| Since 1995, Dubai seems to have been growing in | | | | the most bold and elaborate building project that |
| stature and importance in a variety of spheres, from | | | | Dubai is currently undertaking is the construction of |
| tourism to architecture. Dubai, one of the seven | | | | the Burj Dubai, a skyscraper whose building began in |
| emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, is | | | | April 2005 and is expected to be completed in 2008. |
| the most populous of the regions, and the second | | | | Intriguingly, the eventual height of the building is being |
| largest emirate after Abu Dhabi. While Dubai's old | | | | kept secret, in order to claim the place of the tallest |
| reserves are currently less than one twentieth of | | | | building in the world upon completion of its |
| that possessed by Abu Dhabi, oil has been one of | | | | construction. |
| Dubai's main exports, and built up its importance as a | | | | Currently, Taipei 101 in Taiwan holds this title, and |
| vital trade route during the 1970s and 1980s. | | | | there are numerous others vying for the position: |
| However, since 1995, a series of ambitious building | | | | including the Freedom Tower at New York City's |
| and construction projects have made Dubai one of | | | | World Trade Centre, the Chicago Spire in Chicago, |
| the most intriguing centres of architecture in the | | | | the Port Tower Complex in Chicago and the Shanghai |
| world, undergoing a property boom that has turned it | | | | World Financial Centre in China. By keeping the |
| into one of the fastest growing cities in the world. | | | | eventual height of the Burj Dubai a secret, its |
| The architecture of the city is characterised by a | | | | engineers hope that it will be able to fulfil its goal to |
| series of staggering iconic buildings and skyscrapers, | | | | surpass these current projects, although a height of |
| located both onshore and offshore. Perhaps the most | | | | approximately 808 metres (or 265 feet) has been |
| archetypal example of Dubai's style of architecture is | | | | suggested so far. The building of the Burj Dubai is |
| the Burj-al-Arab, Dubai's premier five-star hotel, which | | | | not only halfway completed, having reached a height |
| also boasts the mantle of the world's tallest hotel. | | | | of 330 metres as of December 2006, but is already |
| Located on an artificial island, the building is meant to | | | | the third tallest building in Dubai. |
| resemble a billowing sail, and reaches the height of | | | | Clearly, Dubai's architecture and design lend it a |
| 321 metres. The pinnacle of the Burj-al-Arab is visible | | | | certain appeal that will attract both the architectural |
| across Dubai city, and at night, its spectacularly | | | | enthusiast and the regular tourist looking to visit a |
| coloured lighting offers a memorable sight. | | | | city that inspires a sense of wonder at every turn. |
| Other iconic buildings in Dubai include the Emirates | | | | Furthermore, Dubai allows its tourists to indulge in |
| Towers (the 12th and 24th tallest buildings in the | | | | luxuriant holidays, and as a result offers its guests a |
| world), the Dubai Marina and the Jumeirah Palm Island, | | | | variety of deluxe hotels in which they can relax and |
| among other ambitious building projects. However, | | | | enjoy all the delights that Dubai has to offer. |