Dubai hardly needs an introduction. Yet, with so many myths and stereotypes surrounding this city, I thought it was time to look beyond the surface and form an opinion of my own about one of the great hubs of the modern world.

The first thing that stands out is undeniably its grandiose design. The skyscrapers lining Sheikh Zayed Road, with the futuristic Dubai Metro running between them, immediately reminded me of The Jetsons and the whole retrofuturistic, raypunk aesthetic (…).