Destination Dubai

Dubai is undoubtedly the city of the future. I've been reading here and there about all the new buildings on the rise in this megapolis but only when you list them all out do you realize the sheer scope of these projects. By year 2010, Dubai will be unsurpassed for it's modern architectural wonders. Here is a glimpse.

Buy your own island in The World. There's 300 of them, each named after a country, that collectively form the shape of our world. You can own a piece of the puzzle by dishing out anywhere between US$ 10.8m to $36m. These exclusive islands, accessible only by water or air, can be converted into island resorts, hip communities, theme lands - anything you can dream up!

Burj Dubai will change history and the face of downtown by contributing the world's tallest building. The most exclusive address in the world places Dubai firmly on the tourism map. The current number of 5 million visitors is predicted to reach 10 million by 2007, and an incredible 40 million by 2015. The Burj project also includes the Dubai Mall, largest on earth. Its epic proportions will include an aquarium, fashion arena, and the biggest ever gold souk. Also in the downtown project are residential communities, hotels, and an Old Town that will preserve the Arabic traditions of antique stalls and coffee houses.

The Hydropolis blows any 007 under-water fantasy ever screened. This first-of-its-kind underwater hotel will be located 66 feet below the surface of the Persian Gulf. You can book one of the 220 'ocean view' guest suites towards the end of 2007. The Palms are a set of three man-made islands designed to resemble date palm trees. The fronds of the Palms will house residential projects and a variety of tourist attractions, ranging from spas, diving sites, and theaters.

Dubai will also be ready to host any world class sporting events once its Sports City is completed by the end of 2007. This sprawling, 3 billion square foot complex will offer visitors a staggering variety of athletic venues, from gigantic stadia to state-of-the-art parks for skateboarding, indoor rock climbing, and other activities. Not to mention facilities for polo, car racing, golf, and extreme sports. And despite all this if you're dreaming of complaining about the extreme sun and sand, check out Ski Dubai. Imagine 22,500 square metres covered with real snow all year round and five runs that vary in difficulty, height, and steepness. The longest run is 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters. Ski or snowboard any time of the year on the world’s first indoor black run or practice your turns on the bunnies.

So you've explored just about the entire world in Dubai, what next. Just when I thought nothing else could blow my mind, I read about Global Spaceport. This $265 million project by Space Adventures has obtained clearance to operate suborbital spaceflights from a spaceport located less than an hour from Dubai.