Another World “Dubai”

(Fatima Tahir, Lahore)

By 2010, the year Dubai's known oil reserves will most likely be tapped out, prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is expecting to attract 15 million tourists. The following are the numerous ultramodern wonders of Dubai. Just have a look:

Burj Dubai: world's tallest building
This is a “virtual model” of the Burj Tower. The Burj Dubai will be the world's tallest building when it opens in 2009. The building was designed by Adrian Smith. The total budget for the Burj Dubai project is about $4 billion US dollars and for the entire new 'Downtown Dubai', $20 billion US Dollars. Its shape is inspired by the indigenous desert flowers that often appear as decorative patterns in Islamic architecture. The swirl shape ensures that the mass of the structure lessens as it reaches the top, making the structure steadier.

Palm Islands: palm-shaped man-made island
The Palm Islands in Dubai are the three largest artificial islands in the world. They are being constructed by Nakheel Properties, a property developer in the United Arab Emirates. The islands are The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira. Between the three islands there will be over 100 luxury hotels, exclusive residential beach side villas and apartments, marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities and health spas. The creation of The Palm Jumeirah began in June 2001. Shortly after, The Palm Jebel Ali was announced and reclamation work began. In 2004, The Palm Deira, which will be almost as large in size as Paris, was announced. Palm Jumeirah is currently open for development. Construction will be completed over the next 10-15 years.

Dubailand: world's largest amusement park
Dubailand is to be the largest amusement park collection in the world. We can see dinosaurs in true size. Twice the size of Disney World, it is expected to be a full featured city divided into six theme worlds:
• Attractions & Experience World
• Retail and Entertainment World
• Sports and Outdoor World
• Themed Leisure and Vacation World
• Eco-Tourism World
• Downtown

The World Islands: man-made islands in the form of a world map
Ever wish the world was smaller? This is “The World”: Imitating a world map, the group of islands. The World is a man-made archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of a world map. The World is being built primarily using sand dredged from the sea. According to the National Geographic Channel (The Best of Megastructures) the overall price for the World is $14 Billion US Dollars.
Note: To go to your private island you need a helicopter or a boat as a mean of transport.

Hydropolis: world's first underwater luxury resort
Hydropolis, the world's first underwater luxury resort, brings new meaning to the "ocean-view room." Situated 66 feet below the surface of the Persian Gulf, Hydropolis will feature 220 guest suites. Reinforced by concrete and steel, its Plexiglas walls and bubble-shaped dome ceilings offer sights of fish and other sea creatures. It's scheduled to open in 2009.

Dubai Mall: largest mall in the world
The Dubai Mall claims to be the largest mall in the world when completed. Featured attractions include the world's largest gold souk; Fashion Island; one of the world's largest aquariums; an Olympic-sized ice skating rink; Oasis Fountain Waterfall; Water Front Atrium; a view of the (soon to be completed) world's tallest building, Burj Dubai. The mall has already won five awards. The mall was scheduled to be completed in 2006, claiming to be the size of 50 "international-sized football(soccer) pitches". It is now expected to be completed in 2008.

Ski Dubai: largest indoor ski resorts in the world
Now take a look at the “Indoor Winter Season” You can ski down the slope while everyone else is outside in an 85ºF. Yes it is also in Dubai. Ski Dubai, which is already open, is claimed to be the largest indoor ski resorts in the world. It is a part of the Mall of the Emirates, which is one of the largest malls in the world.
An extremely efficient insulation system is the key to maintain the temperature of -1 degrees Celsius during the day and -6 degrees during the night when the snow is produced.

Burj Al Arab
This is the Burj Al Arab, the only 7 stars Hotel in the world, it opened its doors in 2003. This hotel is in Dubai, in the Arab Emirates. Yes, a lot of oil and a lot of money. Just to go in and “see it” costs more than 60 € . Can you imagine what it would cost to spend the night? Once you are there you can swim in one of the numerous pools. Or perhaps take a bath in something more “simple” and intimate. You can also play a tennis match with Nadal. Crazy isn’t it? And who will worry if you lost a ball? For the price of one hour of court you can buy hundreds of balls.

Fatima Tahir
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