Dubai: As tea culture continues to thrive across the world and the Gulf, a new AI short film set in futuristic Dubai explores whether iconic drinks like Karak tea will survive another century and a half. The film imagines a future where human lifestyles, food habits, and even social interactions have transformed dramatically, raising questions about memory, tradition, and taste.

Tea, especially strong brews like Malayalis’ favourite adicha chaya and the Gulf’s beloved Karak, remains deeply embedded in everyday life across the UAE. Karak tea, made by boiling tea leaves with cardamom, spices, milk, and sugar, migrated to the Middle East through Indian and Pakistani workers and eventually became an essential part of Arab hospitality. The word karak, derived from Urdu and meaning “strong”, evolved into a cultural brand of its own.

The short film is set 150 years into the future, presenting a Dubai shaped by advanced green architecture and cutting-edge technology. In this imagined world, iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa appear small amid massive green structures. Humans no longer consume food or beverages in traditional ways; instead, nutritional needs are met through medicinal forms, while robots handle routine tasks and reporting.

Yet, the film suggests that Karak tea may not disappear entirely. Memories of flavours once enjoyed by grandparents linger, inspiring future generations to search for traditional recipes long forgotten. The narrative explores how taste and nostalgia might outlive rapid technological evolution, even in a highly automated society.

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The concept was presented at the AI Short Film Festival organised as part of the One Billion Followers Summit. According to screenwriter and director Shanavas Nellikunnil from Kasaragod, the idea stems from curiosity about Dubai’s long-term vision and whether cultural practices can coexist with relentless urban development. He notes that while cities transform, there are always individuals who cling to older ways, guided by memories and flavours.

Directed in collaboration with Korean filmmaker Idk Kang, the film features voice performances by Ratnabali Bhattacharji (Kolkata) and Pappan Muriyathode (Kannur). Editing was done by Amit Pantheerkar (Mumbai), background music by Ishan Divecha (Bangalore), sound design by Alok Kotiyan (Goa), titling by Valeria Polyanichko (Ukraine), and colouring by Shashank Shirsaat (Goa).

Released on YouTube as Karak AI short film, the project offers a time-travel-like experience through the evolving cityscape of Dubai, using tea as a symbol of cultural continuity in a rapidly changing world.