key Israeli art exhibitions.
Among the famous names performing at the Israeli pavilion are:
• Yemen Blues, led by the musician Ravid Kahlani
• The band Anna RF
• Quarter To Africa
• The Gil-Ron Shema Ensemble
• The Paran Ensemble
• The Firkaat-El Nur Orchestra and many more.
Israel’s most renowned music group, Infected Mushrooms, is set to stage its first-ever, large-scale, UAE concert, hosted in the Jubilee Park on December 13th, 2021.
Other destination countries of note include Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the US….reports Asian Lite News
Dubai Airports is projecting robust growth for Dubai International (DXB) in the second half of the year after the airport clocked 10.6 million passengers in the first six months of 2021 despite travel restrictions affecting its key source markets throughout the second quarter.
India continued to be DXB’s top destination country by traffic volume in the first half with passenger numbers exceeding 1.9 million. Pakistan was second with 700,074 customers, followed by Russia (406,209 pax) and Egypt (401,361 pax).
Other destination countries of note include Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the US. The top three cities by traffic were Addis Ababa (354,804 pax), followed by Cairo (345,886 pax) and Moscow (344,175).
According to the latest figures issued by Airports Council International (ACI), DXB remains the world’s busiest airport for international passengers after retaining the title for the seventh consecutive year for annual traffic in 2020.
DXB holds a significant lead over other international airports and has nearly twice the passenger traffic of the next busiest global hub in the Middle East, said a Dubai Airports press release on Wednesday.
“In anticipation of the robust recovery of global air travel, we started the second half on a high note by reopening Terminal 1 and Concourse D – the home terminal for our 60 international carriers, after 15 months of hibernation to accommodate the seasonal rush of travellers over the summer holidays. This was essential to facilitate the continued expansion of the route networks of our home base carriers Emirates and flydubai, whose joint network currently spanning 168 destinations continues to grow,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.
He added, “We have already witnessed some of our busiest weekends of the year in July, and with major international events such as the Dubai Expo 2020 and Dubai Airshow 2021 lined up for the months ahead, the outlook for 2021 in terms of passenger numbers looks very promising.”
Griffiths stated that the UK’s recent decision to move the UAE to the “Amber list” and the UAE’s conditional lifting of travel restrictions for passengers arriving from four countries in the Indian subcontinent as well as Nigeria and Uganda are major developments that will significantly boost DXB’s international traffic while enabling social and economic recovery.
However, he noted that the campaign to safely relax restrictions on global air travel will continue apace, in recognition of the UAE’s world-leading vaccination programme and successful management of the global pandemic.
DXB’s passenger volumes in the second quarter totalled 4.9 million, taking the half-yearly figure for the year to 10.6 million, a year on year contraction of 40.9 percent. DXB is currently serving 68 percent of the destinations in 94 percent of the countries on 70 percent of the airlines compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kicking off with the high adrenaline Spy Action genre, the campaign will see a series of exciting new content launching in sequence to keep audiences guessing and anticipating….reports Asian Lite News
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has launched its latest global campaign, featuring superstars Jessica Alba and Zac Efron, as it continues to drive global travel recovery and growth.
Dubai Presents – filmed by Director’s Guild award-winning director Craig Gillespie of recent Cruella movie fame – takes a unique perspective to global destination advertising, using a highly stylised movie trailer approach to create engaging content, backdropped by some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks and unique hidden locations.
Kicking off with the high adrenaline Spy Action genre, the campaign will see a series of exciting new content launching in sequence to keep audiences guessing and anticipating. Building on the hugely successful campaign film, ‘A Story Takes Flight’ released by Dubai Tourism in 2019 and featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Zoe Saldana; this new campaign will see more than 2,000 assets released in 27 countries across 16 languages via cinema, print, broadcast, out of home, digital and social media channels.
Dubai recently marked a year since it reopened its doors to international travellers. Data from Dubai Tourism shows that the city welcomed 4.1 million overnight visitors in a 12-month period from July 2020 to June 2021. This figure underscores the leading role that Dubai continues to play in global tourism recovery offering a safe, appealing, and memorable experience for travellers.
Dubai was one of the first cities globally to reopen its markets and businesses, and continues to stay open. The gradual implementation of a multi-phase recovery programme saw Dubai opening for domestic tourists in May 2020 and international tourists in July 2020. The UAE also has one of the world’s highest per capita vaccination rates.
“Premiering with the Spy-Action trailer, this latest campaign uniquely weaves the art of cinema to showcase Dubai as a truly multifaceted city,” Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) commented.
“Dubai Presents builds on the successes of our most prominent brand campaigns and marks the next evolution in our marketing strategy as we continue to innovate our platform that not only highlights the city’s iconic locations, enviable lifestyle and infrastructure, but also celebrates Dubai’s appeal as a hub for creative talent in cinema, music, art and design.”
“In this landmark year of Expo 2020 and the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, Dubai Presents invites the world to join us as we showcase the best of the city’s offerings, world-class experiences and infrastructure for global travellers and residents alike, cementing its global appeal as the best city in the world to live in, work and visit,” he added.
Drawing on the city’s status as a global creative hub and a beacon for the international, regional and local community of filmmakers, content creators, and other aspiring creatives, the campaign features storytelling and content creation in all forms.
“Being able to play multiple characters across the series gave me an opportunity to see the city in ways I wouldn’t have imagined,” actress, author and founder of The Honest Company Jessica Alba said. “One moment I was winding my way through the spice souk in Old Dubai, and the next I was on the top floor of the iconic Burj Al Arab performing my own stunt sequence for an action scene. Dubai has so much to offer- from beautiful locations to the amazing food and an energy to match, I loved every part of it.”
Award-winning actor and producer Zac Efron commented: “I’ve been to Dubai previously but I was never able to truly appreciate the city in this way. Despite the fact that I travel often, it is rare to get to have the time and the opportunity to really explore and enjoy the city’s offerings. The desert was particularly special to me such a peaceful and calm landscape and unlike anything I had ever seen. The people of Dubai were incredibly warm and hospitable and invited me to enjoy the culture by their side. I love the idea of discovery and exploration and Dubai did not disappoint.”
Craig Gillespie said that the most exciting thing about the project was being able to use the art of cinema to showcase just how dynamic and diverse Dubai can be.
“For some it is the ultimate luxe adventure, for others, it is a romantic getaway with quirks and nostalgia or an eye-opening journey to discovering culture and heritage,” he said.
The increase in net profit for the period is mainly due to enhanced performance of the manufacturing and contracting and investment segments…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai Investments on Thursday reported a 47 percent surge in net profits to AED302 million for the six months ended 30th June 2021 as compared to AED205 million for the same period last year.
The increase in net profit for the period is mainly due to enhanced performance of the manufacturing and contracting and investment segments, the company said in a statement on Thursday.
Total income for the period also increased by 51 percent to AED1.72 billion as compared to AED1.14 billion for the previous period as the Group ramped up sales in its property segment.
The Group acquired an additional 21.53 percent interest in National General Insurance PJSC (NGI) during the current reporting period. Subsequently, the Group has further acquired 15.19 percent interest in NGI, taking its total stake to 45.18 percent.
Commenting on the financial results, Khalid bin Kalban, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Investments, said, “We’re pleased to see that our activities in the first half of the year have led to all-around growth that is quite promising. As we move forward with our plans for the latter half of 2021, we expect to continue building on the momentum and successes achieved so far.
“Key amongst these is our commitment to diversifying into healthcare and education, as well as focus on real estate, including the ongoing development of mixed-use communities in Mirdif Hills and Fujairah. We also continue to explore opportunities for sustainable growth across the sectors that we operate in and look forward to sharing updates on these in due course.”
The Museum of the Future, an architectural marvel that sits at the bustling heart of Dubai, is set to become a new global landmark once complete….reports Asian Lite News
The National Geographic has listed Dubai’s ‘Museum of the Future’ as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world for its astounding architecture and sophisticated technological innovations.
The Museum of the Future, an architectural marvel that sits at the bustling heart of Dubai, is set to become a new global landmark once complete.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, said the selection of the Museum of the Future as a major world icon, even before its completion, captures the UAE’s leading status in innovation, design and architecture.
“Dubai has established itself as a centre for creativity, thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The emirate’s ambitions are reflected in an engineering miracle like Dubai’s Museum of the Future that has been globally recognised as the world’s most beautiful museums even before its completion.”
Al Gergawi added, “The museum presents the UAE’s and the world’s gateway to the future with its design and latest technologies. The engineering icon positions Dubai as a testbed for emerging technologies and an exploration base for talents, inventors and creative professionals from all over the world to unravel the greatest challenges that will shape the future of humanity. Once complete, the museum will give visitors a glimpse of the future.”
Over 49 years, the UAE has become a guiding light for the world. National day honors the people who built this nation.
Tonight, we celebrate the vision of those from our proud past, with 49 lights shining out from the Museum of the Future. #MOTFLighTShowpic.twitter.com/72rnnJ4cnu
Spanning an area of 30,000 square metres, the seven-storey pillarless structure stands at 77 metres high. The stainless-steel facade, which extends over 17,000 square metres, is illuminated by 14,000 metres of Arabic calligraphy designed by the Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej.
The Museum is also linked by two bridges, the first extending to Jumeirah Emirates Towers, with a length of 69 metres, and the second linking it to the Emirates Towers metro station, with a length of 212 metres.
The Arabic calligraphy that adorns the facade include quotes by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Among the quotes are: “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone.” and “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it… The future does not wait… The future can be designed and built today.”
The facade consists of 1,024 plates manufactured entirely by robots in a first-of-its-kind venture in the Middle East. Each plate of the facade consists of four layers, and each layer has been created after following 16 process steps. The installation period of the external facade lasted for more than 18 months, and each of the panels installed separately.
A model for sustainability in creative design, Dubai’s Museum of the Future is powered by 4,000 megawatts of solar energy produced by a station connected to the building, in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. Upon completion, the museum will be the first of its kind in the Middle East to obtain a Platinum Certification for Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design, the highest rating for green buildings in the world.
The park surrounding the museum contains 80 species of plants, equipped with a state-of-the-art intelligent and automatic irrigation system.
The Museum of the Future has won the Tikla International Building Award as a unique architectural model. Autodesk Design Software stated that the Museum is one of the most innovative buildings in the world. The building was designed by Engineer Sean Keila.
