The Vegas of the Middle East
As I described in my user info, Dubai is seeking to become a world reknown tourist destination. Under the vision of Sheikh Mohammed, the Crown Prince of this Emirate, they wish to become increasingly less dependent on oil, with a projected 10 million tourists a year by 2010. To attract these visitors Dubai has done a number of things to make Western types feel welcome such as: having several dozen night clubs , allowing alcohol to be drank by anyone with an ID that says they're at least 21, a liberal attitude toward risque clothing (both on the beach and in clubs...my mom has seen a woman walking around a public beach topless, thought I'd recommend against it), allowing expats to own property in select areas (all other Mid East countries that I'm aware of require them to rent from a national), enormous shopping malls and unbelievable accomodations. I will devote the next paragraph to the latter because they are indeed link worthy.
I think one of the first projects that garnered wide spread attention was the Burj Al Arab. A seven star hotel in the shape of a sail, this "stately pleasure-dome" claims to be taller than the Eiffel Tower and more luxurious than all others. On a dont you wish you were me note, I had my senior prom there. Fairly soon after the completion of the Burj came the Emirates Tower. While not as unique as the the the Burj, the twin beacons of modernity are supposed to have a bar with an unbelievable view from their 51st floor called "Vu's Bar". Figuring that land based accomodations are contingent upon available space, Dubai decided to increase their coast line by creating islands. The Palms are a set of island projects that will house hotels, town houses, apartments and artifical reefs. It will increase the UAE's beachfront by 166%, and is viewable from space with the naked eye. While God might have rested on the seventh day, Dubai never does, and came up with their next major project, "The World". Islands in the shape of a map of the world, this one is strictly for the ultra rich. Whoever has the dough buys a country and can do whatever he/she/they want with it. Some hotels are buying up the bigger ones like Australia, while Eastern Europe accomodates the private citizen. Prices start at $6.85 million. And lastly, Dubai will outdo itself again with this world's first underwater hotel . And the thing is, they're getting these done on time. In fact, the first phase of the Palm Jumeirah was done two months ahead of time. I dont know, I just get a kick out of this shit....absolutely nuts what a dream and several billions bucks can get you.
Anyway, that is it for my gushing on how amazing Dubai is. If you have money...something which I need to start earning. I should hear back from Nima (the BBC contact) on this upcoming Saturday. Absolutely nothing has happened today but tomorrow shall be a beachy one with the parents followed by our eating out somewhere.
Thats all for today
Peace