Majid Al Futtaim today announced the finalists of ‘Dreamscapes: Envisioning the Future of Dubai with AI’, a design competition held in collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and American University in Dubai (AUD).
The winning entries were revealed at a dedicated awards ceremony held at Distrikt located within Tilal Al Ghaf, the developer’s flagship resort-style community in Dubai. Notable attendees included Ahmed El Shamy, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Properties; Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, Chief Executive Officer of the Arts & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture; and Dr. Sabrina Joseph, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, American University in Dubai, alongside all participating students.
In line with the UAE’s vision to establish a leading, proactive, and future-oriented educational model which provides an optimal learning environment supported by AI technologies, the competition was integrated into the students’ studies and saw participation from over 150 AUD students, resulting in more than 250 futuristic artworks. The competition, aimed at fostering the next generation of design leaders, encouraged students to envision Dubai’s over the next 10 to 15 years, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and artificial intelligence to create artistic representations of the city’s future.
The artworks highlighted at Dreamscapes display themes of culture, sustainability, community, placemaking, and technology, showcasing elements of Dubai’s success, including its rich heritage, commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusive spirit, innovative approach to living, and diverse built landscape.
Ahmed El Shamy, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “Supporting future generations is essential for driving innovation and this competition is a prime example of how collaboration between the private, public, and academic sectors can help drive progress at the grassroots level and push creative boundaries. Beyond aesthetics, AI will play an increasingly vital role in architecture and urban design, helping to conceive buildings, cities, and living spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable, human-centric, and capable of meeting our future needs. The students’ work illustrates this transformative potential of AI, offering a glimpse into the future possibilities for our city, and we are delighted to see their visions help shape Dubai’s future as a leading smart city.
The winning design, titled ‘Tomorrow’s Horizons’, was submitted by Abbas AlObaidi and received an award of AED 15,000, with Ahmed Al Salman’s ‘Intertwine’ and Kareem Eid’s ‘Dynamic Quarters’ taking second place with a prize of AED 10,000, and third place with a prize of AED 5,000, respectively. Honorable mentions were also given to Amira Kairatkyzy for ‘Eco Metropolis’ and Ayesha Alsuwaidi for ‘Tomorrow’.
In AlObaidi’s design, the Burj Khalifa stands tall against a colorful sky, representing endless dreams with advanced buildings filling the scene, blending tradition with innovation. Also, featuring the iconic skyscraper, Ahmed Al Salman’s ‘Intertwine’ takes inspiration from Zaha Hadid’s unique architectural style, renowned for its fluid forms and sleek curves, incorporating curves enveloping and surrounding the building to reflect a sense of preservation. Meanwhile, ‘Dynamic Quarters’ depicts an all-encompassing movable living complex which transforms urban living with its innovative use of maglev train tracks, ensuring smooth, sustainable movement across the cityscape and offering residents a constantly evolving perspective and dynamic lifestyle.
Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, commented on the significance of the Dreamscapes competition and its role in inspiring talented individuals to express their creative visions and future projections for Dubai, saying, “Dubai continues to shape the future with initiatives aimed at leveraging technology and showcasing the importance of AI in various fields. This is embodied in the artistic works presented by the Dreamscapes design competition to inspire future generations and equip them with new tools to enhance their knowledge and creativity. The Authority is proud of its partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Properties and the American University in Dubai to enrich the local cultural and artistic scene.”
In line with Dubai Culture’s mission to establish Dubai’s position on the global cultural map, all selected artworks will be displayed on billboards throughout Tilal Al Ghaf, Majid Al Futtaim’s flagship community in the emirate.
Dr. Sabrina Joseph, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, American University in Dubai, added: “Students at the American University in Dubai are part of the next generation of architects, designers, and artists. Underscoring our commitment to fostering industry partnerships to enhance educational offerings, AUD proud to have collaborated once again with Majid Al Futtaim, alongside Dubai Culture, for this competition which offered our students the opportunity to play an integral role in shaping the visual identity of Dubai’s future. Working with AI as a co-pilot—a powerful tool that will push the boundaries of design – the chosen designs exemplify how the interplay of human creativity and AI promises to unleash a new era of innovation.”
As part of the Dreamscapes initiative, Majid Al Futtaim has released an insightful documentary exploring the future of design and architecture in the age of artificial intelligence. It delves into the transformative potential of AI in these fields, showcasing how the synergy between human creativity and advanced technology can revolutionize our approach to design.