The Amazing Growth of Dubai: From 1990 to the Present

In 1990, Dubai was little more than a Middle Eastern desert, earning its livelihood from the oil industry. Then, the Persian Gulf War took a great toll on Dubai's economy after a massive withdrawal of funds occurred due to Economic uncertainty.

During the remainder of the 90's, however, many foreign companies began moving business to Dubai. Due to this movement and the rising oil prices, Dubai began to concentrate on free trade and tourism to stimulate their economy. Throughout the next decade, numerous structures were erected. Today, Dubai is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. To promote their new tourist based economy, the Dubai government put into motion several large construction projects. Many of the buildings that went up were among the largest in the world, the most luxurious, and the most unique.

The Burj Al Arab, or the Tower of the Arabs, is a luxury hotel that sits on an artificial island. It is rumored to be the only 7 star property in the world and the most luxurious hotel you can visit. Currently, it is also the world's tallest structure, containing 28 floors. The least expensive accommodations are a hefty $1500 and the most luxurious cost up to $5000 per night. The cost is fitting when you consider the white columns, spiral staircase and fine dining.

The Al Muntaha restaurant inside has a 200 meter view from the seats by the windows and another restaurant in the hotel, Al Mahara, boasts a breathtaking aquarium. The hotel is so spectacular that it was voted one of the top ten restaurants in the world and it recently hired acclaimed chef Kevin McLaughlin.

They will be composed of three groups of artificial islands in the shape of palm trees. The three trees will be named Palm Jumeich, Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Deira. The Palm Deira will be the largest of the three and is expected to be completed by the year 2015.

This man-made archipelago will be composed of over 300 artificial islands and will be in the shape of a world map. The islands will be visible from space. There are rumors circulating that celebs may be purchasing various islands.

When completed, the Burj Dubai skyscraper will be the tallest man made structure on earth. Construction began in 2004 and is scheduled for completion by September of 2009. It will stand as the centerpiece of a large scale mixed use development consisting over 30,000 homes. The Burj Dubai has received international recognition for its architectural mastery and sheer size.

At the present moment, Disneyland in Orlando, Florida is the largest amusement and activity park in the world. When complete, however, Dubailand hopes to claim that title. This amusement park is scheduled to be finished by 2010 and will be a full featured city divided into seven different themed worlds. Its creators hope to bring in fifteen million tourists by 2010, with an average of 200,000 visitors a day. The worlds will consist of:

• Attractions and Experiences World - will include Lego land and Universal Studios Dubai
• Retail and Entertainment World - will consist of many shopping centers, including a flee market, World Trade Park and Auction World
• Themed Leisure and Vacation World - will have features like Women's World
• Eco Tourism World - will include Animal world and Sand Dune Hotel
• Sports and Outdoor World - will consist of various sporting specialties like Extreme Sports World and Emerat Sports World.
• Downtown - will feature the Mall of Antara, the world's largest mall
• Science and Planetariums World - will boast the Space Academy.

Dubailand will have several amusements parks, some of which are well known already in the states and other nations, sites, and activities for everyone. It is speculated that Dubailand will become the top tourist attraction in the world.

From it's humble beginnings, Dubai has gone from a small producing city, to a full fledged tourist powerhouse. This growth is astonishing considering the now bustling metropolis's humble beginning - and there is no sign of slowing down in sight.