Dubai buzzes with entertainment today—from a surprise performance by Jason Derulo at Coca-Cola Arena to the opening of the immersive House of Illusions exhibit. Expo City hosts a vibrant cultural festival, while Dubai Opera stages The Phantom of the Opera. Global Village kicks off its new season with fireworks and live shows.
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has officially launched the Burj Rashid Virtual Exhibition, a cutting-edge digital experience that takes visitors on an immersive journey through the history, architecture, and cultural impact of one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks.
This newly unveiled virtual platform transforms the earlier physical exhibition — which celebrated 45 years of Burj Rashid — into a permanent online space, allowing audiences around the world to explore the story of Dubai’s first skyscraper from the comfort of their homes.
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Originally built in 1979 by British architect John R. Harris, Burj Rashid stands as a symbol of Dubai’s early ambition to rise as a global city. For nearly two decades, it dominated the city’s skyline as the tallest building in the region, becoming a centrepiece of business activity around what is now the Dubai World Trade Centre.
To mark the tower’s enduring legacy, Dubai Culture first curated a five-month physical exhibition at the Al Safa Art and Design Library. That showcase featured rare architectural blueprints, historic photographs, and artworks inspired by Burj Rashid.
Due to its overwhelming response, the authority decided to convert it into a permanent virtual exhibition as part of its “Dubai Series” initiative — an ongoing project designed to document the emirate’s creative and cultural milestones using innovative formats.
The virtual exhibition offers a rich, interactive experience combining history, art, and innovation. Visitors can explore:
This digital approach not only preserves the historical significance of Burj Rashid but also brings it to life for younger generations who may never have experienced its early glory.
Burj Rashid was more than just a building — it was a statement of vision. Its completion marked the beginning of Dubai’s rapid journey toward becoming a global centre for commerce and innovation.
The skyscraper also catalysed the development of surrounding business districts and laid the groundwork for future landmarks, including the Dubai World Trade Centre, international exhibitions, and large-scale infrastructure projects that followed.
By spotlighting these contributions, the exhibition emphasizes how Burj Rashid shaped the economic, social, and cultural identity of Dubai over the past four decades.
Through this project, Dubai Culture reaffirms its commitment to making art and heritage more accessible, while using technology to connect the city’s past with its dynamic present.
The launch of this virtual exhibition aligns with Dubai Culture’s broader mission to blend innovation with heritage preservation, ensuring that the emirate’s most important landmarks remain part of the public consciousness.
By digitising Burj Rashid’s story, the authority offers a permanent cultural archive and a creative educational resource, inspiring architects, artists, and history enthusiasts across generations.
As Dubai continues to redefine city skylines with futuristic architecture, the Burj Rashid Virtual Exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of where that journey began — and how one building helped set the stage for an entire city’s transformation.
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