Why is Dubai Swarmed By Celebrities?

September 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tourists Attractions




If you looked on the various news headlines emerging from the Middle East, you will notice a substantial shift taking place in the manner they have been reporting about this region as a whole. From various military coups to the stories of political vendetta; from gun totting hostage takers to the unnerving interpretation of Islam; and from the so-called lack of democratization to the non existent human rights, the Middle East has always had to bear the brunt of hostile news reporting. But, the emerging trade and commerce and tourism activities in Dubai are fundamentally changing this long held stereotyped interpretation of the Muslim world now.

Don’t be surprised therefore, if the British footballer David Beckham and the Spice Girl Victoria are seen walking out of one of its famous five star hotels, or if the reigning formula one champion Michael Schumacher is spotted unwinding somewhere on its breathtaking shorelines. You will also come to notice some very famous names from the corporate world making regular rounds of this famous city. From top cine stars to sports celebrities and from the multi-billion empire holders to the average holiday making freaks, all are increasingly being seen on Dubai’s soil these days. This in itself, speaks a lot of how dramatically the world’s vision of the Middle East has transformed.

The next round of Dubai Tennis Championships to be held in February and March 2007 will be another treat for the tennis lovers and the media managers both. Names like the William sisters – Serena and Venus and Andre Agassi have played on this venue and enthralled the audiences in the recent past. Equally reported have had been the events like a friendly match organized between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer on the helipad of Burj Al Arab hotel. Tennis balls kept falling down inside the Arabian sea as the two players proceeded with some of their favourite strokes. Not too behind was Tiger Woods who made use of the same helipad for his golf practice. Woods was in Dubai to take part in the Dubai Desert Classic and couldn’t resist the temptation of practicing on such a breathtaking height.

If the celebrity spotting has become one of the new trends in Dubai’s social life, then so is the emerging competition among the hotel owners for making the best out of this pulsating market. They are making all efforts, like building of more niche hotels, to cap this upscale clientele. This means exclusively targeting the business travellers and the multimillionaires from across the globe. Apart from Dubai, Lebanon and Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt have also been trying to raise their stakes. However, the former is well ahead in the race involving these three.

Dubai’s desire of opening its borers to the outside world has been well received and reciprocated by the latter. As a result we are witnessing the very fundamental image of the Middle East taking a new turn in the global environment. By allowing so many expatriates on its soil, Dubai has made its friendly intentions clear. Expatriates will continue on playing a crucial role in the local economy, hence making the exchange of the Arabian peninsula with the outside world stronger. It speaks of a pleasing scenario, which will continue to get on more shades with each passing day.



For a Hospitable Stay- Deira Dubai Hotels

September 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Hotels

For tourists to business travelers Deira Dubai draws number of visitors, looking for some relaxed time or business opportunities. Deira Dubai is the business and commercial heart of Dubai city, which is separated by Bur Dubai by the Deira Creek. The place offers some of the best shopping options to some excellent hotels in Deira. There is a unique flavor in the place with a cosmopolitan society and a global lifestyle. The cosmopolitan lifestyle has not affected the rich and deeply rooted traditional Islamic culture, which the city follows. The tourism rush to the Dubai has seen development work in Deira Dubai, which has come up with a range of hotels, which open up a world of luxury, elegance and excellent facilities. Moreover, the hotels have a strategic location close to the airport and one can expect the highest standards of service and comfort in Deira Dubai hotels.

Deira Dubai is a lively place with an exciting activities lined up to offer to tourists visiting Dubai. The area is close to the old quarters of Dubai, with the Deira City Centre a famous entertainment and leisure complex of its kind located here. This tourist attraction has a lot to offer, with a choice of over 300 fantastic shops, restaurants, fast food outlets, children’s entertainment centre, the Jewellery Court, and Arabian Treasures. Of the other attractions in the city, Ban Yas Square is the centre of Deira and Deira Tower is the highlight with clothes and electrical shops lined up. Deira Dubai has earned itself a name for its buildings. Each of the buildings is modern architectural wonders in itself. The Deira Dubai skyline is a delight to look at with tourists clicking photographs. Family holidays are fun with the Ice rink at the Galleria and the Mamzar Beach Park all designed keeping in mind the needs of families. There are a number of hotels in Deira Dubai, which provide luxury accommodation and equal number of cheap hotels Deira Dubai for an economical stay.
Come to Deira Dubai and enjoy the treat yourself in luxury and warm hospitality in one of the hotels of Deira Dubai. The hotels of Deira Dubai are a unique blend of traditional Arabian hospitality with all the modern luxuries. The warm hospitality provided by the hotel and its staff leave the guests in their comfort zone, giving them a feel of home away from home. Pick from a wide range of luxury to Deira Dubai hotels cheap. Travelers traveling on a budget will find some cheap hotels Deira Dubai, which are not only economical but also comfortable. The cheap hotel does not mean that any compromise is made on the facilities front but provide with excellent services. All hotels in Deira Dubai are well equipped with modern facilities and amenities to make one’s stay comfortable. The regions hotels provide high quality services and are all luxuriously furnished, offering a number of services and amenities. Almost all hotels of the city are compatible to the needs of both the business as well as leisure traveler. Expect a nice experience, great value and personalized services at the wonderful accommodation in Deira Dubai.

Issues You Should Consider to Buy Dubai Apartments

September 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Hotels




If you want a tranquil as well as panoramic living place with all the modern facilities then Dubai should be you first choice. Dubai is an exclusive city with timeless deserts and golden beaches. This multi-city has an extensive range of apartments on offer that are sufficient to those looking for property on a budget and also for those who come to visit for a short time. Living in Dubai assures year round sunshine and contemporary life style. For some excellent building like Jumeriah Village South and Jumeirah Lake Towers; values for money apartments have been in short supply.

Here follows some logical factors why you should think of buying your apartment in Dubai.

Situated at the center of the world, Dubai has become a leading business and tour center, with more than 90 airlines providing direct flights worldwide to the city thus forming it into one of the premier tourist destinations in the world.

Wide choice

Dubai offers you wide choices to pick up your right apartment. You can choose apartment from Nakheel’s International City, Jumeirah Village or Dubai Sports City. Apart from these, there are the Shoreline apartments on both the Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali, or possibly an apartment in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Dubai.

There is also a wide range of apartments in Sports City. With the likes of Rufi Towers, Eden Gardens and Oasis Tower buyers can invest for their apartment that is most promising location as living in such a development brings the lifestyle perks. Apartments such as Al Duaa Gardens, Prodigy 4 and El Matador present best level of comfort expected from Jumeirah Village South without costing more money.

You can also find a budget price comparative apartment at Discover Gardens. This offers studio property in Dubai where you can get pleasure from the world’s largest themed shopping mall with abundant landscaped garden.

If you are a visitor in Dubai and want to stay in Dubai for a long time or with a large group or simply desire privacy, apartment might be a better option than staying in a hotel. The luxury fully furnished apartments are available for you. Here you will get all the modern facilities like high speed Internet, Cable TV, DVD/CD player, gymnasium, swimming pool, sauna, covered car park etc in those apartments.

Remember the fact that the prices of the apartments have gone up sharply in the past few years, though the prices are still cheaper than European prices. The Dubai freehold property markets offer a wide range of apartment options in a large number of different price brackets.

So, Dubai offers their clients modern fashionable as well as comfortable apartments at a very affordable price.



Allest Building In The World Urj Ubai

September 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Nightlife

The tallest man made structure record was held by the CN Tower in Canada. However, that record has been broken by the Burj Dubai, a 555.3m building constructed by Emaar Properties, one of the leading property builders.

Currently the tallest building, the Burj Dubai, at 555.3m high, is one tall building that has a whopping one hundred and fifty stories. This building has left the others in the competition like the Taipei 101 in Taiwan and the record holder, CN Tower.

An elated Mohammed Ali Alabbar, the Chairman of the firm (Emaar Properties) that pulled off this amazing feat, was quoted saying that the making of this building was a result of more than 5000 people who were involved in the making of this project. He said that he saw this achievement as an assertion of the will power of the many people who dedicated their efforts towards the creation of this masterpiece. Making the tallest building in the world is not an easy thing to do, and it requires an immense amount of dedication and perseverance to transfer a dream into reality. The proud chairman claimed that this achievement bears testimony to the spirit of Dubai and is representative of the dauntless never die attitude of its people.

This building actually puts Dubai in the world map and when the building is completed in the next year, it will become one of the major attractions of the place.
The Downtown Burj Dubai project covers other aspects and will have everything from residences, offices, hospitality units and the biggest destination for shopaholics around the world the Dubai Mall.

Investment Features
The Burj Dubai is all about thinking big and then transforming it into reality. The structure will have world class facilities for the residents. Those staying in Burj Dubai will get four swimming pools at their disposal, a cigar club, library and a world class gym.

Design and Construction
The styling and structuring of the Burj Dubai, done by Skidmore from Chicago, is a perfect merger of Islamic architectural traditions and modern styling. It looks very much a 21st century structure with an added feel of tradition.
The Burj Dubai represents the blend of East and West and it poses as a perfect destination for the investors who are interested in real estate. With the demands for a space in the Burj Dubai, it is fast becoming one of the hottest properties around.

If you can be part of the Burj Dubai, you will have access to almost all over the world and you will be where the world wants to be. With most of the attention of the real estate focused on it, the Burj Dubai is all set to become one of the most coveted properties in the world.
With all the good things, one must end with the good old saying in the world of real estate the sky is the limit. And thus, even before the Burj Dubai has arrived, it has a competitor in Nakheels Al Burj, a tower that promises to be the highest!

Dubai Freehold Property

September 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Hotels

With so much development taking place in Dubai and so many freehold properties available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! This blog is designed to offer a multitude of information on property in Dubai, as well as the latest news on the ever expanding freehold market.
Find all the necessary information on Dubai leasing property, selling Dubai property, buying Dubai property and Dubai property investment in general. Mortgages, finance, market trends and recent property legislation are all important issues facing investors today so staying up to date with all the facts will keep you ahead of the game.
With the property development value of the United Arab Emirates running into several hundred billion dollars, the scope and value of freehold properties in Dubai especially is still on the rise. Dubai property investment has been a major source of interest since the introduction
of freehold property rights in 2002 and with the addition of the property law in 2006 which allows freehold title on properties, is set to see a renewed surge in interest.
Issues on attaining finance for freehold properties have also become much debated. Previously, only financiers in association with flagship developers Emaar and Nahkeel were authorized to provide mortgages to property investors. Now the market has opened up to allow numerous, more familiar banks to offer financing and loan options to investors that include competitive interest rates and Shariah
compliant alternatives.
With such an expansive Array of property developments being undertaken, several key ventures stand out above the rest. These are Burj Dubai tower, The Palm
Dubai, The World island Dubai and the Palm Jebel Ali. High levels of interest have seen property prices rise exponentially over the past few years, even before the property has been completed. However, with so much property available on the market, there has also been a great deal of speculation about the future
of not only the Dubai property market, but also the rest of the Emirates that are jumping on the bandwagon of late. Only time will really tell the true implications of investing in Dubai and other Emirates, both long-term and short-term.

Holiday in Dubai

September 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Nightlife




Situated on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf Dubai is the second largest and most popular destination of all the United Arab Emirates. The multicultural city of Dubai is one of the most expansive and innovative cities in the world with a population of over 1.5 million and some of the most technologically advanced buildings in the world.

Some useful facts for travellers to Dubai are that the currency is Arab Emirates Dirham, the time zone is +4 GMT, the official language is Arabic although English is widely spoken and a flight journey from the UK usually takes around 7 hours to Dubai Airport. Also useful to know is that Dubai is divided into two parts by a creek, Deira on the north side and Bur Dubai on the south side with water taxi’s regularly taking visitors from one side to the other. Both regions have a vast amount of shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, cinemas bars so travellers of any age will always find something fun to do. As well as being home to the sail shaped unofficial 7 star Burj Al Arab hotel there are a number of other great sites to see in Dubai from the Dubai Museum, the Grand Mosque and the historical town of Hatta. However for visitors looking for a bit more action there are also plenty of things to do. Some of the most unique activities to Dubai are sand surfing, quad biking in the desert and skiing on the indoor ski centre. As well as these activities visitors can also enjoy aerial tours, desert safaris, golf, fishing, horse racing, water parks, go carting and ice skating so action is never far away!

Flights to Dubai are relatively inexpensive for the distance travelled and cheap flights to Dubai can be obtained. Whichever flights to Dubai you do decide on, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!



“stand Up for Sundays”

September 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Nightlife

Stand Up for Sundays

If your Sunday seems dull and boring, and you reminisce of the days when you had some fun entertainment to keep you busy. We have a solution, “Stand Up for Sundays!” A fresh and witty crew of local Stand Up comedians has high jacked the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square and is occupying her stage for a month of Sundays.

The Comedy Shop is not new to the theatre; their previous performance of “Stand Up for Sundays” was in December 2005 and won mass critical praise. The troupe of five comedians offers fresh fast paced humor coupled with audience interaction and smooth roll of the tongue punch lines. The Five piece show includes, Mel Miller, Al Prodgers, Kedibone Mulaudzi, Etienne Shardlow and Alistair Plint.

Al Prodgers, has just returned from Canada, where he represented South Africa in the Yuk Yaks comedy festival. Al is not new to performing abroad he was part of the “Stand Up South Africa” show in London, is regularly seen on stages in Abu

Dhabi and left Dubai in raucous laughter. Al Prodgers is a regular headline act on local stages and was the perfect choice to open for Steven Wrights visit to Cape Town, never the less Al seems eager to be listed as part of the team on “Stand Up for Sundays.”

Kedibone Mulaudzi, has a never ending biography of impressive shows, he was invited to perform for the Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s 50th Wedding anniversary and after the show the Arch bishop went to Kedibone and said “You good, no actually you very good!” he went on to host the Comedy Nine Nine festival, Arts Alive and the Wits He, he festival’s.

Mel Miller has been performing on South African stages for over 40 years, his diverse humor and no topics untouched attitude, wrap together to bring audiences a laugh per minute performance of unstoppable joy! The veteran performer is known in the stand up market as “The Godfather of South African Comedy” and his title is evidently deserved when seen strutting punch line after

punch line from any stage.

Alistair Plint and Etienne Shardlow, are part of the original “Stand Up for Sundays” cast, the two crazy stand up comedians have been hard at work since last they visited the theatre, Alistair a regular show producer, entertainment agent and

comedian, has been responsible for many a successful show including the “comedy supper club”, “five funny guys” and “The shortcut to Pluto”. Etienne’s character “The Schoolboy” stole the hearts of avid television viewers when he won the reality comedy competition on MNets Laugh Out Loud, but that never stopped him, he currently runs two comedy venues and is always surprising

audiences with new characters that you think you’ve met at work.

This team of local comedy stars, will launch into a laugh a millisecond routines and raucous antics at The Old Mutual theatre on the square, in Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton on the 24th February, and through the Sundays in March. You areinvited to join them.

Tickets are available from Computicket and the theatre box office at (011) 883 8606. Fortunately, the show caries a 18 age Restriction, so a cash bar will be available. Should Eskom grace with great service, we may have

a fully enlightening performance. Show starts at 7pm, see you there!

Dubai Holidays – Five Unmissable Cultural Highlights

September 29, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Restaurants

Dubai City may be more famous for its skyscrapers, malls and beach resorts than for museums and culture, but don’t be fooled – there’s plenty of cultural sights to see as part of a luxury holiday to Dubai. Many people don’t stray beyond the comforts of their resorts while on their Dubai holidays, but they would be missing out on the mosques, museums and markets that still stand out as star attractions amidst the high rise metropolis that Dubai is rapidly becoming.

Here are five of the biggest cultural highlights to experience while on holiday in Dubai…

Dubai Museum

This museum is a perfect first stop on a Dubai holiday, giving you a crash course in the history of the country and an insight into its culture. The building of the Dubai museum is itself a piece of history, as it is located in the Al Fahidi Fort which was built to protect Dubai from naval invaders over two hundred years ago. Step inside, and you are treated to a range of exhibits that showcase the evolution of Dubai, from its tribal beginnings to the international business centre that it has become today. Highlights include a traditional instruments display, an impressive collection of weaponry and a number of staged dioramas that dramatically depict significant events in Dubai’s history.

Bastakiya District

While much of Dubai City is now formed of modern skyscrapers, the Bastakiya District gives you a glimpse of Dubai as it once was. Located just next to the Dubai Museum, Bastakiya is a collection of traditional buildings, each built around a central courtyard and cooled by its own wind tower. It is a superbly preserved series of buildings, interspersed with art galleries, shops, restaurants and cafes, and is a great place to visit as part of a cultural holiday in Dubai.

The Souks

Souk is the Arabic word for market – the traditional place where everyday goods are bought and sold by the ordinary people of the city. Most travellers on a Dubai luxury holiday will know about the legendary Gold Souk, and plenty more will be tempted to the air-conditioned luxury of the souks in the city centre. For a real taste of the Arabic marketplace, head over to the smaller, more traditional souks that are scattered across the city, selling everything from spices, to clothing, food and much more. They are the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for your Dubai holiday, but come prepared to haggle – if you get the traders down to 50% of their original asking price, it’s a good start, down to a 1/3 and you’re doing great, any lower than that and you might want to consider becoming a trader yourself!

Jumeirah Mosque

When most people think of Jumeirah, they think of the beach or the resort hotel, but the Jumeirah mosque is an unmissable place to visit while on holiday in Dubai. It is the only mosque in Dubai which non-Muslims are permitted to enter, giving you the rare opportunity to experience the amazing architecture and religious art up close. Make sure that you dress respectfully when you visit, with clothes covering past the ankle and elbow.

Miraj Islamic Art Gallery

Art lovers on a Dubai holiday need look no further – the Miraj is one of the best collections of Islamic art in the Middle East. It has a collection of artworks from across the region; jewelled Indian dresses, Turkish brass engravings, antique carpets from Iran, and much more. It combines a mixture of older items with a contemporary section that is regularly refreshed by the galleries in house artists, and everything that you see is for sale (though the antique items are likely to be out of your price range unless you are a millionaire or an art dealer!)

Modern and Strikingly Designed Retail Developments in Dubai

September 29, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Restaurants




Flamingo Heights, The Lagoons, Dubai

Situated on the Ras Al Khor road and by the end of the creek, Flamingo Heights is strategically located in Al Sedaifa in The Lagoons and overlooks one of the main canals. For those who demand the ultimate in waterfront living, this is the ideal property. Flamingo Heights epitomizes a modern and strikingly designed architecture with calm and soothing surroundings highlighted by picturesque waterfront and lush green landscapes that make this an idyllic haven. Your cozy abode away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

State-of-the-art leisure facilities ensure you stay in the pink of health always. Pamper yourself by indulging in an exhilarating range of activities, from a workout at the gymnasium to a dip in the pool. At Flamingo Heights, you’ll get to live a complete and healthy lifestyle, packed with fun and excitement. This is life at its very best.

•Swimming pool

•Male/female gymnasium with lockers

•Sauna/Steam room/Spa baths

•Lounge area

•Billiard room

•Children’s play area

•Retail on ground and mezzanine levels

•Arcade on the façade facing the water

•Cafes

•Restaurants

•Juice Bars

Suburbia

If you’ve ever wandered through the colorful cities of Fez and Marrakech, you’ll no doubt have fallen in love with the exhilarating mix of architecture, elaborate decoration and culture rich in history. Suburbia, is a spectacular development comprising of 2 apartment towers and breathtaking townhouses. Inspired from different facets of Moroccan architecture, starting from bright color schemes, geometrical patterns to richly ornamented exteriors, Suburbia captures the exotic mystique of this alluring land within your home creating the perfect harmony between luxury and beauty.

An amenity rich environment, this address offers you an exceptional way of life and the most sophisticated standard of living, giving you the freedom to live life as you desire. Enjoy exclusive services designed to give you a sense of physical and mental peace.

•1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments

•Tastefully chosen fixed furniture and joinery

•Townhouses offer – triplex, duplex and single floor dwelling

•Open roof terraces

•Parking on 4 levels of the podium

•24-hr concierge and help desk facilities

•Outdoor swimming pool

•Jogging track

•State-of-the-art gymnasium

•Children’s play area

•Retail on ground floor

•Cafés & Juice bars

•Restaurants with outdoor settings

Location facilities:

•Buzzing Urban Centre with cafes, restaurants and entertainment facilities

•A cool, shady Trellis District where people can walk in comfort and children can play in safety

•A Medina, with its maze of pedestrian alleyways and relaxed atmosphere

•Four Dubai Metro stations for effortless travel between each zone

•Low-rise residential neighborhoods

•Courtyards and plazas

•Streets & parks

•Shopping & Dining

DAMAC Properties is part of DAMAC Holdings. Established in 1995, DAMAC Properties has grown into one of the leading developers in Dubai real estate, offering high end Dubai Freehold Property and Dubai Investment Property.



Top 10 Crazy Projects In Dubai

September 29, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Hotels

Dubai is now officially the land of extreme building projects and, as a result of some of the unique and exciting attractions springing up in the area, tourism is growing fast. A bevy of luxurious and opulent hotels and some glorious beaches to match are making luxury holidays in Dubai extremely popular.

Much of Dubai’s growth is attributable to its remarkable ruler, Sheikh Mohammed, who has overseen the development of many of the projects on this list. If you’re planning a Dubai holiday, make sure to visit some of the amazing sites, buildings and luxury hotels in Dubai – there really is nothing else like them! Here is a countdown of the top ten.

10: Jebel Ali Port

Dubai’s port, Jebel Ali, is the world’s largest man-made harbour and the biggest port in the Middle East. The area is also home to 5,500 companies from 120 countries.

9: Dubai Airport

A colossal new airport called Dubai World Central International Airport is currently under construction. Many times larger than the Dubai International Airport, it is expected to be the busiest in the world, with a passenger capacity of more than 120 million – almost 30% more than Atlanta, currently the world’s busiest passenger airport.

8: Palm Islands

The three Palm Islands, Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira, are the largest land reclamation project in the world and will result in the world’s largest artificial islands and a major Dubai holiday attraction.

Each settlement will be the shape of a palm tree, and between the three islands will house over 100 of Dubai’s luxury hotels, exclusive residential beach side villas and apartments, marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities and health spas. The Islands will add 520km of beaches to the city of Dubai and construction will be completed over the next 10-15 years.

7: Sports City

The Dubai Sports City is an entire sports city, about an hour’s drive from the beach, consisting of apartment buildings and sports facilities. This Dubai holiday attraction’s main sports structure is a 60,000 seat, multi-purpose outdoor stadium, to be used for athletics, football and rugby union. Other venues include a 25,000-seat cricket ground, a 10,000-seat indoor arena, a 5,000-seat field hockey stadium and an 18-hole golf course.

6: Dubai Towers

Dubai Towers is a stunning four tower complex in the shape four shining flames, intended to create a dramatic new landmark for Dubai holiday makers and to form the centrepiece of The Lagoons, a mega project which will consist of seven islands. The towers have between 57 to 94 stories and, although the heights are not known, it is believed the tallest will top 400 metres while two others will exceed 300 metres.

5: Dubailand

The soon-to-be-opened Dubailand will take the crown for theme park size. The development is expected to be a full featured city divided into six theme worlds. Developers hope to create a tourism, entertainment, and leisure destination that will attract Dubai holiday makers not only from surrounding countries but also from Europe and Asia.

4: Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai’s luxury hotels and, at 321 metres, the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. However, another luxury Dubai hotel, the Rose Tower, which has already topped Burj Al Arab’s height, will take away its title upon its opening in April 2008.

The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres out from the coast, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The gigantic luxury Dubai hotel is an iconic structure, designed to symbolize Dubai’s urban transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.

3: Burj Dubai

The Burj Dubai has been the world’s tallest building since July, and when it is completed later this year its tower will reach a stomach-churning 800 metres plus. The 164-floor building will be occupied by September of 2009. The building will be used for many purposes and is expected to be a major attraction for Dubai holiday makers.

2: The World

The World is a man-made archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of a world map. This spectacular creation was completed in January this year and, like the other man-made islands in Dubai, was built primarily using sand dredged from the sea, and covers an area of 9 km long and 6 km wide. Rod Stewart is rumoured to have bought the ‘Britain’ island and Irish business consortium Larionovo plans to develop ‘Ireland’ into an Irish-themed, luxury Dubai holiday resort, including a recreation of Ireland’s famous Giants Causeway.

1: The Universe

The Universe is going to be the next stage in the Gulf’s surreal property programme, made by the same people as The World. A cluster of islands in the shape of the solar system, with the Sun, the Moon and a string of planets in between, The Universe will accommodate 300,000 people, including Dubai Holiday makers, and will take 15 to 20 years to build. The project, which was announced in January, is still in the planning stages.

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