Look: How Studio Ghibli turned Dubai, Abu Dhabi into dreamy destinations this Eid Al Fitr in UAE

Dubai: Cities in the UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been the favourite Eid destinations for travellers across the globe. Now, the emirates have assumed their avatars as dreamy Eid destinations on social media as well, thanks to Studio Ghibli-style art.

Government departments, top officials and residents have jumped on the Artificially Intelligence (AI) art trend to create the UAE version of Studio Ghibli art.

The Ghibli trend stems from the iconic art style of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata in 1985. Known for its whimsical characters and vibrant landscapes, the studio's work has inspired a global following, influencing various cultural celebrations, including Eid in the UAE.

From iconic landmarks in the UAE and Emirati men, women and children wearing traditional outfits to the public transport modes and desert animals and birds representing the biodiversity in the UAE have come alive in the dreamy version of Ghibli art.

Dubai Culture’s chief herself took to social media to share how the emirate’s “beautiful cultural landmarks were reimagined in the enchanting style of Studio Ghibli through the lens of AI.”

“AI is evolving rapidly, bringing new innovations that enrich our world every day. With continuous advancements, it now mimics creativity, understands diverse cultures, and helps preserve our rich heritage,” said Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Dubai Municipality promoted its parks, beaches and tourist attractions like Dubai Frame using Studio Ghibli. “We asked ChatGPT to show us where to spend the #Eid_al_Fitr holiday, and here are results in a #Ghibli style!,” posted the civic body.

Meanwhile, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) turned the public transport services into their Ghibli versions and said” “In #Dubai, every journey feels like a Ghibli movie.”

“We asked ChatGPT to show us which transport modes are the safest, fastest, and most convenient to travel around Dubai, and the results were as seen above!,” it stated along with the Ghibli-style images of Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, Marine Transport, Dubai taxis and public buses.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi came up with a post that captured the essence of Eid in Abu Dhabi in Ghibli-style.

“Eid in Abu Dhabi is a celebration of joy, family and cherished traditions. From festive shopping to heartwarming gatherings, and the excitement of Eidiya, the city comes alive with happiness. Wishing you a blessed Eid,” the department posted.

The accompanying Ghibli images showed people in a traditional market, an Emirati woman wearing a metallic battoulah making the popular dessert 'luqaimat,’ a child receiving the Eidiya (cash given as Eid gift), and Emirati family members celebrating and praying.

Dubai Culture’s post was also specifically related to Eid celebrations. “Step into a world where Eid traditions are reimagined through the fascinating lens of Studio Ghibli!,” it posted, adding a question “Which scene is your favourite?”

Social media users have also been coming up with Ghibli-versions of Dubai’s iconic skyline with Burj Khalifa in the background and popular cultural scenes.

X user naankhatal posted: “Just turned Dubai into a Studio Ghibli daydream. Who knew Miyazaki and the Middle East could blend so beautifully?

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment1 (MoCCAE) gave the Ghibli-touch to the wild animals and birds here to showcase the AI version of biodiversity in the UAE.