“The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it.”

This quote belongs to the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai — Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Do you agree with him?

The UAE – A Land of Records

In a short time, the UAE has achieved:

✅ The tallest building in the world — Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 meters.

✅ The tallest residential building — Princess Tower, a 101-story building reaching 414 meters.

✅ The tallest hotel — JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, at 355 meters.

✅ The largest shopping center in the world — Dubai Mall, with a total area of over 1.2 million m² and retail space of 350,244 m².

✅ The largest choreographed fountain in the world — located on an artificial lake of over 12 hectares in front of Burj Khalifa. Its jets reach 150 meters in height, equivalent to a 50-story building.

✅ The largest flower park — Miracle Garden, covering 72,000 square meters, which has entered the Guinness World Records three times.

✅ The largest aquarium in the world — located in Dubai Mall, home to over 33,000 marine animals.

✅ The largest artificial archipelago — Palm Jumeirah.

✅ An indoor ski resort in the middle of the desert (since 2024, the second largest in the world, but still — you can ski in the desert when it’s over +40°C outside).

✅ The largest artificial waterfall in the world.

Oh, and there are so many more…

Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze. Its incredible records and achievements inspire awe. Every corner of Dubai holds something special and exciting.

So the words of the Vice President and Prime Minister are truly confirmed by these achievements.

Goals of the Expedition to Dubai 2025 (Amity University Dubai)

A meaningful approach to visiting universities in Dubai, based on the Technology of Education for Professionals by Lyudmila Vitalievna Zhuravleva (President and Chairman of the Academic Council of the Scientific and Educational Association “Cranes’ Takeoff,” Academician of the Russian Municipal Academy, Professor, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, MBA, RANEPA) — this is a unique opportunity for participants to take a huge step toward:

• Broadening their horizons to unlock their potential

• Developing high-level communication skills in different languages to master subject-to-subject dialogue

• Exploring educational opportunities without walls or borders

Impressions and Feedback from Parents

We’ll let you in on a secret. During the expedition, we talk about the ability to be grateful — first and foremost to you, parents, for your contribution to their successful future 💫🙏

Students’ Diaries

Day 1: Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island & JBR Beach

We visited Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island, and JBR Beach. The area was built in 2013 and covers 46 million square kilometers. It is one of the most attractive residential areas, with modern infrastructure thought out to the smallest detail. The largest Ferris wheel in the world — Dubai Eye — is also located here, standing over 250 meters tall with 48 cabins. Of course, the participants couldn’t help but compare it to the London Eye (135 m), the Moscow Ferris wheel at VDNKh (140 m), and this one at 250 m.

The participants noticed that people here are more relaxed — for example, they dance on the street or at the beach, aren’t shy about taking photos, and may approach you and offer to take your picture.

They met bloggers and a street photographer from Singapore.

Dubai – A City of Contrasts

1. On a vast desert territory, they build well-maintained facilities, while just beyond the fence — the desert remains.

2. There is no natural water here, but in the developed areas, an irrigation system operates everywhere, water coolers are everywhere, and bottled water is always available. Signs reminding people to conserve water are also present.

3. It’s warm or even hot during the day, but in the evening and at night — it gets cold.

We’re heading out to the desert tonight to check point number three.

We were fortunate to look beyond the skyscrapers and futuristic architecture — we saw a place with a rich history, traditions, and culture that the Bedouin nomads of the Dubai desert protect and preserve.

We discovered the mysterious culture of the Emirates during a desert safari. We experienced the awe of the unique and ever-changing landscapes surrounding the big city in the heart of the desert. We raced in off-road vehicles, admired the wonderful shades of yellow, orange, and — surprisingly — blue. And as darkness fell, the desert came alive with different colors: fire shows, oriental dances, and excellent barbecue.

The Arabian night was a success.

The participants concluded that with just sand, you can create such a show! Immerse yourself in history, share your culture, your values, and make a living from it. You need to look more broadly at the situation, at yourself, at your surroundings, and at the world as a whole — and not just in one direction. That’s how you find your unique path to a successful future.

Dubai Mall

We visited Dubai Mall. I can confidently say that the participants approached this responsibly — they discussed that this is a huge shopping center (easy to get lost in) and everyone had their own preferences. They split into groups. Each had a mall map and had previously looked up where the stores they needed were located.

They agreed on where and when to meet to go to the fountain show together (if they weren’t going separately) and set a departure time. Within about 10 minutes, everyone had arrived at the meeting point and returned safely.

Keeping agreements is a sign of responsibility and respect for oneself and others — well done!

A Few Facts About the World’s Largest Mall

🏆 Dubai Mall is one of the most visited places on the planet. Around 75 million people visit it annually. In 2013, it became the world leader in attendance, surpassing New York, London, and even Niagara Falls.

🏆 Dubai Mall was built in the Downtown Burj Khalifa district, also called “the world’s most prestigious square kilometer.” This district was built around the world’s tallest building — Burj Khalifa.

🏆 Dubai Mall Aquarium — a huge oceanarium, one of the largest in the world.

And nearby flows an artificially created water canal in the desert, over 3 kilometers long.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, and it is here that the residence of the sheikhs (since 1973) and the President of the country is located. The name translates from Arabic as “father of the gazelle.” According to legend, hunters pursued a gazelle that led them to the shores of the Persian Gulf and crossed to an island where there was a freshwater spring. In gratitude, the hunters did not kill the gazelle but founded a settlement near the spring, which they named Abu Dhabi. Evidence of an ancient culture dating back to 3,000 BC has been found in the city’s surroundings.

It is no coincidence that we visited the Louvre — yes, you read that correctly, but not in France — on the “Island of Happiness” Saadiyat, on the shores of the Persian Gulf.

The Arabs obtained official permission to use this name for 30 years.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi building features many water channels and a huge lattice dome. This gives the impression that the museum is under the open sky in the open sea. Pay attention to the roof: the dome consists of stars assembled into cells that let part of the light inside, creating dynamic light spots. As the guide said, “the sun’s rays through the roof are like light rain.”

Career Guidance

We work on identifying and developing professional interests, skills, and preferences to help determine a career choice that aligns with abilities, interests, and values.

Our goal is to approach the choice of profession consciously, matching personal characteristics, interests, skills, and opportunities.

To achieve this, we use various methods and tools: tests and questionnaires, consultations with professional advisors, workshops, analysis of personal skills and interests, and studying information about various professions and the labor market, as well as meetings with real students who have been through this path and can share their personal experience.

Ksenia’s Diary:

Miracle Garden

Today we visited Miracle Garden — locals call it the “Garden of Wonders.” Landscaping began in 2013 and has expanded each year. Currently, this garden is the largest flower park in the world.

There is a circular road around the garden, along which we walked. There were also many paths in the middle, which we periodically explored. At the entrance, we were greeted by two huge figures of chess knights. Their size immediately impressed me. Turning right, we immediately found ourselves in the kingdom of Disney. Ballerinas twirled to classical music, captivating my eyes. Walking further, we entered “Smurfville” — a place where the Smurfs live. Surrounded by a multitude of flowers — over 70 species — stood Smurf houses and other characters. Going further, we saw the second world record — the largest object made of flowers. It was an Emirates Airlines airplane, made of over 500,000 flowers. Walking to the end of the park, I admired romantic compositions: hearts, castles, teddy bears, and other animals.

What surprised me was that in most of the park, instead of music, our ears were treated to sounds like bird singing. This really immerses you in the atmosphere of nature. I was amazed that all of this was created right in the middle of the desert and operates year-round. I was very interested in the organization of this garden. After all, the sun beats down all year round, and the desert soil doesn’t allow for growing such vast quantities.

What Differences Did the Participants See Between the Two Emirates?

Yuri:

1. Architecture and Attractions

   • Dubai: Known for modern skyscrapers such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Home to artificial islands like Palm Jumeirah.

   • Abu Dhabi: Famous for cultural buildings such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

2. Culture and Lifestyle

   • Dubai: International, dynamic city with a focus on shopping and entertainment.

   • Abu Dhabi: More traditional and tranquil, with a focus on local values and culture.

I like Dubai more.

Amir:

Abu Dhabi — the capital of the UAE, a historical and cultural center, known for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Dubai — a city of innovation and luxury, famous for Burj Khalifa and entertainment.

Abu Dhabi is calmer, Dubai is dynamic and cosmopolitan.

Mila:

Abu Dhabi — is the capital of the UAE, and its sheikh is the ruler of the entire state, while the sheikh of Dubai is the Prime Minister of the country.

Dubai is more tourist-oriented, while Abu Dhabi is less so.

Amir’s Diary:

Global Village

Global Village is a cultural and entertainment project in Dubai, UAE, which opens every autumn and operates until spring. It features pavilions from over 75 countries, where visitors can enjoy the cultural, gastronomic, and commercial offerings of different nations. This place attracts millions of tourists and locals every year, offering various shows, attractions, and exhibitions.

My Impressions of This Place:

Visiting Global Village, I was struck by the diversity of cultures and traditions presented in the pavilions. The festive and friendly atmosphere created an incredible sense of unity. I enjoyed delicious food, unique crafts, and live performances that made every moment unforgettable.

What They Aimed to Show:

Global Village aims to demonstrate how rich and diverse world culture can be. It brings together people from different countries to celebrate unity in diversity, showing that cultural differences can be the foundation for mutual understanding and cooperation.

We also had career guidance lessons. During these lessons, we were shown different classrooms for different fields. What impressed me most was the room with engines — represented by exhibits and actually working models. I liked this field, and I want to connect my profession with this area. I took a career guidance test, and it showed me — “Technician Person” — 8 out of 8.

Sonya’s Diary:

This day began with a trip to Middlesex University, where we were told about courses and opportunities, shown interactive laboratories and recreation areas. At the end, the university gave us gifts — a water bottle, sunglasses, and a brochure about their university.

The participants split into two camps — some really liked it, while others thought that too many recreational zones at the university wasn’t the best idea.

After lunch, we headed to the Dubai Safari Park. We traveled around the park in small buses. During the tour, we saw animals such as lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, flamingos, and antelopes. Later, we went to the Kids Zone, where we saw horses, sheep, goats, and donkeys. After that, we went to see spiders, snakes, and lizards.

We ended the day with a farewell evening.

Matvey’s Diary:

Safari Park

On Monday, we went on a safari in one of the largest deserts in the world, stretching over an area of more than 650,000 square kilometers — the Rub’ al Khali. We rode jeeps over the desert dunes with a wonderful driver named Salim Sahil. Mila and I also rode a quad bike across the desert. We saw a beautiful sunset in the heart of the desert. After that, we went to watch a show of Arabian dances to the national music of the UAE, during which we were served a luxurious buffet full of various Arabic dishes.

From this, I can say that during the day it’s very hot in the desert, but at night it’s incredibly cold — which differs from our usual perception of the desert. I also noticed that there was quite a bit of vegetation in the desert, not just cacti, but also various other plant species. Another interesting fact: unlike in Russia, in the desert, windshield wipers are used not for snow or rain, but for sand.

After getting acquainted with this information, I can debunk many stereotypes about the desert, for example: there is life in the desert — snakes and scorpions; it’s not always hot in the desert — at night it gets very cold.