A new Breed of Firsts are popping up in Dubai (article) by Myles V Saulibio on AuthorsDen

"People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering." - Saint Augustine The World’s Tallest High Rise Building in Dubai Why would anyone write about something like this? Don’t fault me for writing about what I am looking at. A few hours ago, I just exited a Delta Airlines flight, all 13 hours direct from Atlanta, Georgia. I am in complete awe at the sight before me. I’m writing about the Burj Dubai, all about 1,712 ft or 143 floors of steel, concrete, glass---truly an engineering marvel to behold. And it’s not completed yet for beneficial occupancy! Nearly 3 years in the making it is slated for completion by 2009. The Burj Dubai should be the tallest building on earth, its final height a closely guarded secret. Depending upon who’s proving the information, count on more than 2,600 feet tall, 160+ floors, and 56 Otis elevators. The closest tallest building is the Sears Tower in Chicago at 1,450 feet built in 1974. When visiting Dubai, be prepared for all sorts of firsts and records. Examples: over 6 million visitors in 2006 -projected attractions 15 million tourists per year by 2010 -fastest growing economy in the world -hotel occupancy rates over 80% -One of the world’s premier tourist destinations -luxurious and relaxing lifestyle -beautiful sandy beaches -superb sunny weather -glittering array of shopping opportunities -top class sporting -leisure activities -vigorous development and construction at breakneck pace -more cranes per square foot than anywhere else in the world -Dubai population estimate 1.4 million of which 80% are Expats from various countries, crime-free lifestyles, -Dubai airport---busiest airport in the Middle East-over 28 million passengers in 2006, will be able to handle 70 million passengers a year -centralized locale between Africa, Europe, USA and Asian Pacific rim countries -hotels less than $27/night to as much as $2,700 per night at the Burj Al Arab Hotel. -in development are 6 golf courses Shopping Paradise -City Center---300 stores over 1.2 million square feet, parking for 6000 cars, access to 13 restaurants -Mall of the Emirates-huge spherical enclosed ski center. Largest shopping mall outside North America---400 stores, 65 restaurants. With all of these ambitious projects, who needs to be impressed? Clearly, when this tremendous record breaking expansion ends, Dubai will have a new beginning from the end. Copyright © 2007 by Myles Saulibio. All Rights Reserved

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