DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MARCH 31, 2008Evidence of human encampments along the shores near the Strait of Hormuz date back more than 5,000 years, yet details about the ancient nomadic cultures remain sketchy. Each time there is new construction in Dubai, more is found beneath the sands.
A little more than 600 years after Christ lived, Muhammad was born in Mecca, and Islam swept across the Arabian Peninsula.
Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A king rules the country. The king is selected by the 7 sheiks to rule. With the council of 7 sheiks the king rules over the region. The council has not allowed foreigners to own property in the country in spite of the sheik of Dubai’s efforts. Dubai therefore decided to build new land in this emirate in the ocean over which the UAE would not have control. Hence the Palm Islands and the World Islands were created which are for sale to foreigners. Even the spectacular Burj al Arab hotel is built on a reclaimed island. This hotel, which has a cheapest room rate of $1500 per night, will not be profitable for the next 100 years of full hotel occupancy. It was built as a symbol of the new and tourist oriented city of Dubai.
The city and Emaar Properties is currently constructing what will become the world’s tallest structure, the Burj Dubai. The final height of the skyscraper is a closely guarded secret; an indication of the developer’s resolve to attain the title of the world’s tallest building and its intention to hold on to it for as long as possible. Estimates point to a heights upwards of 810 meters. By 17 January 2007 it had reached 100 floors.
Thankfully tradition has not been discarded. A group of old wind tower homes in the Bastakiya district near Dubai creel showcase the inventive Arabian style.
We have pictures of the port of Dubai, the downtown skyline showing the Burj Dubai, Burj al Arab outside, Burj al Arab inside and some unnamed sheik that happened by.
