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Dubai Architecture |
Dubai's architecture is a stunning mix of the historical and ultra modern. As one of the fastest growing cities in the world it is looking to rival Hong Kong, New York and Shanghai as the skyscraper capital of the world.
Explore below our guide to some of the wonders of modern Dubai and discover more about the outrageous concepts of this most futuristic of cities.
Burj Dubai
When it opens in 2009 the Burj Dubai will be the world's tallest building. Inspired by the local desert flowers that permeate Islamic architecture in the form of swirling decorations the form also has a very real engineering purpose. The swirl shape helps the building's structural stability as the mass lessens as it reaches the top. The building will be of mixed usage including offices, shops, entertainment venues and private residences.
Hydropolis
The number one ocean view in the world. This underwater luxury resort, located 66 feet below the surface of the Persian Gulf, is formed from Plexiglas walls and bubble shaped ceilings all reinforced with steel and concrete. Scheduled to open in late 2007, the Hydropolis will offer 220 opulent suites with breathtaking views of the abundant marine life of the region.
The Palm Islands
The Palm Islands are made up from three man-made islands built from over 1 billion cubic meters of sand and stone dredged from the creek and the surrounding sea bed. The complex is laid out to resemble a giant palm tree when seen from above and houses super luxury spas, high-end holiday accommodation, dive sites, theatres and a massive variety of popular tourist attractions.
Sports City
The sprawling Sports City is a section of the 3 billion sq foot development Dubailand. Offering visitors a breathtaking array of super stadiums, state of the art skate parks, polo, car racing, extreme sports, rock climbing, golf and much more Sports City hopes to compete on the international stage to attract the world's top sporting competitions and events. A must see for visiting sports fans.
Eco-Tourism World
Another section of the gigantic Dubailand is the manmade yet natural sprawl of Eco Tourism World. Designed to promote nature from a conservationist perspective the park includes biospheres filled with exotic flora and fauna from around the world, landscaped gardens, petting zoos, camp sites, riding stables and even a desert safari. For those interested in the conservation of the natural world this attraction is well worth a visit.
Dubai Mall
At 5 million sq ft the epic proportions of the Dubai Mall make it the largest in the world and a paradise for those who like to shop til they drop. Housing 15 sub malls and opened in 2006 it is expected to receive over 35 million visitors in its first year. Its sophisticated retail and luxury leisure facilities are amongst the best in the world and include a skating rink, a giant aquarium and the globe's biggest gold souk.
Ski Dubai
Housing the world's largest indoor snow park, the \$275 million Ski Dubai offers over 32,000 ft of fresh snow on which visitors can ski, snowboard, sled or bobsleigh. The two foot of snow in the heavily insulated arena is provided by 23 blast coolers and state of the art snow guns that give the slopes a daily dusting of fresh powder. There are classes and sessions for all abilities as well as a number of cafes and restaurants where snow enthusiasts can rest between runs.
Emirates Towers
This impressive hotel/office tower complex provides state of the art accommodation for business and travellers. The five-star hotel offers 500 rooms including 40 suites and a number of high-end, themed restaurants. The office tower is home to a number of businesses and features the latest in integrated systems and fibre optic technology. The two towers are connected by a five level podium building which is home to over 40 retail outlets and restaurants.
The World
If ever there was a development with a real sense of humour it must be The World. Aimed at the truly rich, famous and decadent this amazing group of more than 250 man made islands resembles the countries of the earth when seen from above. Individual islands, which range in size from 250,000 sq ft - 900,000 sq ft, start at \$6.85 million and are available to private individuals or developers.
Dubai Marina
Dubbed as a city within a city the Dubai Marina promotes the ultimate in urban lifestyle blended with the atmosphere of a top class marina. Positioned in Dubai's growth corridor the development promises to be one of the most glittering places for people to live, shop, meet and relax.