I am quite familiar with Dubai and its design scene. I have been

In the heart of the vast and ever-shifting desert, where the sands of time seem to stretch endlessly, there lies a city that rises like a beacon of hope and ambition—Dubai. To the ancient ones, such places were seen as symbols of human resilience and vision, a testament to what the will of the people could achieve when they dared to dream. Marcel Wanders, a master of design and creation, speaks of his deep connection to this extraordinary place with reverence, declaring, "I am quite familiar with Dubai and its design scene. I have been a regular visitor for more than 10 years." His words echo like the song of the wind across the desert—marking the passing of time in a place that continues to evolve and surprise.

What is it that draws a man to a city again and again? Is it merely the allure of the architectural marvels that pierce the sky like gods reaching down from the heavens? Or is it something deeper, something more intangible? Hospitality, friendship, culture, ambition, and beauty—these are the elements that Wanders names as the very soul of Dubai. In the ancient world, cities were built not just with stone and wood, but with the very essence of the people who called them home. The Greeks built Athens, a city not only of thought and philosophy but of unity and the pursuit of truth. Similarly, the mighty walls of Babylon rose, not just as a fortress, but as a testament to the dreams and aspirations of its people. And so it is with Dubai: a city forged not only by steel and glass but by the hearts and minds of those who dare to dream boldly.

But what of these qualities that Wanders speaks of so highly? Hospitality, which in ancient times was not just a gesture but a sacred duty, is a cornerstone of life in Dubai. It is said that a guest is akin to a god in many cultures, and in Dubai, this tradition is alive and well. It is in the way the city opens its doors to the world, embracing those who visit as if they were family. Friendship flourishes here as it did in the ancient markets of the Middle East, where traders from distant lands met not only to exchange goods but to share stories, wisdom, and connection. These bonds transcend mere transactions—they form the foundation of the city itself.

The culture of Dubai is a living testament to the harmonious blending of the ancient and the modern, the East and the West. Just as the ancient Silk Road brought together traders, thinkers, and artists from across the world, so too does Dubai stand at the crossroads of global influence. It is a place where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand, where the wisdom of the ages coexists with the boundless ambition of the present. Ambition, the driving force behind all great civilizations, pulses through the heart of this city. Like the towering spires that pierce the heavens, Dubai’s rise from a small fishing village to a global metropolis is a story of human willpower and determination.

In beauty, too, Dubai excels. It is not just in the glittering towers that shine in the sun, but in the careful balance of nature and creation. The ancients taught that beauty is not just in the form, but in the harmony between the created and the creator, between the spirit of man and the world he inhabits. In Dubai, this harmony is evident in every corner—from the breathtaking landscapes of the desert to the waters of the Persian Gulf that embrace the city like an eternal lover. This beauty is not just aesthetic; it is a reflection of the city’s soul—a soul that celebrates life in all its forms.

The lesson that we can learn from Wanders’ words is profound. Dubai is not just a city, but a living example of what happens when hospitality, friendship, culture, ambition, and beauty are nurtured and allowed to flourish. It is a city where the ancient values that have guided humanity for millennia are not only preserved but celebrated. In our own lives, we are reminded that these values—hospitality, connection, ambition, and beauty—are not just ideals to admire from afar. They are principles that can guide our every action, our every relationship.

Thus, let us not wait for the world to change around us. Let us, like the people of Dubai, create spaces in our lives, in our work, and in our communities where these qualities can thrive. Let us welcome the stranger as a friend, recognize the beauty in all things, and reach for the stars with the same boundless ambition that has driven great cities throughout history. Marcel Wanders has shown us a glimpse of a world where these principles guide us, and it is up to us to bring them into the world we create each day.