Dubai Museum of the Future: our exclusive interview with Majed Al Mansoori

What makes this museum unique? The executive director tells us!

It has been called the most beautiful building on Earth. Standing 77 meters tall and spanning 30,000 square meters, it is hard to believe that this architectural marvel was built without internal pillars. Since opening in February 2022, the Museum of the Future has rapidly established itself as one of the world’s must-visit museums. More than three million people from over 177 countries have visited this iconic landmark.

With its five floors of immersive storytelling, the museum has come to symbolize Dubai’s ‘can do’ spirit and its unique vision for the future. We interviewed Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future. He is responsible for the strategic and operational direction of the Museum and played a key role in managing its construction and development.

What is the must-try experience at Museum?

When you step through our doors, we transport your imagination through time and space. We achieve this impact by deploying a range of cutting-edge technologies that engage the senses. For instance, on our third floor we operate a wellness center called Al Waha. The aim of the center if for visitors to detach from intrusive technologies – such as their cellphones – and connect with their senses and others around them instead. We use a range of techniques to achieve this impact. My favorite is an interactive table you sit around with your friends and family. Together you collectively hum into devices placed around the table. Once you all reach the right frequency the table lights up and generates a fragrance into the room. On this floor, we also harness traditional technology to create a sense of unified wellbeing. For instance, we suspend two gongs – similar to those you may see in a Japanese temple – and make them vibrate continuously to generate an intense sound that’s designed to help restore us to our natural frequency: 7.83 Hertz. Up to four people can stand between these gongs at the same time to reap the collective benefit of the sound bath.

What event at Museum of the Future, from December to May, is worth a trip to Dubai?

The Museum of the Future is not just a place, it’s a state of mind. From art to architecture, we frequently convene the world’s most creative and innovative figures here to explore the challenges and opportunities that will define the future. We’re launching a series of lectures delivered by the internationally acclaimed Historian and Researcher, Dr. Roy Casagranda. Titled Lessons from the Past at Museum of the Future, the series forms part of the museum’s mission to serve as a hub for intellectual innovation, lifelong learning and future foresight. Through this new program of 10 exclusive lectures, we will explore pivotal milestones in human history while shedding light on lessons that can be harnessed to shape forward-looking, innovative visions for the benefit of society and humanity. Also, in late February, we will convene leading figures from health policy making, industry, and research to explore the future of medicine and patient care. During the holy month of Ramadan, from late February to March, we will hold a series of evening majlis discussions. They will explore how the youth can develop principled and ethical approaches to technology, shaping a responsible future for innovation and research. In April, we will partner with artificial intelligence to compose music across a series of workshops. Led by a leading digital DJ, our visitors will learn how to use AI to generate exciting soundscapes and tunes. It’s the future of music. Towards the end of April, we’ll delve into the skills we must cultivate in order to thrive in the job market of the future and also dive deep into the science of breathing.

How much part does art play in your museum?

Art is at the heart of the Museum of the Future. In order to captivate the mind, we must first capture the soul. We have learned from the arts world by creating exhibits that are visually and acoustically stunning. We have learned from the humanities by narrating stories that captivate and inspire individual emotions. We have also embraced the best from the sciences, both by leveraging technology to enhance the visitor experience and by educating visitors on the scientific innovations and opportunities ahead of us. One of our most recent exhibitions is called Earth Dreams, which we created in collaboration with world renowned digital artist, Refik Anadol. The exhibit takes visitors inside the artistic mind of a machine. We built it by feeding billions of images of the earth, sky, and water into a generative AI engine. The artificial intelligence then uses the data to paint its own mesmerizing interpretation of our world. Earth Dreams embodies how an exhibit can simultaneously serve as an immersive work of art, an impressive feat of science, and a compelling item of immersive storytelling. Come and expereince it for yourself.

What is your favorite spot at the Museum?

I enjoy observing our guests in the museum’s lobby. From here, I can examine their sense of excitement and anticipation as they prepare to blast off into outer space (the first experience in our museum journey). The lobby is also the location where people descend back down from their journey from outer space to inner space, and the world of tomorrow. We aim to awe and inspire all who enter. So, it fills me with great pride and purpose when I see our guests leaving in a mood of contemplation, a feeling of inspiration, and a sense of satisfaction.

The most special thing about this museum from your point of view?

The Museum of the Future embodies the vision and spirit and ‘can do’ spirit of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It’s his words that you see decorating the walls on the inside and outside of the museum in Arabic calligraphy. When translated, they mean: “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. It isn’t something you await but rather create.” “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity leave a legacy long after we’re gone.” “The secret to the renewal of life, evolution of civilization and the development of humanity is simple: innovation.” By symbolizing the philosophy of His Highness, the museum also signifies the ethos of Dubai as a whole. That’s the most special thing for me.

How do you see the future of the emirates from your special observatory?

The United Arab Emirates have experienced progress at blinding speed thanks to the vision, strategy, and action of its leaders. Today we are a global hub for trade, transport, tourism, technology and so much more. When you look around a city like Dubai in 2025, it is hard to imagine that our country is only 53 years old. As I see it, we are just getting started. We will continue to formulate and implement progressive policies that transform healthcare, education, transport – everything required to reach our goal of making Dubai the best city in the world to live and work by 2040.

5 places not to be missed in Dubai

The Museum of the Future

The spot where more than a million people visit each year to get a taste of life 50 years from now.

Kite Beach

Located in the center of Dubai with a wealth of food options.

Marmoom

The quiet spot in the desert is the best place to shut down from the hustle of the city.

Mushrif Park

It’s a scenic location with an amazing track for mountain biking.

Alkhazan Park

This is a small park in the heart of the city where I take my baby son every weekend.

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