These documentaries about Dubai, a city that has emerged from the sands of the Arabian desert to become a global icon of opulence and innovation, show a place that has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from a modest trading post to a glittering metropolis adorned with architectural wonders.
Documentaries About Dubai
These documentaries offer a glimpse into the captivating journey of Dubai, delving into its rapid development, cultural diversity, and the ambitious projects that have defined its skyline.
Dubai: Miracle or Mirage? (2007)
Dubai: Miracle or Mirage? explores the rapid development and growth of Dubai. The documentary delves into the ambitious projects, such as artificial islands, towering skyscrapers, and luxury developments, that were transforming Dubai into a global hub.
The title reflects the dichotomy of opinions surrounding Dubai’s development. On one hand, the city was often hailed as a “miracle” for its rapid economic growth, urban transformation, and ambitious infrastructure projects.
On the other hand, critics questioned the sustainability of Dubai’s development model, pointing to issues such as environmental concerns, reliance on migrant labour, and the potential for economic instability.
The documentary features interviews with various experts, residents, and stakeholders, providing different perspectives on the phenomenon of Dubai’s rapid urbanization and economic expansion.
It seeks to examine whether Dubai’s growth is a genuine success story or if it might be a mirage, fueled by unsustainable practices and potential challenges.
Dubai: A City of Dreams (2014)
This documentary takes a closer look at the various aspects of Dubai’s growth, including its ambitious projects, iconic landmarks, and the challenges faced by the city.
It gives a good inside look at this fascinating place that never seems to end with its ambitions.
Inside Dubai: Playground of the Rich (2022)
This documentary explores the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy elite in Dubai, showcasing the luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and exclusive events that characterize the city.
If you want to know what it’s like to be mega-rich in Dubai, this is one of the documentaries about Dubai for you to watch.
Dubai: A City of Dreams (2010)
Dubai: A City of Dreams is a documentary about the labour exploitation and human rights abuses of Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Southeast Asian workers in Dubai, UAE.
This documentary gives the workers a voice and tells their heart-wrenching story. Dubai is a city of dreams. Some dreams come true. Some don’t.
This is one of the best documentaries about Dubai that explores the darker side of the place.
Megastructures: Building the Burj Al Arab
Dubai is on a mission: to become to top tourist destination on the planet. This Emirate has almost tripled its coastline, by building a palm-shaped city at sea.
Now Dubai plans to put itself firmly on the map by recreating the world, three hundred man-made islands constructed out in the Arabian Gulf.
It’s the biggest reclamation project ever undertaken. The world can only be built of natural elements they demand by the shape. But it must define nature’s most destructive force: the sea.
Engineers will battle against time and nature to create this man-made wonder visible from space.
The Magnificent Megacity of Dubai
The Magnificent Megacity of Dubai explores this metropolis in the desert, from rapid city development combined with pride and tradition.
Historical landmarks categorise Dubai, as does the most expensive hotel in the world. From the dunes stretching into the sky, this sparkling city has come a long way.
Documentary About The History of Abu Dhabi
Ok, this is not a documentary about Dubai, but of its nearby neighbour Abu Dhabi. However, it does give great insight into the history of the region in general and has some fascinating old footage from several decades ago.
I would even say this is a must-watch if you have any interest in the history of the Emirates.
Burj Khalifa – Dubai’s Vertical City
This documentary about Dubai tells the story of the tallest tower ever built and introduces you to this historic landmark, including how it was built, and the people who live and work inside the building.
AQUAVENTURE – Dubai’s Gigantic Waterpark
“Higher, faster, XXL” is the motto of the desert emirate in the Gulf popular with tourists. One of the highlights is the Atlantis Resort at the top of the artificial island “The Palm Jumeirah”.
The Aquaventure water theme park is also part of the complex. It was the largest of its kind in the Middle East even before now. But the makers of the Atlantis are stepping things up a gear!
Constructing Palm Jumeirah Dubai — Palm Island Dubai
Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island and is comprised of a two-kilometre-long trunk, a crown made up of 17 fronds and a surrounding crescent.
The first of three such islands that comprise ‘The Palm Trilogy’, Nakheel’s signature development, will be followed by The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira. Following a number of years of feasibility studies, the Palm Jumeirah was launched in 2001, with reclamation starting in the same year.
From the end of 2006, the island’s first residences – comprising 4,000 luxury villas and apartments were handed over during a phased period. Since then, the tourism, leisure and retail elements of the island have been developed, creating a spectacular, world-renowned residential and tourism destination.
Dubai
From awe-inspiring skyscrapers to ambitious urban planning, these documentaries about Dubai provide an intriguing narrative of a city that has become synonymous with luxury, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
On a personal note, I spent around 1 week in Dubai exploring all over and loved it there. It really does live up to the hype as bing one of the most advanced and richest places on Earth.
If you plan on visiting then these documentaries about Dubai will give you good insight to understand the area better before going.
For more reading check out the 10 best documentaries about Saudi Arabia.
For more on the area have a look at how to spend one day in Dubai.
Share these best documentaries about Dubai:
