February 2014

A millionaires paradise, or so it seems, as I observe the impressive skyline, and the expensive cars on the outskirts of the Persian Gulf, on a warm February afternoon. The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is in clear view, somewhat deep into the Middle Eastern sky. I continue to wonder how it was even possible to build at that height, and the dangers of such a task, among other health and safety risks. It’s impressive how this piece of land was a distant desert not so long ago. All it took was the Al Maktoum family along with some other members of the Bani Yas branch, combined with a few bright and challenging ideas, to transform a desert into a metropolitan city, no longer unknown.

The Burj Khalifa is by far the most impressive building that I have ever seen in my life. The design is phenomenal and its architects must have been among the brightest in the world. It’s no wonder that it has become such a huge talking point, standing at an impressive 2,700 feet, or thereabouts, linked to the world’s largest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall.

The interior of the mall is impressive, which includes Sega Republic,a theme park, an indoor ice rink, and an aquarium, not to mention over a thousand shops, located on four different floors. It’s so easy to get lost and I still find it almost impossible to believe that it was fully constructed in five years.

Dubai is dry and sticky and the heat is almost unbearable, as I continue to observe this amazing city. The place is buzzing with locals and foreigners. Every block offers another surprise. The street, where my hotel is located, is a mix of Indians, Pakistanis, and Iranians all sharing the same street, all trying to lure customers into buying their products. Most of the shops are selling electronic equipment along with other merchandise. There also seems to be a huge gold trade, with locals all trying to get some good deals, trading back and forth.