Time-Travelling in Dubai: A Day at the Museum of the Future

I had no idea that my ordinary weekday would turn into a travel to the future. My husband surprised me by booking tickets to the Museum of the Future. A place we’d been wanting to visit for months. I had always been curious about what’s inside that futuristic ring shaped building that dominates Dubai’s skyline. With online bookings always full and weekends packed, he was lucky to snag a slot. It was for a 5 PM weekday entry. He even arranged to leave work early just so he could pick me up from home. The drive from our place took around an hour. I felt a lively mix of curiosity and excitement.

 Museum of the Future is a building located in the Financial District of Dubai, UAE. The museum, with 7 floors, is dedicated to exploring the future of science, technology, and innovation. It is housed in a torus-shaped building with windows in the form of a poem in Arabic about the future, written by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Government of the United Arab Emirates opened the museum on 22 February 2022. Wikipedia

When we came, the floaty skill of the architecture hit me. The Museum of the Future appeared like an object from a sci-fi movie. An oval form clothed in silver carved with lovely Arabic writing that gleamed in the sunlight.

Inside was even more awesome. With stylish and a creative vibe everywhere. The place was bustling with energy. We proceeded to customer service to validate our tickets and were given wristbands. I saw a balloon shaped like a fish placidly soaring in the air. The ceiling flashed with silver Arabic manuscript, adding to the soothing atmosphere. One of the features is its striking glass elevator. Unlike normal elevator, this one was more like a capsule ride into the future, as it easily glides through the center of the building.

Then came the moment we were assisted into the large elevator. As the doors closed, the words Mohammed Bin Rashid Spaceport glowed on the wall. We were greeted by a voice telling us to ready ourselves, we were leaving Earth. The walls turned into giant screens. Showing a breathtaking journey through space. I didn’t capture our entire journey inside the space capsule going to outer space because I chose to experience it fully with my own eyes rather than through my phone screen. The screens around us were so mesmerizing, every second felt like we were part of a real space mission.

We landed and the door opened. We had arrived at Space Station Command Center. Designed to look and feel like a functioning operations hub in outer space. The room is surrounded by large reciprocal screens, detailed planetary facts and mission model that allows visitors to explore life beyond Earth.

We descended back to Earth. We saw Dubai in the year 2071. It was like stepping into a sci-fi movie—floating transportation, lush green architecture and advanced urban living. This view into the future filled us with promise and excitement. Imagine a world where inventions push sustainable living and changes everyday life in ways we can only dream of today.

Then we moved into the Digital Amazon. A room that mimicked the rainforest using lights, sound and motion. we felt like explorers deep in the jungle.

Another highlight was the Library of Life. A shining archive of DNA from thousands of species. This archive not only showed the wonders of life it also emphasized the importance of protecting and conserving our planet’s natural inheritance. Looking through the display, you couldn’t help but feel a deep feeling of awe and responsibility, realizing that this collection could help protect and bring back vulnerable species for innovations to come.

Afterward, we reached the Alwaha. This lavish indoor garden blends nature with technology. It features lively greenery, flowing water elements. And calming spaces designed to inspire relaxation and reflection. Then we enter one of the rooms and it's called the Senses. We sat around a circular table. We closed our eyes, and followed calming instructions. It was a soft reminder to pause, breathe and feel alive. This experience pleasantly illustrates that future wellness may focus not only on outer progress but also on nurturing the human spirit from within.

This floor of the Museum of the Future was like walking through a live showcase of tomorrow’s most exciting innovations. One of the most interesting displays at the Museum of the Future was Ameca, a humanoid robot. You could ask Ameca questions and it would answer right away with a calm, clear voice. It was surprising to see a robot that could hold a conversation. Collection of innovations, from futuristic vehicles and lifelike robotic and smart mobility solutions. Each display gives a sight into how science and plans are making a more viable and progressive future, leaving us motivated by the unending opportunities ahead.

The final stop of our visit was the outdoor viewing platform. We were hailed by a stunning view of the museum’s unique architecture and the city skyline. As we made our way out, a counter display showed the number of visitors who had been to the museum. Guests could pose beside it for a quick photo and my husband didn’t miss the chance. He happily took his shot. It's my turn, it's too late and I missed it. And, it was okay.

The visit to the Museum of the Future was memorable. We felt curious as we explored each floor. Seeing inventions that showed what the future might look like. We left the museum with big smiles and a deeper admiration for how technology can help build a better world.

Photos taken using Samsung S21
Collage using Canva