Majid Al Futtaim, Dubai Culture and AUD launch AI-inspired public art

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Majid Al Futtaim has announced the winners 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 an  awards ceremony held at Distrikt located in Tilal Al Ghaf, the developer’s flagship resort-style community in Dubai. The competition was integrated into students’ studies and saw the participation from over 150 AUD students, resulting in more than 250 futuristic artworks. The initiative aims at fostering the next generation of design leaders, encourages students to envision Dubai’s position and rank over the upcoming 10 to 15 years and utilises state-of-the-art technology and artificial intelligence, to create artistic representations of the city’s future.

The artworks highlight 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 landscapes. Ahmed El Shamy, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “The students’ work illustrates the 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 Dhs15,000, with Ahmed Al Salman’s ‘Intertwine’ and Kareem Eid’s ‘Dynamic Quarters’ taking second place with a prize of Dhs10,000, and third place with a prize of Dhs5,000, respectively. Honourable mentions were also offered for Amira Kairatkyzy for ‘Eco Metropolis’ and Ayesha Alsuwaidi for ‘Tomorrow’. In AlObaidi’s design, the Burj Khalifa stands tall against a colourful sky, representing endless dreams with advanced buildings filling the scene, blending tradition with innovation. 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 curls enveloping and surrounding the building to reflect a sense of preservation.

The audience looks at the art.

Meanwhile, ‘Dynamic Quarters’ depicts an all-encompassing movable living complex which transforms urban living with an 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, Arts & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said: “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.”

Dr. Sabrina Joseph, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, American University in Dubai, said that “students at the American University in Dubai are part of the next generation of architects, designers, and artists. 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.” The selected artworks will be displayed on billboards throughout Tilal Al Ghaf, Majid Al Futtaim’s flagship community in the emirate. As part of the Dreamscapes initiative, Majid Al Futtaim has also released a documentary exploring the future of design and architecture in the age of artificial intelligence. It delves into the transformative potential of AI in the above fields, showcasing how the synergy between human creativity and advanced technology can revolutionise the approach to design.

Tilal Al Ghaf is Majid Al Futtaim’s flagship mixed-use community in Dubai. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), under the leadership of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is building bridges of constructive dialogue between various cultures to enhance Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Its joint venture with Majid Al Futtaim and AUD is in line with the UAE’s vision to establish a leading, proactive, and future-oriented educational model supported by AI technologies.

Participants at the event.

Since its establishment in 1995 as the first private university in Dubai, AUD has been at the forefront of American higher education in the UAE and the region, offering students from all over the world an authentic American university experience. It has a multicultural and diverse community, and a picturesque campus. AUD has developed partnerships with top universities in the world including Georgia Tech, Regents University London, Bocconi and Science Po as well as a new innovative double-degree programme, the International Progression Path in Business and Management (IPPBM), with Manchester Metropolitan University.  

Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is an Emirati-owned, diversified lifestyle conglomerate operating across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. It employs 43,000 people, with owned assets valued at US$18 billion and has the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately held corporates in the region. It owns and operates 29 shopping malls, seven hotels and four mixed-use communities, welcoming more than 600 million customers through its doors every year, with four indoor ski locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo and Oman, as well as family entertainment centres, Magic Planet and Little Explorers. It is the owner of the flagship Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt and Mall of Oman, with the iconic City Centre shopping malls rounding out its portfolio across the region. The Group is committed to becoming Net Positive in water and carbon by 2040.