We’ve had a strange couple of years, haven’t we?
By the standards of many cities there have been a wealth of openings, events and talking points.
But by Dubai’s incredible standards it was a little quiet.
While the spectre of the global coronavirus pandemic lingers on, we’re starting to see headline acts returning to the city and major developments putting the final polish before a grand opening.
2022 will see returning favourites such as world-renowned art, food, shopping and literature festivals that have become annual fixtures on the Dubai social calendar.
There is sure to be plenty of entertainment to look forward to, with comedy, theatre and music acts already booking venues.
Most intriguing of all are the new must-see venues about to open their doors. Stunning new hotels, high-profile restaurants and incredible new nightspots to explore. Oh, and the city’s coolest building will open up, too.
All signs point towards it being another incredible year lived at the speed of Dubai.
Check out our selection of 22 of the most exciting things to look forward to in 2022.
MAJOR NEW OPENINGS
Museum of the Future
Settle a debate for us – is this Sheikh Zayed Road attraction now Dubai’s coolest building? Seriously. We’ve watched it being built for years now and it already feels familiar, but we really think it might be the most beautiful building in the city.
There are taller buildings, the Burj Al Arab is obviously iconic and there are a few others that stand out, but this might actually be the finest and most postcard-worthy of them all. The torus-shaped museum has a stainless steel facade and features Arabic calligraphy including quotes from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Part of the distinctive writing reads “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 sentiment is certainly true here.
We can’t wait to step inside and see the exhibits which, unlike most museums, are forward-facing rather than retrospective, with visitors invited to go on a journey to 2071.
For details, visit www.museumofthefuture.ae
District 2020
The finest development of 2022 might already be here. Expo 2020 has been a phenomenal success and is attracting rave reviews from around the world. After the event draws to a close in March, a smart city focussed on innovation and technology will emerge. The country pavilions will all be packed up and sent home, but 80 percent of the project’s built environment will be repurposed as part of Expo’s sustainable goals.
What remains is the dawning of a new Dubai urban zone, aiming to attract businesses and entrepreneurs to sectors such as AI, big data and the Internet of Things. All sounds very impressive, but what does it mean?
Well, while Expo 2020 is currently the hottest ticket in town and a place we should all visit, it willis ultimately a long-term project and one where we live, work and rest.
For District 2020, Expo is just the start. It is earmarked as one of the key areas for growth in Dubai’s 2040 masterplan and will be one of the areas of greatest change in the years ahead. Watch this space.
New year, new weekend
In less than three weeks, life as we know it will change dramatically. Weekends in the UAE will shift to a Saturday-Sunday, with a half-day on Friday. The transition applies to all federal government employees, but schools across the UAE have already announced plans to adopt the new weekend and it is likely to roll out across the private sector. Team Time Out is making the move to a Saturday-Sunday weekend, while over in Sharjah, the entire emirate will work a four-day week (race you there).
As we gear up to starting our week on a Monday – and wait anxiously for Dubai’s finest restaurants to announce that they are moving their brunches to Saturdays – here’s a quick guide to the new-look week for a bold new year.
What’s happening?
Starting Saturday January 1, the new system gives federal government employees an eight-hour workday from Monday to Thursday. The day will start at 7.30am and end at 3.30pm. They will also work for four-and-a-half hours on Friday, from 7.30am to noon. Federal employees will have a two-and-a-half day long weekend. Friday sermons and prayers will be held after 1.15pm all year long in the UAE. There will also be flexible working hours and work-from-home options on Fridays.
Why is this taking place?
The move will align the UAE with global markets and the longer weekends are intended to “boost productivity and improve work-life balance”. Sounds good to us.
The World Islands
A whole new world is finally starting to appear on reclaimed land just off the Dubai coast.Anantara World Islands Dubai will open in the final days of 2021 and marks what could be a busy year for the World Islands. Situated in ‘South America’ it will be a luxury staycation retreat for anybody lucky enough to snag a booking at the 70 suites and beach villas.
We’re hoping the Anantara opening will be the first of many planned resorts in the most ambitious of mega-developments. Next up we could see the long-awaited Portofino Family Hotel in Dubai. It is part of the Heart of Europe cluster and will mimic the picturesque Italian fishing village. This hotel will cater only to families and is said to have more than 500 aquariums and a hanging garden.
When complete the first phase of the Heart Of Europe will also be home to the Sweden Beach Palace (where every ground floor includes a snow room) Germany Island, couple’s retreat Honeymoon Island (with a dedicated seven-star wedding hotel), underwater hotel Floating Venice and more.
The next phase of openings are expected Q1 in 2022. See www.thoe.com for details.