Majid Al Futtaim, a key mall developer and leisure pioneer in the region, has announced the finalists of its design competition - ‘Dreamscapes: Envisioning the Future of Dubai with AI - held in collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and American University in Dubai (AUD).
The winning entries were revealed at a dedicated awards ceremony held yesterday (July 1) at Distrikt located within Tilal Al Ghaf, the developer’s flagship resort-style community in Dubai.
Notable attendees included Majid Al Futtaim Properties CEO Ahmed El Shamy; Dubai Culture (Arts & Literature Sector) CEO Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash and AUD Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Sabrina Joseph alongside all participating students.
In line with the UAE’s vision to establish a leading, proactive, and future-oriented educational model which provides an optimal learning environment supported by AI technologies, the competition was integrated into the students' studies and saw participation from over 150 AUD students, resulting in more than 250 futuristic artworks, said Majid Al Futtaim in a statement.
The competition, aimed at fostering the next generation of design leaders, encouraged students to envision Dubai’s over the next 10 to 15 years, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and artificial intelligence to create artistic representations of the city's future.
The artworks highlighted 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 landscape, it stated.
El Shamy said: "Supporting future generations is essential for driving innovation and this competition is a prime example of how collaboration between the private, public, and academic sectors can help drive progress at the grassroots level and push creative boundaries."
"Beyond aesthetics, AI will play an increasingly vital role in architecture and urban design, helping to conceive buildings, cities, and living spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable, human-centric, and capable of meeting our future needs," he stated.
The students' work illustrates this 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’, won Abbas AlObaidi a cash award of AED 15,000 followed by Ahmed Al Salman’s ‘Intertwine’ (for AED10,000 award) and Kareem Eid’s ‘Dynamic Quarters’ for AED5,000, said the statement.
Honorable mentions were also given to Amira Kairatkyzy for ‘Eco Metropolis’ and Ayesha Alsuwaidi for ‘Tomorrow’, it added.
On the significance of the Dreamscapes competition, Dr Kharbash said it plays a vital role in inspiring talented individuals to express their creative visions and future projections for Dubai.
Dr Joseph pointed out that students at the AUD were part of the next generation of architects, designers, and artists.
"Underscoring our commitment to fostering industry partnerships to enhance educational offerings, AUD is proud to have collaborated once again with Majid Al Futtaim, alongside Dubai Culture, for this competition which offered our students the opportunity to play an integral role in shaping the visual identity of Dubai's future," observed Joseph.
"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," she added.-TradeArabia News Service
