Dubai, sustainable luxury?

15 January 2024Photos and text: Fred Marie28 images

01 / 28 · 15 January 2024Fred Marie / Collectif DR

Dubai is often associated with luxury and excess, with dizzying skyscrapers such as the Burj Khalifa and artificial islands such as Palm Jumeirah. These architectural and ingenious achievements, however spectacular, raise questions about their environmental impact, particularly in terms of energy consumption and carbon emissions.

However, on the eve of COP28, which this metropolis hosted in December 2023, Dubai finds itself at a crossroads, torn between its image of excessive consumption and the pressing need to commit to the path of sustainable development.

The city is not lagging behind when it comes to taking action for the environment. It has invested heavily in renewable energy projects, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar power plant.

Dubai is also a hub for technological innovation, as shown by world-class events such as the GITEX show and Expo 2020. These platforms highlight the futuristic side of the city, where the latest advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and green technologies are presented. However, these innovations must not overshadow the environmental challenges the city faces.

In short, Dubai is a land of contrast, where luxury and excess coexist with a growing awareness of environmental issues.

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