The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, or states, each with its own unique character, personality, and ruler. Among the seven, Dubai is unquestionably the hottest travel destination.
UAE is wealthy and warm with expansive beaches and beauty. UAE makes it's wealth by oil. With the average current market prices of $60 to $70 a barrel, the Emirates are making a lot of money. Geologists, though, predict the oil beneath Dubai will be gone within 50 years.
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum, knowing his country's oil days are numbered, has set upon an ambitious plan to convert his Emirate into the world’s number one travel destination. Architects with no-holds-barred, spectacular ideas are being given green lights to build to their hearts' desires. Dubai is more than the Vegas of the Middle East, it is quickly becoming a major spectacle in the world.
The seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, constructed in the shape of a giant sailboat, is lavishly styled with 114 domes covered in mosaic. It has over 1,000 crystal chandeliers and its own heli-pad extension on an arm that is more than 1,000 feet above the city. It often converts into the world's most unique tennis court or par-3 golf hole.
Another building, the Burj Dubai, to be completed in 2008, is expected to be the tallest building in the world at an estimated 162 stories high.
David Fisher, an Italian-Israeli architect, has dreamed up a 68-story combination hotel, apartment and office tower where the floors would rotate 360 degrees and the tower would change shape each week (above, left). The Burj Al Arab lights up UAE at dusk (right).
What is impressive about UAE is both the stunning architecture of the buildings and the apparently endless number of cranes, like those being used to build "The World Project" by Nakheel, which will consist of 300 small islands positioned to form the shape of the world and should be finished next year.
I think what the UAE is doing is very innovative, productive and inspiring. They are taking massive creative risks in architecture and large scale landscaping -- I mean they are making their own islands! There is not a doubt in my mind that one day I will go see this place for myself and that my camera will be right next to me. Check out the Amazing Dubai photo gallery and experience this truly amazing land of plenty!
- Cassandra Shie
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