Dubai City

The ability to make something from nothing is a pretty neat trick. Magicians do it all the time. They have to - did you think that rabbit was born in that hat? Today’s Warped site looks at a place in the world that has managed to create a virtual wonderland in the middle of the desert, and created some unique structures at the same time.

This site is called Dubai City. Dubai, population one million, produces some of the best modern architecture in the world. Considered the world’s fastest growing city, it is estimated that there are 90 billion dollars worth of projects being built in Dubai City right this minute. Only 15 short years ago, it was nothing but a wasteland of sand and a few high rise hotels and apartments. What a difference a few years make.

For example, there is Palm Island. It is a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree. Ever since Dubai was flooded by the increase of population during the early days of oil, housing has been difficult to obtain. That is when the novel idea of building homes on artificial islands out in the middle of the water was developed. One of the first developments was “Jumeira Palm Island.” Then came “The World,” a series of man-made islands with homes that only the mega-rich could ever hope to afford. Ownership of an island home at “The World” is considered just as desirable as a home in Aspen, Monaco, and other favorite hangouts of the Rich and Famous.

Among the other accomplishments in this desert oasis are the Burj Al Arab Hotel, considered the world’s most expensive and beautiful hotel. Nearby you can see the construction of the Burj Dubai Tower. When it is completed in 2008, it will become the world’s tallest building. In the middle of the city will be the world’s largest theme park. Known as Dubailand, when finished in 2009 it will feature full size Jurassic Park-style dinosaur recreations among other things. Or you can visit the world’s biggest ski dome at the Mall of the Emirates. That’s right, they are building a ski slope in the middle of the desert. Who says money can’t buy everything?

The cost of all of this building is staggering. But it goes to show that just about anything can be accomplished with a little planning and a lot of forethought. Warp-o-Meter rating on this site is a 7.0.

[tags]magician,warp-o-meter,warped.info,oil,dubai,palm island,burj al arab hotel[/tags]