Dubai- Architectural Splendors

SPLENDORS OF DUBAI-ARCHITECTURE

Dubai, the City of Gold, as it is often referred to, is aptly also christened as the City of Dreams. Oil had been discovered in 1966 but was not of much use since they were dealt with by the British. Ever since the independence in 1971, Dubai took off in its Oil export. In a 40 year span, the city has completely transformed from a barren hot desert to an international hub of trade and business. The radical transformation has left us all awe struck. 

The transformation has left us with only one question. What is not possible in Dubai? Here, I aim to present some of the architectural splendor of the city.

BURJ KHALIFA 

The Burj Khalifa is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. In fact, it is the tallest skyscraper in the world with 163 floors. It height is around 829.8 m which is almost half the size of Mount Washington in Vancouver.

The Burj Khalifa was constructed under just 5 years. One mind blowing fact about the building is that one can witness sunset from the base of the building and can do it again if he/she goes up to the top floor. It is said that there is a time difference of 3 minutes between which you can watch the sun set two times. 

PALM JUMERIAH

This archipelago seen in the above images is called the Palm Jumeriah, the pattern representing the palm tree. It is completely man made, which took almost 6 years to finish. Sand had to be poured to artificially create land for about 10 meters deep. Along the coast lie hotels and villas which are  mindbogglingly expensive. 

It is the biggest man-made island in the world and are said to be visible to the naked eye distinctly from space.

THE WORLD ARCHIPELAGO 

The World archipelago, as you can see from the picture, is another manmade, sand dredged island structure. The islands are dredged in such a shape that it would look like the world map from above. There are about 240 islands and the project is currently suspended due to the financial crisis in 2009. It is said that Michael Schumacher was presented with an island by Dubai's Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum which is worth 7 million USD.

THE BURJ AL ARAB 

The Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel that stands tall and distinguished among the other buildings of the Dubai skyline. It is the world’s only 7 star hotel.  The hotel is located 280 meters offshore on an island. The structure is said to be the fourth tallest hotel in the world. The second photograph shows us an open air tennis court, exclusive to the hotel. It can also be converted into a helipad when not used as a court. It is alleged to be the world’s highest tennis court. Now, don’t ask me where the balls boys would stand. The two players seen in the photograph are Andre Agassi and Roger Federer who were invited to play a few rounds when they were at Dubai for the Dubai open. 

REFRIGERATED BEACHES OF PALAZZIO VERSACE

The above photograph shows us the Palazzio Versace, one of the most luxurious hotels in Dubai. Leave alone those expensive suits and roasted Turkeys, this hotel, believe me, has a refrigerated beach. Ask me how? They have coolant pipes under the sand through which the heat of the beach sand is absorbed which cools the temperature of the beach sand, thereby manually controlling the temperature of the beach. Well, this certainly is luxury, a little too much, I would say. 

SKI DUBAI

One can easily mistake the photograph here as taken somewhere in a hilly place. The truth is, the place is in Dubai. The Ski Dubai is one of the most popular venues to those who pursue skiing as their hobby. A temperature of -1° C is needed to maintain inside where the ambient temperature is roughly 40-45° C. The insulation systems are so rigid and perfect that it can maintain up to -6° C during the production of snow. The terrain inside has an artificial mountain of 85 meter and 5 different slopes for skiers according to their level of difficulty.

ATLANTIS, THE PALM HOTEL

Atlantis,the palm, the first hotel to be built on the Palm Jumeriah is one of the most expensive in Dubai. It boasts of underwater suites which, even to comprehend takes some time. The resort has a dolphin bay where guests can take a swim and interact with dolphins.

With two underwater suites, Neptune and Poseidon, one can see through the wall to wall and ceilings, the remnants of the old city and the marine animals.

Imagine staring at all the colorful fishes and other mammals while you doze off to sleep. Well, that, I would say, is extravaganza. 

If these are mind-blowing, wait until the future projects get completed. Now, you know why even the Americans want to visit Dubai. The crores of money spent on architecture is a pure reflection of how much the people of the middle east want to join into the big players league of the world. As of now, it looks like they have succeeded. Dubai plays host to more than 10 million tourists per year which is almost twice as that of our country, which welcomes only 6 million per year. But don't worry about the statistics, get a chance, then go for it. 

Photograph source- The Internet 

Good luck with your travelling amigos!!