Dezeen School Shows: students at the American University in Dubai used AI tools and various design platforms to develop creative proposals that explore the future of Dubai through a surrealistic lens.

Featured is a proposal for a high-speed train line and an artwork that aims to connect the diverse cultures of the UAE through food traditions.

American University in Dubai

Institution: American University in Dubai (AUD)
School: School of Architecture, Art and Design (SAAD)
Courses: VCCC 105 – Computer Graphics I, DDFT 270 – Digital Design Illustration, ARCH 302 – Architectural Design Studio VI, IDES 292 – Interior Design Studio IV: Space Planning and Universal Design, DDFT 475 – Collaborative BIM, IDES 392 – Interior Design Studio VI: Smart Design, DDFT 270 – Digital Design Illustration, IDES 392 – Interior Design Studio VI: Smart Design, ARCH 253 – History and Theory of Architecture III and ARCH 202 – Architectural Design Studio IV
Tutors: Iyad Alsabouni, Imad Hanna, Maryam Shafiei, Chadi El Tabbah, Alex I Albani, Annamaria Lambri, Edoardo Rizzuti, Poupak Parvaresh, Anna Cornaro and Jose Carrillo

School statement:

"In line with the UAE's vision to establish a leading, proactive and future-oriented educational model that provides an optimal learning environment supported by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the Dreamscapes: Envisioning the Future of Dubai with AI competition was launched as a groundbreaking initiative.

"The competition was the result of a strategic collaboration between the American University in Dubai (AUD), Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), reflecting a collective effort to cultivate future-ready talent through design education enhanced by AI.

"Seamlessly embedded into the academic curriculum at AUD's School of Architecture, Art and Design (SAAD), the competition engaged more than 150 students across ten courses from the departments of architecture, interior design and visual communication.

"Students were invited to envision Dubai 10 to 15 years into the future, generating over 250 imaginative and forward-thinking artworks. These projects were developed using state-of-the-art AI tools and design platforms housed within the school's Centre for Research, Innovation and Design (CRID).

"The artworks highlighted themes of culture, sustainability, community, placemaking and technology, showcasing elements of Dubai's success, including its rich heritage, commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusive spirit, innovative approach to living and diverse built landscape.

"As part of the Dreamscapes initiative, an insightful documentary has been released exploring the future of design and architecture in the age of artificial intelligence. It delves into the transformative potential of AI in these fields, showcasing how the synergy between human creativity and advanced technology can revolutionise our approach to design."

The Dubai High-Speed Train by Christa Maria Fares

"Here, Fares avoids extravagant futuristic visions for Dubai and instead offers a practical transportation solution – a reliable high-speed train running parallel to an artificial river, connecting the city.

"The urban design centres around train travel to reduce reliance on cars. To support this system, tall buildings are concentrated near train stations, serving both as housing and as shade from Dubai's intense sun.

"The result is a walkable city with improved air quality and less noise pollution."

Student: Christa Maria Fares
Course: VCCC 105 – Computer Graphics I
Tutor: Iyad Alsabouni

Metamorphosing Visions by Cathlyn Nassi

"Imad Hanna selected this work for its poetic synthesis of heritage and futuristic expression. Metamorphosing Visions captures the essence of what it means to design not just with tools, but with intention, identity and vision.

"Nassi's work reimagines Dubai through an AI-augmented lens, merging solar grids with cultural roots, and human form with architectural futures.

"It stands as a powerful narrative of transformation, where tradition and technology are not at odds, but woven into a unified statement of innovation, belonging and hope."

Student: Cathlyn Nassi
Course: DDFT 270 – Digital Design Illustration
Tutor: Imad Hanna

Intertwine by Ahmed Al Salman

"This work reflects Salman's imaginative vision for a futuristic Dubai, expressed through a fluid architectural form interwoven with the city's iconic urban identity.

"The dynamic, fluid forms evoke a sense of movement and innovation, referencing the city's constant evolution while subtly framing the Burj Khalifa, an enduring symbol of Dubai's global ambition.

"The intricate interplay of structure, light and texture also echoes regional motifs in a contemporary language, presenting a culturally rooted yet forward-thinking narrative of Dubai's architectural future."

Student: Ahmed Al Salman
Course: ARCH 302 – Architectural Design Studio VI
Tutor: Maryam Shafiei

Futuristic Oasis by Fatma Alhammadi

"This work showcases Alhammadi's visionary concept for a futuristic Dubai, articulated through a dynamic architectural form seamlessly integrated with the city's identity.

"The fluid, evolving shapes symbolise continuous progress and innovation, while subtly highlighting Arabic calligraphy an emblem of Dubai's global aspirations.

"The thoughtful integration of structure, light and texture reflects regional design motifs, reimagined within a modern context. This approach presents a narrative that is deeply rooted in the city's cultural heritage."

Student: Fatma Alhammadi
Course: IDES 292 – Interior Design Studio IV: Space Planning and Universal Design
Tutor: Chadi El Tabbah

Vertical Oasis by Nahla Fahl

"This project envisions a metropolis shaped by adaptive facades and buildings that produce more energy than they consume. The proposal also embraces cutting-edge mobility, with infrastructure to accommodate autonomous electric vehicles and future hyperloop systems.

"What stood out even more was the thoughtful integration of green corridors and climate-responsive planning – clear signs of a city moving toward a carbon-neutral future.

"Altogether, it paints a compelling picture of Dubai not just as a place of innovation, but as a real-world testing ground where the future of architecture, transportation and sustainability is already taking shape."

Student: Nahla Fahl
Course: DDFT 475 – Collaborative BIM
Tutor: Alex I Albani

Taste of the Future by Kierra Dias and Mariam Habr

"The artwork connects together the diverse cultures of the UAE through the lens of food traditions, presenting culinary heritage as a vibrant symbol of cultural exchange and unity in the digital age.

"It honours the UAE's rich cultural legacy while embracing its evolving present and future, highlighting themes of unity, harmony and shared identity that lie at the heart of society."

Students: Kierra Dias and Mariam Habr
Course: IDES 392 – Interior Design Studio VI: Smart Design
Tutor: Annamaria Lambri

Dubai Dreamscape: A Cosmic Tribute to Nature and Urban Wonder by Rashed Aldahnan

"Rather than depicting a restrained or utilitarian future, Aldahnan envisions Dubai as a surreal harmony between nature, culture and cosmic imagination.

"A monumental gazelle – painted with vibrant, tribal textures – stands towering above the skyline, symbolising resilience and heritage.

"The cityscape blends iconic Dubai architecture with an explosion of fantastical aircraft, orbiting moons and celestial geometry.

"Here, Dubai is not just a place on Earth but a gateway between the desert and the cosmos, where biodiversity and high-tech dreams coexist in a dazzling, dreamlike urban ecosystem."

Student: Rashed Aldahnan
Course: DDFT 270 – Digital Design Illustration
Tutor: Edoardo Rizzuti

Looking into the Future by Mariam Cader

"This project was selected by Poupak Parvaresh for its insightful portrayal of Dubai's architectural evolution.

"The design resonates with her belief that architecture goes beyond physical forms and functions, shaping our collective identity, memory and connection to the world around us.

"The project highlights the balance between the city's rich history and its drive for modernity. Much like a family navigating the waters, it symbolises how architecture guides us through time and space, linking the past with the future.

"Looking into the Future embodies Dubai's journey, where heritage and innovation come together to create a timeless, living space."

Student: Mariam Cader
Course: IDES 392 – Interior Design Studio VI: Smart Design
Tutor: Poupak Parvaresh

Dubai's Mosaic by Oyewole Mariam

"Dubai's Mosaic visualises the city's capacity to harmoniously integrate diverse communities into a unified social fabric, celebrating inclusivity as a key driver of progress.

"Through this colourful composition, Mariam highlights Dubai's unique ability to adapt and embrace change, branding it as a global model for forward-thinking urban growth.

"This project emerged from an educational framework that reimagines how architecture students engage with AI. It encourages them to use AI as a tool for critical thinking and interdisciplinary innovation, while equipping them to navigate a future where AI will be deeply integrated into architectural practice."

Student: Oyewole Mariam
Course: ARCH 202 – Architectural Design Studio IV
Tutor: Jose Carrillo

Nusj Al Khor. Weave of the Creek by Dana Shanti

"Weave of The Creek reimagines a future Dubai shaped by inclusive public spaces and environmentally responsive architecture.

"Created within the Dreamscapes assignment for the History and Theory of Architecture III course, the project envisions a cityscape that serves diverse communities while preserving cultural identity.

"Drawing inspiration from the architectural philosophy of Jean Nouvel, Shanti imagines biodomes and gathering spaces woven into the skyline – structures that embrace context and elevate collective experience.

"Through AI-generated digital image, the work invites reflection on how design can be both visionary and grounded in place, offering a hopeful, people-centred vision for tomorrow's Dubai."

Student: Dana Shanti
Course: ARCH 253 – History and Theory of Architecture III
Tutor: Anna Cornaro

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and American University in Dubai. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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