Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has unveiled an interactive online edition of the Burj Rashid Exhibition, expanding access to a showcase that commemorates one of the emirate’s most significant landmarks.
The exhibition was first launched in 2024 to mark the 45th anniversary of Burj Rashid. Curated by Kamla Al Olama, it was hosted at Al Safa Art and Design Library and ran for five months, supported by organisations including 7X, Al Bayan, Gulf News, John R. Harris & Partners and Ramesh Gallery at the Four Seasons Gallery.
The digital version builds on the success of that physical exhibition, offering audiences an immersive 360-degree journey. More than 30 artists — predominantly Emirati, with contributions from select international creators — present works inspired by the tower’s legacy. Their perspectives capture Burj Rashid’s architectural, cultural and social influence, underlining its place in Dubai’s identity.
A virtual journey through history
Visitors can explore a high-definition 3D tour that traces Burj Rashid’s development from conception to completion. Original blueprints, construction phases and unique design elements are presented alongside archival material and multimedia features.
Dubai Culture said the exhibition aims to create a “multi-sensory journey” that links the tower’s architectural history with its continuing cultural resonance. Narrative storytelling elements also highlight how Burj Rashid helped define Dubai’s modern skyline.
The exhibition is part of the broader ‘Dubai Series’ initiative, which uses contemporary, interactive formats to celebrate milestones in the city’s creative and cultural evolution.
Landmark of ambition
Completed in 1979 by the British architectural firm John R. Harris & Partners, Burj Rashid became Dubai’s first skyscraper. Rising to 149 metres, it was the tallest building in the region for two decades.
The tower paved the way for the adjoining Dubai World Trade Centre, which has since grown into a major hub for exhibitions, conferences and global trade. Its completion marked the beginning of Dubai’s transformation into a regional and international centre of commerce, culture and innovation.
Dubai Culture emphasised that the new digital format ensures broader access for residents and international audiences alike, allowing the Burj Rashid story to be experienced from anywhere in the world.
“By bringing Burj Rashid into the virtual realm, we are extending the dialogue between heritage and innovation,” the Authority noted. “This project pays tribute not only to a building but also to the spirit of ambition it represents.”
Cultural milestone
The Burj Rashid Exhibition continues to symbolise more than an architectural achievement. For many, it embodies Dubai’s rapid rise on the global stage, standing as a lasting reminder of the city’s vision for progress.
With the virtual edition, Dubai Culture hopes to further engage the public in reflecting on how the emirate’s built environment shapes its cultural identity.
