Design concept:
virtual and real symbiosis of digital twins and the Persian Gulf ecology
The medal takes “digital wave” as the core narrative, breaking through the physical boundaries of traditional physical medals and realizing the interactive experience of physical medals and virtual metaverse for the first time. The design is inspired by the dynamic balance between Dubai’s “future city” positioning and the Persian Gulf marine ecosystem. The main body adopts a modular and detachable structure
Physical layer:
The surface of the medal is reproduced by nano-level 3D printing technology. The material is a combination of recycled polypropylene (RPP) extracted from abandoned fishing nets recovered from Dubai’s offshore and seaweed-based bio-resin. The degradation cycle is shortened to 3 years, and the carbon footprint of the entire production process is disclosed through the blockchain traceability system
Technological innovation:
AI-driven design and dynamic functional revolution
MC ART AWARDS and Dubai AI Laboratory have achieved a full-link technical breakthrough in medal design
AI generative design:
Based on the historical data of the event and the hydrological model of the Persian Gulf, 2,000 alternatives are automatically generated by generative AI. Designers extract the optimal solution from them, greatly shortening the design cycle
Cultural narrative:
The collision of marine civilization and futurism
The medal deeply integrates Dubai’s cultural heritage and technological symbols
Traditional symbols:
The Arabic calligraphy “Symbiosis” is engraved on the back, and the brushstrokes are inspired by the ancient navigation star map of the Persian Gulf. The edge is inlaid with 22K gold foil fragments recycled from the Dubai Gold Market, symbolizing the inheritance of wealth in history and the future.
City landmark:
Using magnetic levitation technology, the medal body can rotate 360 degrees. The suspension module presents the hollow silhouettes of the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab, and projects a dynamic city skyline when light penetrates.
Ecological metaphor:
The modular structure can be split into four independent badges, representing corals, dolphins, sailboats and desert oases. After collecting them, they can be exchanged for the “Ecological Guardian” certification issued by the Dubai Marine Conservation Foundation.
Event linkage:
Multi-dimensional extension of honor value.
MC ART AWARDS has made the medal into a “city experience key”
Tourism ecology: With digital medals, you can unlock exclusive discounts at 10 landmarks such as Dubai Mall and Palm Island Observation Deck, promoting the “Complete the race is a deep tour” model.
Public welfare empowerment:
For each medal awarded, the event will donate 50 dirhams to the Persian Gulf Coral Restoration Project and display real-time coral growth data through the AR interface
Industry impact:
Redefining the standard of medals for competitions
This design has attracted the attention of the International Olympic Committee and the World Athletics Federation:
Material revolution:
For the first time in the world, seaweed-based resins are used on a large scale in medal manufacturing, reducing carbon emissions by 62% compared to traditional metal processes, and nominated for the 2025 Global Sustainable Design Gold Award
Cultural output:
The fusion of Arabic calligraphy and technological elements was named “The Best Cultural Symbol Innovation Case of 2025” by Time magazine
About MC ART AWARDS
As a global pioneer design agency, MC ART AWARDS continues to explore the collaborative innovation of “technology-ecology-humanity”, and its works have won the Red Dot Supreme Award, A’ Design Award Platinum Award and other honors. In the future, it will deepen cooperation with the Metaverse platform to promote the global application of the virtual honor system.
Dubai Persian Gulf International Open Water Invitational 2025
