Dubai is a city synonymous with innovation and opulence, and if you’ve visited before you’ve probably noticed that it consistently raises the bar when it comes to cutting-edge technology.
Dubai museum and art galleries are prevalent, but if you’re particularly interested in AV tech, you might want to add the following attractions to your itinerary. Below, you’ll find a list of must-see immersive experiences in Dubai, from adrenaline-fueled racing to the more zen art exhibits and light shows.
Dubai Museum of the Future
Of all the experiences in Dubai that display cutting-edge AV tech, The Dubai Museum of the Future is by far the most impressive. Whether you’re going alone or bringing the kids along, there are must-see exhibits for visitors of all ages. The museum shows what the world might be like in the year 2071, starting with the potential of space travel. Climb aboard the space station OSS Hope and witness life from a community working and living in space – including a peek into their discoveries and inventions.
If you’d rather stay on land, check out the Heal Institute, a digital version of the Amazon rainforest, complete with mixed reality immersion. Experience the digital catharsis of repairing the dangers of climate change through the museum’s DNA library — a collection of thousands of species you’re in charge of identifying and collecting.
Burj Khalifa Light Show and Dubai Fountain
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, but that’s not the only record it holds. The Burj Khalifa LED light show broke the record for the largest light and sound show on a single structure in 2017. The original show was achieved through 17 miles of LED lights via an LED strip system installed on the building’s fins. Today, the show has morphed into an impressive display of colored lights and laser projections, creating shapes and pictures along the amazing structure’s exterior.
The light show was originally saved for only New Year’s Eve, but due to its popularity, you can catch it from May through December on Thursday through Sunday nights. In addition to the skyscraper, if you’re already in the area you can catch the Dubai Fountain light show. It’s actually the world’s tallest dancing fountain, and it runs every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm, daily.
Aya Universe
AYA Universe Dubai is an immersive attraction that transports visitors into a futuristic world, spanning an impressive 4,000 square meters. The extraordinary space offers twelve unique experiences that drop guests into radiant gardens, celestial bodies, and other impressive worlds that play on light. AYA leverages art and cutting-edge technology to delve into our ties to the Earth and cosmos, and if you're still unsure if it's worth your time, take it from those who have already paid it a visit.
Recent reviews claim that Aya is “A spectacular display of light and sounds,” and “an explosion of emotions and technology” perfect for adults or families with children. If you're particularly interested in getting some impressive photos to share via social media, the Luna, Flora, and Tides rooms will get you some Insta-worthy digital souvenirs.
Kanvas Dubai
Kanvas Dubai is an innovative space that comes to life at the intersection of creativity and modernity. Located in Dubai’s vibrant arts and culture district, Kanvas serves as a dynamic platform for artistic expression and community engagement. The venue is designed to accommodate a diverse range of artistic and cultural activities, from art exhibitions and performances to workshops and collaborative projects.
Currently, Kanvas is running two exhibits: the first, designed by Polina Gerasimova, highlights the remarkable contributions of 11 individuals with physical or sensory disabilities who have reshaped the world with their creativity and perseverance. Titled "Art with Disabilities," the exhibit combines immersive storytelling with innovative digital displays and interactive installations. The second exhibit, titled “Art in Light,” explores creativity through colors, shapes, and materials with a simple light bulb and an overhead projector.
Chaos Karts
Have you ever wanted to experience Mario Kart IRL? If you’re a fan of racing video games, you might want to check out Chaos Karts Dubai. The innovative entertainment concept combines the thrill of kart racing with augmented reality (AR) technology. The experience immerses you in a virtual world, and along with friends or AI opponents, you’ll cruise around digitally-projected racetracks. Unlike traditional go-karting, the obstacles, power-ups, and racetrack elements are all projected directly onto the track, making each race exciting and mostly unpredictable for the participants. Track layouts and game scenarios can be easily changed and updated, and as a result, Chaos Karts provides a unique and endlessly replayable experience.
Bonus: Immersive Dining in Dubai
If you’ve worked up an appetite after all the AV fun, here are two restaurants to check out for a truly immersive dining experience.
Zenon Dubai
Zenon, located at Kempinski Central Avenue in Downtown Dubai, offers a dining experience that blends innovation, art, and gastronomy. The restaurant features advanced LED displays, including a massive 30 million pixel screen indoors and a 31x30 meter waterfall screen on the terrace. The lighting system incorporates cutting-edge technology with Azure Kinect sensors that interact with guest movements, enhancing the immersive ambiance. For audio, Zenon uses 59 Funktion-One loudspeakers and 9 subwoofers, providing a club-like sound experience, tailored by UAE's pro AV specialists, EM-TEC.
For a deeper dive into Zenon Dubai, read AV on the Menu: Zenon Dubai Fuses Innovation and Tradition at their Immersive Restaurant.
Le Petit Chef Dubai
The dining experience of Le Petit Chef is a hit within cities around the world, and now you can experience it first-hand at Le Petit Chef Dubai, located within La Coco at Andaz Dubai the Palm. Le Petit Chef was introduced by Skullmapping, a creative team from Belgium, in 2015. The concept involves projecting a tiny, animated chef onto diners' plates to keep them entertained while waiting for their food. Diners enjoy a visual spectacle that lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, suitable for anyone aged six and over. The Le Petit Chef Dubai menu includes delectable dishes like pan fried scallops, wild mushroom parfait, and chocolate cremeux for dessert.
Ready to explore another city? Check out the top five AV attractions in Tokyo!
Main image credit: Getty/arcady_31
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