• Dubai's Museum of the Future has welcomed one million visitors over the past year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dubai's Museum of the Future has welcomed one million visitors over the past year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The museum opened to the public on February 22, 2022. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The museum opened to the public on February 22, 2022. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Museum of Future under construction in 2018. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Museum of Future under construction in 2018. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The museum's surface is adorned by Arabic calligraphy designed by the Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The museum's surface is adorned by Arabic calligraphy designed by the Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The museum features a dedicated space for children, helping to harness their love of learning. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
    The museum features a dedicated space for children, helping to harness their love of learning. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
  • A robotic dog on display. Photo: Museum of the Future
    A robotic dog on display. Photo: Museum of the Future
  • The museum sits on Sheikh Zayed Road. Photo: Museum of the Future
    The museum sits on Sheikh Zayed Road. Photo: Museum of the Future
  • UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi at the museum. AFP
    UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi at the museum. AFP
  • Qatar World Cup 2022 games were broadcast outside the museum. AFP
    Qatar World Cup 2022 games were broadcast outside the museum. AFP
  • A drone of an octopus at the Museum of the Future. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A drone of an octopus at the Museum of the Future. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The museum aimed to welcome one million visitors in its first year. AP
    The museum aimed to welcome one million visitors in its first year. AP

Dubai's Museum of the Future welcomes one million visitors in first year


Maan Jalal
  • English
  • Arabic

The Museum of the Future has welcomed one million visitors from 163 countries since opening one year ago.

The landmark attraction launched on February 22, 2022. It has a series of experiences created by designers, artists and filmmakers that combine elements of traditional exhibitions and immersive theatre to present visitors with a future they can explore and interact with.

"We pledged that the Museum of the Future would host one million visitors in its first year,” said the museum's chairman Mohammad Al Gergawi, who is also the Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

“And today we celebrate the achievement of this target and the launch of a new year for the museum, during which we will continue to design the future for a better world for all in the coming years and decades.”

Since its opening, the museum has achieved several other milestones. The seven-storey, 77 metres high structure, has won 10 international awards. It was also listed by National Geographic as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world — before even opening.

It also hosted 180 global activations and events spanning culture, entrepreneurship, space, technology and tourism.

“The Museum of the Future has become a global symbol of the future and a key regional and international hub for the advancement of science and knowledge-sharing,” said Al Gergawi.

Designed by Killa Design, the museum’s unique facade consists of 1,024 stainless steel plates manufactured entirely by robots.

The surface is adorned by Arabic calligraphy designed by the Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej.

Bin Lahej used quotes by Sheikh Mohammed, including one that reads: “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone.”

Construction of the Museum of the Future - in pictures

  • Shaun Killa, the architect who designed Dubai's Museum of the Future, with a model of the museum at his Killa Design offices in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Shaun Killa, the architect who designed Dubai's Museum of the Future, with a model of the museum at his Killa Design offices in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • An elevation sketch of the Museum of the Future. Photo: Killa Design
    An elevation sketch of the Museum of the Future. Photo: Killa Design
  • A longitude section sketch of the Museum of the Future. Photo: Killa Design
    A longitude section sketch of the Museum of the Future. Photo: Killa Design
  • Construction of Museum of the Future. It does not have traditional support columns but is a steel diagrid – a framework of diagonally intersecting metal. Photo: Killa Design
    Construction of Museum of the Future. It does not have traditional support columns but is a steel diagrid – a framework of diagonally intersecting metal. Photo: Killa Design
  • The floorplan diagram of the Museum of the Future. Photo: Killa Design
    The floorplan diagram of the Museum of the Future. Photo: Killa Design
  • Sophisticated computer modelling was used to design the museum. Photo: Killa Design
    Sophisticated computer modelling was used to design the museum. Photo: Killa Design
  • Designers used AI and techniques from aircraft and submarine design to build the structure. Photo: Killa Design
    Designers used AI and techniques from aircraft and submarine design to build the structure. Photo: Killa Design
  • The Museum of the Future took several years to build. Photo: Killa Design
    The Museum of the Future took several years to build. Photo: Killa Design
  • The Museum of the Future rising above the Dubai Metro. Victor Besa / The National National
    The Museum of the Future rising above the Dubai Metro. Victor Besa / The National National
  • The Museum of the Future, seen here in 2018, edges higher on the skyline. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Museum of the Future, seen here in 2018, edges higher on the skyline. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The diagrid framework before the facade was added. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The diagrid framework before the facade was added. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The opening ceremony of the Museum of the Future in February 2022. Its stainless steel facade consists of 1,024 pieces. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The opening ceremony of the Museum of the Future in February 2022. Its stainless steel facade consists of 1,024 pieces. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Visitors explore the Museum of the Future. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Visitors explore the Museum of the Future. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Inside the Museum of the Future with its distinctive double staircase on the left. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Inside the Museum of the Future with its distinctive double staircase on the left. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A futuristic exhibition hall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A futuristic exhibition hall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A museum visitor looks out a virtual window to an imagined future Dubai cityscape. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A museum visitor looks out a virtual window to an imagined future Dubai cityscape. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Museum of the Future is one of Dubai's must-see attractions. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Museum of the Future is one of Dubai's must-see attractions. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Shaun Killa, of Killa Design, who designed the Museum of the Future. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Shaun Killa, of Killa Design, who designed the Museum of the Future. Antonie Robertson / The National
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The specs: 2019 Haval H6

Price, base: Dh69,900

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km

Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Sun jukebox

Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)

This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.

Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)

The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.

Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)

Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.

Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.

Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)

An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)

Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.

Three tips from La Perle's performers

1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.

2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.

3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.

MATCH INFO

Manchester United 2 (Heaton (og) 42', Lindelof 64')

Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 11', Mings 66')

Episode list:

Ep1: A recovery like no other- the unevenness of the economic recovery 

Ep2: PCR and jobs - the future of work - new trends and challenges 

Ep3: The recovery and global trade disruptions - globalisation post-pandemic 

Ep4: Inflation- services and goods - debt risks 

Ep5: Travel and tourism 

Cracks in the Wall

Ben White, Pluto Press 

'Worse than a prison sentence'

Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.

“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.

“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.

“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.

“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.

“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

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Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

Jordan cabinet changes

In

  • Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
  • Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
  • Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
  • Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
  • Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
  • Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth

Out

  • Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
  • Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
  • Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
  • Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
  • Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
  • Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
  • Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
  • Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
  • Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: CVT auto

Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km

On sale: now

Price: from Dh195,000 

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Director: James Gray

Stars: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones

Five out of five stars 

Updated: February 22, 2023, 9:25 AM