With a possibility of their oil reserves running dry in the near future, Dubai is looking at alternative sources of income. Who would’ve thought that a country that is mostly desert could take to tourism as it’s chief source of revenue. But then, this is UAE we are talking of. It’s current ruler, Sheikh Mohammed, had a vision that is now almost a reality. The vision was so huge it takes me two posts to put it all together!
This is part one of the 2-part series. Be sure to check out the other part too.
Dubai in 1990 prior to the craziness
The same street in 2003
The very street last year!
The Palm Islands in Dubai. New Dutch dredging technology was used to create these massive man made islands. They are the largest artificial islands in the world and can be seen from space. Three of these Palms will be made with the last one being the largest of them all.
Dubai is said to currently have an estimated 15-25% of all the world 's cranes!!
The Dubai Waterfront. When completed it will become the largest waterfront development in the world ...
All of this was built in the last 5 years, including that island that looks like a palm tree.
Upon completion, the resort will have 2,000 villas, 40 luxury hotels, shopping centers, movie theaters, and many other facilities. It is expected to support a population of approximately 500,000 people. It is advertised as being visible from the moon.
The World Islands . 300 artificially created islands in the shape of the world. Each island will have an estimated cost of $25-30 million.
The Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai . The worlds tallest hotel. Considered the only '7 star' hotel and the most luxurious hotel in the world. It stands on an artificial island in the sea.
Hydropolis, the world's first underwater hotel. Entirely built in Germany and then assembled inDubai, it is scheduled to be completed by 2009 after many delays.
The second part can be found here. If you like these posts please digg/stumble them. Expecting some SU love on this one!
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