Have you ever wondered about the story behind Dubai’s iconic Burj Sheikh Rashid, also known as the World Trade Centre? This architectural gem isn’t just a landmark; it’s part of Dubai’s history and transformation. Long before the skyline boasted glass towers and sleek modern designs, the World Trade Centre stood as the city’s first skyscraper, a beacon of ambition and vision for the future.
To celebrate its 45th anniversary, Dubai Culture has organized a special exhibition, “Burj Rashid,” at the Al Safa Art and Design Library. Nearly 30 artists have come together to reimagine and honor this historic tower. This exhibition, supported by the Sikka Platform and part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, blends nostalgia, technology, and emotion to bring the story of Burj Sheikh Rashid to life.
A Blend of Memory and Technology
One of the exhibition’s standout features is its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate a time-lapse of the tower’s construction—something that was never captured on film. Dr. Ahmad AlAttar, founder of REALIITY, and his colleague Mohamad Al Hamadi used rare photos from various stages of the building’s development, including private meetings of Sheikh Rashid. With the help of AI tools for expansion, colorization, upscaling, and animation, they crafted a moving timeline showcasing the tower’s journey from blueprints to completion. 
“The result is a seamless video that takes viewers through the building’s evolution, from initial sketches to its place in the modern Dubai skyline,” Dr. AlAttar explains. “It’s purely visual, but incredibly powerful.”
Artworks That Tell Stories of Memory
Artist Sara Al Khayyal approached the project in a more subtle way. Fascinated by the tower’s intricate patterns, she created a mixed-media piece that reflects the way memories work. Using embroidered thread on mesh and engraved acrylic, her artwork shows how our recollections, like the alignment of her materials, can be slightly misaligned over time, symbolizing the fluid and evolving nature of memory.
“This piece reflects how memories blur and stretch as time goes by,” says Al Khayyal. “At first, memories are clear, but they eventually become distorted, and that’s perfectly natural.” Her artwork focuses on the geometric design of the tower’s façade, inviting viewers to connect their personal experiences to its iconic shape and presence in the city.
More Than Just an Exhibition
The Burj Rashid exhibition is more than just a nostalgic look back; it’s an experience that invites both longtime residents and newcomers to reconnect with the city’s roots. Long before Dubai became synonymous with superlative feats, there was the quiet confidence of the Burj Sheikh Rashid—a single tower that stood as a symbol of Dubai’s vision and determination to build something exceptional.
The exhibition is a reminder of the deep connection between Dubai’s past and present, showing how a single structure can shape a city’s identity. Visitors are encouraged to not only admire the building but also to reflect on how it has shaped their own lives and memories.
The “Burj Rashid” exhibition runs until May 2 at the Al Safa Art and Design Library, and it is open to the public. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history lover, or someone who simply calls Dubai home, this exhibition offers a unique chance to dive deep into the cultural and architectural evolution of the city.
