‘The Soul of Dubai – Cultural Experiences’ project, which aims to shed light on the essence and features of Emirati culture in Dubai and highlight its authentic traditions, continues to attract creative talents to participate, recounting their cultural experiences and adventures in Dubai. The aim is to highlight the emirate’s touristic destinations and inspiring cultural landmarks to residents and tourists, including visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai.

Peyman Rashid Al Awadhihighlighted the itinerary of his cultural journey in Dubai and the most prominent heritage and cultural places he visited during this trip, saying: “I visited Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the Coffee Museum, the Meena Bazaar, the Gold Souq, and Al Bait Alqadeem Restaurant and Café.”

Al Awadhi touched on the importance of cultural treasures and the resulting experiences to motivate and encourage residents and visitors to explore them, adding: “Exploring the region’s diverse coffee culture, understanding true hospitality, diving into the vast culture of commerce, and understanding the multiple and heterogeneous human relationships is both fun and important.On a personal level, the experience succeeded in reviving my childhood memories and, more importantly, through the places I visited, I was able to learn so much.”

Al Awadhi added: “Dubai has forever been about the future; it is consistently developing, which is ideal for people with ambitions and dreams. Dubai is everything; once you live here, nowhere else is will ever be good enough.”

Sofiane Si Merabet said: “After studying political science and business, I started a career in luxury marketing between Paris and Dubai.I then launched a cultural project about Arab culture titled ‘The Confused Arab.’  The project focuses on nostalgia towards creating a link between Arabs from several regions and the diaspora.”

Merabet added: “Thanks to Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, I participated in Sikka Art Fair, a platform for young artists, in 2017 and 2018 through several immersive art installations. Dubai is a great example of diversity and acceptance, with more than 200 nationalities making the emirate their home, enriching the city.You can sense it in the food scene or the variety of practising artists. Dubai is a new centre for the Arab world and more.”

Merabet stressed that Dubai remains close to its identity asan exchange hub. From the creek and port to its art galleries, the emirate is instilled with discovery, facilitating contact between people from all over the world. He added: “I also see Dubai as a centre of cultural renaissance for the Arab world. After 13 years here, Dubai is becoming home and the place where I engage myself artistically.”