If you have not heard about the Dubai financial crisis yet, then you better start reading an equally-as-screwed newspaper. Dubai has suffered greatly from the global economic problems of today, and now it seems that Abu Dhabi might be the one to step in and help the city seemingly built on fantasy.
Check out all of the wondrous UAE (a person from the UAE is called an Emirati… cue The More You Know music) innovations which were initiated before the Dubai financial crisis.
67 Emirati Endeavors
Amazing Innovations from Before the Dubai Financial Crisis:
Brian G Randles — Nov 29, 2009 — Art & Design
65
Luxury Underwater Hotel in Dubai
Hydropolis to Open This Month
64
Man Made Islands
Dubai's Palm Jumeirah Nears Completion
63
7 Star Dubai Hotel
Luxury Living In A Funnel
62
Wheel Shaped Hotel
Dubai Promenade
61
Dubai Sky Photos
View From 85th Floor of Burj Dubai
60
The Dancing Towers
Dubai Business Bay Development
59
Rotating Tower in Dubai
58
Dubai's Next Man Made Island
The Universe
57
Dubai Builds Fashion Island
Isla Moda
56
Cube Architecture
Dubai Sports City
55
Dancing Dubaichitecture
Self-Powered Dynamic Eco-Architecture
54
All Wonders of the World in Dubai
Pyramid, Taj Mahal and More in Falcon City of Wonders
53
$25,000 Hotel Rooms
Atlantis The Palm Hotel in Dubai
52
40 Examples of Iranovation and Dubaichitecture
51
The Future of Dubai
Nakheel Shows What's Next
50
5 Acre Dubai Real Estate Sign
World's Biggest Ad
49
White Hot Luxury Convertible
Maybach Landaulet to Debut in Dubai
48
Skyscraper Greenhouses
Futuristic Farming in Dubai's Seawater Vertical Tower
47
Ski Dubai: Indoor Ski Dome in the Desert
46
Dubai Again At Forefront of Lavish Design
The Wave Tower
45
Iceberg Architecture
Dubai's 'Blue Crystal' World Blends Sustainability and High Class
44
Celebrity Architects
Pamela Anderson's Eco-Friendly Dubai Hotel
43
50 Story Water Fountains
Dubai To Blow Water into the Desert Air
42
Flaked Light Architecture
Hongbo Lu Proposes Flying Color Building for Dubai
41
$35 Million Parties
Kylie Minogue Gets $4.4 at Dubai Soiree
40
Over-the-Top Opening Parties
The Atlantis Hotel in Dubai (UPDATE)
39
Giant Exhaust Fan Architecture
The Anara Tower in Dubai
38
Luxury Hotel Boom
6 Sumptuous Dubai Resorts
37
Color Pop Portraits
Corno's Dubai Exhibit is Filled With Dazzling Faces With Big Lips
36
$4.5 Billion Airport Additions
Dubai's Emirates Terminal 3 is World's Largest
35
$25 Million Mega-Parties
Dubai Soiree Will Be Viewable from Space
34
Kids Fashion Week
Dubai Puts Children on the Catwalk
33
Staged Catwalk Spills
Preemptive Falling Models at Dubai Fashion Week
32
Champagne Inspired Buildings
The Bubble Windows of Dubai's Pixel Tower
31
Jewellery School
Gems & Jewellery Academy in Dubai
30
Dubai Sports City
Yet Another Dubai Development Masterpiece
29
Dreamworks Joins Dubailand
World's First Dreamworks Theme Park
28
Monstrous Man Statues
Arabic Storyteller of Giant Proportions in Dubai by VisionDivision
27
Architecture-Inspired Phones
The SBNP-N90 Looks like the Burj Al Arab in Dubai
26
$2.72 Million Camels
Dubai Prince Splurges on a Dry Hump
25
Death Star Super-Structures
The James Law Technosphere Mimics Earth in Dubai
24
$7.64 Billion Transit Systems
The Dubai Luxury Metro System Redefines City Travel
23
Earth Hour 2009 Victories
Dubai Saves 200k kilowatts of Electricity
22
Solar-Powered Hotel
Grand Hyatt Dubai
21
Lacy Bazaarchitecture
Rak Jebel Al Jais Resort is Wedged Into the Dubai Mountains
20
A Woman's View On Auto Shows
My Experience at the Dubai Motor Show
19
Green Hollywood Architects
Brad Pitt Designs Eco Hotel in Dubai
18
Hybrid Taxis in Dubai
Chevrolet Tahoe and Malibu Cabs
17
14 Hour & 40 Min Ad
Emirates Airlines Non-Stop Info From Dubai to Sao Paulo
16
Ghostly Global Wonderlands
Dubai Festival City Announces Plans for Casper Theme Park
15
Dubai and Sydney the Next Milan and Paris
Top 15 Fashion Cities (Research)
14
Billion Dollar Robotic Jurassic Park
Restless Planet in Dubai
13
Multi-Cultural Projects in Dubai
Museum of Middle East Modern Art
12
Refrigerated Beaches
Palazzo Versace in Dubai Will Cool Beachgoers, Irritate Environmentalists
11
Women-Only Skyscrapers
Eve's Tower in Dubai
10
Living Inside an iPod
The Shuffle Tower in Dubai
9
Wireless Mesh Phone Networks for Skyscrapers
Burj Dubai Gets Firetide Mesh
8
Dubai Shopping Festival 2008
7
Eiffel-Inspired Towers
The Ekological Small Building is a Housing High-Rise in Dubai
6
516 Meter Highrises
The Pentominium Dubai to be the Apex in Luxury Living
5
15 Foot Books
Burj Dubai Hotel Hosts Giant Logbook
4
Future Dubai Cybertecture
Du Tower
3
World's Longest Arch Bridge
667 Meter Bridge in Dubai
2
Turning Oil into Entertainment
Dubai's Chic Sheikh
1
Dubai Cares
Educate 1 Million Children
Related Ideas
Bodycare-Inspired Drinks
Lush Middle East and Home Bakery Reimagined Favorite Products as Drinks
90s-Inspired Heritage Jerseys
adidas Unveils FIFA World Cup 26™ Away Kits
Pistachio Cream Chocolates
Patislove's Dubai-Style Pistachio Dark Chocolate is Richly Filled
Dubai-Style Heritage Brand Chocolates
This GODIVA Dubai Chocolate Bar is Headed to the UK
Bite-Sized Dubai-Style Chocolate Gifts
The Chocolove Dubai Chocolate Gift Box is Handcrafted
AI-Assisted Luxury Watch Designs
Qannati Objet d'Art Showcases Its Lab Edition Collection
Performance-Driven Smart Appliances
Dreame Technology Introduces the 'Beyond Smart' Ecosystem
Accessible Dubai-Style Chocolates
The MilkShake Factory Dubai-Style Chocolate Bar is Decadent
Decadent Ice Cream Treats
Baskin-Robbins Reprises its Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Line
Viral Chocolate Pastry Stouts
Vault City Dubai-Style Chocolate Pistachio Has a 13% ABV
Luxe Multidimensional Chocolates
Abu Dhabi Chocolate Features Saffron, Tahini, Gold Leaf & More
Dubai Chocolate Turkey Recipes
A Viral Flavor Inspired Reynolds Wrap's Annual Turkey Recipe
Disaster-Resilient Hospitality Concepts
Margot Krasojević Presents an Emergency Hotel Concept
Dubai-Style Mochi Bites
A Viral Treat Inspired My/Mochi's Dubai Chocolate Style Mochi Ice Cream
Expansive Dubai Chocolate Lineups
Paris Baguette Expands its Popular Dubai Chocolate Line
Dubai Chocolate Pop-Ups
FIX Dessert Chocolatier's Pop-Up Concept Features Viral Favorites
AI-Enhanced Electric Auto Designs
Faraday Future Redefines Intelligent Electric Mobility
Dubai-Style Croissant-Cookies
The Dubai Chocolate Crookie Puts a Viral Flavor into a Hybrid Format
Dubai Chocolate-Style Espresso Martinis
The Drinks Bureau Put a Viral Spin on a Coffee Cocktail
Social Media-Inspired Chocolates
Hershey's Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bar is a Limited-Edition Treat
Cultural Workplace Transformations
AAID Designs Ernst & Young's Riyadh Headquarters
Frozen Dubai Chocolate Treats
Afters Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Bars are Available at Costco
Festive In-Flight Experiences
Emirates Offers Seasonal Experience for Travelers
Branded Urban Districts
Mercedes-Benz Places Binghatti City is a Branded Residential Development
Dubai-Style Chocolate Dates
Nuts Factory's Dubai Covered Dates Reimagine a Viral Snack
AR Documentary Series
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Links Content with QR Codes
Dubai-Style Chocolate Barks
Purdys' Dubai Bark Shares a Thin, Crispy Experience
Electric Air Taxi Services
Uber Announced Integrations with the Joby Air Taxi Service in Dubai
Frozen Viral Chocolate Desserts
Nick the Greek Pistachio Cream Dubai Chocolate is Decadent
Lifestyle Icon-Backed Stores
Martha Stewart is Launching Stores Globally, Starting in Dubai
Chilled Dubai Chocolate Drinks
Starbucks is Launching Customer-Inspired Dubai Chocolate Drinks
Dubai Chocolate-Inspired Liqueurs
ASDA Pistachio & Milk Chocolate Cream Liqueur is Arriving Now
Dubai Chocolate Soaps
Whiskey River Soap Co.'s Soap for Dubai Chocolate is Decadently Scented
Floating Art Museums
Tadao Ando’s Dubai Museum of Art Embraces Light, Water and Heritage
Low-Cost Dubai Chocolate Treats
The Flair Dubai Chocolate Cake Bar is an ALDI Specialbuy in May
Skyline Sports Arenas
Saudi Arabia Announces NEOM Sky Stadium Built 350 Metres Above Ground
Next Generation Art Designs
Apple Designers of Tomorrow Presents New Talent at Design Miami Paris
Dubai-Style Mochi Snacks
Aldi's Dubai Chocolate Style Mochi Crosses Over Two Viral Treats
Dubai Chocolate Whipped Creams
Whipnotic Dubai Chocolate is Virally Inspired & Limited-Edition
Fragrance-Focused Innovation Challenges
Indovinya Runs an Open Call for the Personal Care Industry
Ultra-Extravagant Luxury Handbag Designs
Luxury Handbag Designer Abel Richard Opens a New Boutique
Dubai Chocolate Frozen Yogurts
A Flavorful Social Media Treat Inspired 16 Handles' Latest Creation
Multifunctional City Lighting Infrastructure
[ui!] Urban Lighting Innovations Improves City Lights
Dubai-Style Frozen Yogurts
Pinkberry Dubai Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Taps into a Global Sensation
Dubai Chocolate Pancake Stacks
The Luxe Dubai Chocolate Pancake is IHOP's Most Decadent to Date
Italian Auto Furniture
Giorgetti Maserati Edition Collection debuts at a Dubai Showroom
Revitalized European Houses
Didea Participates in the '1 Euro House' Initiative
Dubai-Style Ice Cream Creations
A Viral Treat Inspired Baskin-Robbins' Dubai Chocolate Collection
Dubai Chocolate Truffles
Compartés Crafts Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Knafeh Truffles
Dubai-Style Flavored Milks
Oakridge Dairy's Dubai Chocolate Milk Taps into a Taste Sensation
Upcycled Aircraft Capsules
Emirates Unveils a New Upcycled Collection Made from Aircraft Interiors
Nutty-Sweet Shampoos
EVIALIA’s Dubai Chocolate Shampoo is Aromatic & Vitamin-Rich
Limited Sand-Integrated Watches
Ahmed Seddiqi Designs the TYPE 9 S75 Watch Limited to 20 Pieces
Luxury Fashion House Residences
The Maison Margiela Residences Will Open in Palm Jumeirah
Viral Pistachio-Filled Biscuits
Fox'x Chocolatey Dubai Style Pistachio Biscuits are Convenient
Luxurious Modern Residential Projects
ELE Interior Completes the Villa Esencia
Global Citrus Soda Platforms
The 7UP Super Duper Refresher Platform Introduces New Products
Nuanced Dubai-Style Chocolates
Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Now Comes in White and Dark Varieties
Unused Condiment Exchanges
Heinz Trade-Up Lets People Trade Unwanted Packets for a Ketchup Bottle
Bite-Sized Viral Chocolate Treats
Fox’s Chocolatey Dubai Style Pistachio Biscuits are Convenient
Equestrian School Complexes
ADREA by David Nicolas Designs Facilities Around Movement & Community
Dubai-Style Sandwich Cookies
The Dubai-Style Chocolate Sandwich Cookie Arrives at Crumbl
Airport Terminal Galleries
The NOMAD Abu Dhabi Converts a Terminal into an Gallery Space
Dubai-Style Protein Powders
VitaHustle Launched a Dubai Chocolate-Flavored Protein Powder
Ultra-Luxury Private Resorts
The Bvlgari Resort & Mansions in Abu Dhabi is Set to Open in 2030
MEA Home Technology Debuts
Dreame Opens its MEA Flagship with New Product Launches
Dubai Chocolate-Style Cheeses
Jacks Cheese Turned a Viral Ingredient Pairing into a Creamy Bite
Art Expo Village-Esque Pavilions
Foster + Partners Create a Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Osaka 2025
Dubai Chocolate Brownies
Crumbl Dreamed Up Two Sweet Treats Inspired by a Viral Sensation
Regional Capsule Streetwear
The Pacsun Middle East Capsule Collection Launches in Dubai
Sky-Garden Leisure Towers
The Sobha Skyparks Tower Was Unveiled by Sobha Realty in Dubai
Chinese Tradition-Honoring Structures
MAD Architects Forms the Chinese Paper Umbrella Structure
Dubai-Style Protein Bars
Gam's Protein Dubai Chocolate Style Bars Feature Crispy Kadayif
Beauty Entrepreneurship Incubators
Estée Lauder Companies Expanded Its India Innovation Initiative
Football Club Residential Skyscrapers
Chelsea Football Club Presents Four New Skyscrapers
Sensorially Immersive Art Experiences
teamLab Presents the Phenomena Abu Dhabi Universe
Frozen Viral Chocolate Sundaes
The Marble Slab Creamery Dubai Chocolate Sundae is Buzz-Worthy
Dubai-Style Pistachio Brownies
Co-op's Dubai Style Pistachio Brownie is Limited-Edition
African Creator Economy Platforms
The Sony Innovation Fund is Supporting the Work of Twiva
Pistachio-Filled Easter Bunnies
Lidl is Selling a Dubai-Style Chocolate Easter Bunny This Easter
Cinematic Travel Campaigns
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi Star in 'Find Your Story'
Emirati-Inspired Towers
The Symphony Tower Introduces a Woven Façade to Dubai’s Skyline
Globally Inspired Pastries
Starbucks Launched the Dubai Chocolate Bite and More
Emerging Market Insights
Rising Trends Helps Discover Hidden Markets And Business Opportunities
Culturally Immersive Dining Experiences
D'Art Design is Transforming India's Dining Sector
Chilled Dubai Chocolate Beverages
Starbucks Launches Iced Dubai Chocolate Beverages for 2026
Limited-Edition Viral Chocolate Cookies
Crumbl Dubai Chocolate Cookies Blend Multiple Textures
Inclusive Tech Awards
The Qatar Assistive Technology Center Boasts the Mada Innovation Award
Multicultural Bright Historic Museums
MAD Architects Designst he Fenix Project in Rotterdam
Digital Accessibility-Focused Media Labs
Infinum Launches the Groundbreaking Empathy Lab Campaign
Waterfront Fashion Homes
Maison Margiela Residences Dubai Unveils Branded Private Homes
Immersive Wellness Experiences
Heveya® and Theatre of Digital Art Partner on a New Experience
Stuffed Dubai-Style Cookies
Dubai Chocolate Filled Cookie is a Limited-Time Tiff's Treats Flavor
Laser-Etched Luxury Cars
Rolls-Royce Unveiled the World's First Laser-Engraved Automotive Hood
Dubai Chocolate Drink Mixes
The Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Frappe Mix Supports Foodservice
Dubai Chocolate Fondues
A Social Media Sensation Inspired Melting Pot's New Chocolate Fondue
Cross-Border Remittance Features
e& Egypt Launches Instant Transfers Using a Digital Wallet
Digital Credit Union Branches
Orlando Credit Union Unveiled Its Enhanced Digital Branch Initiative
Migrant-Supporting Vocational Training Initiatives
Midea and IOM Launch the Midea Academy in Abuja
Viral Chocolate Sundaes
The Ghirardelli Dubai Style Chocolate Sundae is Familiar Yet Elevated
Responsive Light Museums
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi Turns Environment into Evolving Digital Art
African Fashion Futures Incubators
The African Fashion Foundation is Pioneering Design in Africa
Strategic Urban Development Programs
The Yokohama Silk Renaissance Embraces Global Luxury
Single-Serve Viral Chocolate Cheesecakes
The Crumbl Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake is Rich and Crispy
Egyptian Heritage-Fused Boutiques
Universal Design Studio Completes the Azza Fahmy Boutique
Mixed-Use Skyscrapers
The Inaura Building is a 42-Storey Tower Planned for Downtown Dubai
Pre-Production Vehicle Milestones
Faraday Future & Faraday X Mark a Milestone for the FX Super One
Digital Expo Exhibitions
After Utopia by Marco Brambilla is Large Scale Video Installation
Drinkable Viral Chocolate Treats
The Bruxie Dubai Chocolate Shake is a Limited Time Offering
UAE Pet Care Companies
Milano Launches the Petshouse Pet Care Brand for UAE Customers
Regional Travel Campaigns
Wego and Visit Qatar Partner for a Localized Campaign
Dubai-Style Waffle Cone Bites
Just The Fun Part's Dubai Cones are Crispy, Nutty and Snackable
Financial Education-Focused Partnerships
Banking Academy of Vietnam and Vantage Foundation Partner
Sophisticated Government Office Designs
Agata Kurzela Tackles a Heritage Building in Abu Dhabi
Affordable Maternity Care Initiatives
Axmed and Every Pregnancy Support Crisis-Affected Regions
Toronto Healing Shelters
Anduhyaun Emergency Shelter Nods to Indigenous Traditions to Aid Recovery
Multilevel Garden Skyscrapers
The Sobha SkyParks Tower Will Feature Four Separate Parks in the Sky
Eco-Friendly Modular Refugee Shelters
AllSpace has Designed a Special Shelter Prototype
Small Business-Focused Accessibility Programs
FUIB and Big City Lab Introduce Accessibility Check
Pearl-Inspired Museums
Dubai Museum of Art by Tadao Ando Evokes Water, Light and Heritage
Global AI Research Labs
Mbzuai Makes Strides in the Global AI Research Landscape
Waterfront Residential Towers
RSHP Introduces its Plans for Peninsula Dubai with Joined Buildings
National Cultural Museums
Foster + Partners' Zayed National Museum Roots Saadiyat Culture District
Modular Umbrella-Made Trading Stalls
Paul Yakubu Developed the Umbrealla Crate Stall
Artistic Dining Destinations
Daniel’s Room Restaurant Blends Art, Design and Food in Dubai
Elevated Coastal Living
Armani Beach Residences Redefines Ultra-Luxury with Sublime Design
Heritage Reform Museums
The Jadids’ Legacy Museum by Lina Ghotmeh Honours Jadidism Heritage
Viral Chocolate Brunch Dishes
The Sweet Paris Dubai Chocolate Crepe is Rich and Sweet
Desert Cultural Landmarks
Al Ain Museum by Dabbagh Architects Anchors Heritage and Landscape
Quantum Economy-Focused Consortiums
Florida Quantum Was Announced at Tech Basel Miami AI Summit
Design-Driven Group Exhibitions
Icons of Tomorrow is a Group Exhibition at Isola Space
Natural History Museums
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Opens in the Saadiyat Cultural District
Business Formation Platforms
Instacorp Enables Fast, Remote Company Setup In The UAE
Earthened Architecture Pavilions
Khalil Morad El Ghilali & El Mehdi Belyasmine Design a Pavilion
Immersive Minimalist Undergarment Retailers
This SKIMS Store is at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai
Design-Forward Egyptian Stays
The 25hours Hotel Arrives in Egypt's West Cairo Area
Climate Awareness Artful Pavilions
The Heatwave Pavilion Won This Year's Golden Lion Award
Desert Island Residences
A Work of Substance's Nasayem House Sees Wind & Light to Saadiyat Island
Citywide Digital Literacy Programs
Emerge and Rise Caters to Small Business Owners
Renewable Loan Surges
IREDA Expands Green Lending To Accelerate India’s Clean Power