| Flying into Dubai across the Arabian Desert you can see the heat rising in the summertime. Temperatures soared to over 115 degrees while I was there with high humidity from the Persian Gulf. But the air conditioned high rises are an oasis and sanctuary from the summer heat. The government has set up industry-specific free zones throughout the city. Dubai Internet City, combined with Dubai Media City whose members include IT firms such as Oracle Corporation, Microsoft, and IBM, and media organizations such as CNN, Reuters and AP. Burj Khalifa, 2625 feet, is the world's tallest building with the highest outdoor observation deck in the world. Dubai is home to the top six tallest hotels in the world. and the Burj Al Arab (also known as the Arab Sail), at 1053' is currently the 4th tallest. It stands on a man made island off of Jumeirah beach which is reached by a bridge. Designed by architect Tom Wright it is iconic for the boom is Dubai. The roof has a helipad and Andre Agassi and Roger Federer played tennis - on what is probably the highest tennis court in the world. The self-proclaimed 7-star rating might set one up for expectations that cannot be met but if you approach the hotel as an oasis on the Persian Gulf, then you may well be impressed. The fresh dates and local coffee served when you check-in is a delicious reminder that you are in another world. The exterior of the hotel is stunning and the interior architecture is also awe-inspiring. But the interior decoration ... |
