Dubai

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid
Al Maktoum.

theatres, sports facilities, spas and other facilities. Dubailand, an integrated theme park larger than the entire Disney World complex in Orlando, stands to become a major global attraction. Al Bawadi, a 7 km-long mixed development sometimes described as a new Las Vegas without gambling casinos, will have 33 hotels and a total of more than 6,000 rooms. Dubai is famous for “over the top” ventures, including iconic developments like the Burj Al-Arab Hotel, the tallest hotel in the world. (It is taller than the Eiffel Tower, and just 65 meters shorter than the Empire State Building.) Plans underway suggest that Dubai will not relinquish its title as “most audacious” anytime soon. Emaar Properties is building the tallest tower in the world (Burj Dubai), Mejren Companies has just unveiled a 68-story mixed use facility that will feature floors that rotate independently of each other, and construction has begun on “Dubai World Central” – a 140 square km complex that will boast the world’s largest airport, one capable of handling more than 40 million passengers per year and offering the largest cargo center in the world. Under the circumstances, it should come as no surprise that one-quarter of the world’s cranes are estimated to be in operation in Dubai.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is Ruler of Dubai, as well as Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. The second largest entity within the Emirates, Dubai has become a universally recognized name synonymous with rapid, high quality development and innovation. It is almost impossible for the uninitiated to keep up with development in Dubai, with projects such as indoor snow ski resorts, some of the world’s largest shopping malls, the tallest man-made building in the world, and a never ending flow of cultural and sports events.

Dubai has become the most important shipping and transport hub in the region, and perhaps the world. Emirates Air has set its sights on becoming the largest airline in the world, and Dubai International Airport, with its visionary “open skies” policy, has direct flights to almost every capital and major city in the world. The Dubai Flower Center is now the global hub for the fresh flower trade between Holland, Singapore, South Africa and South America, and the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) is home to more than one thousand companies from all over the world.

DP World, which oversees Port Rashid in Dubai City and Jebel Ali to the south, has become one of the largest integrated port operating companies in the world. Jebel Ali and its ground-breaking industrial free zone complex is home to thousands of industries, and its 66-berth harbor is the largest man-made facility in the world. (See related story on page 32.)

Dubai Maritime City, a huge mixed development of offices, shops and residences with numerous docks for yachts and private boats, is home to some of the most active ship repair, maintenance, and training facilities in the region. In addition, it is currently undergoing major expansions that will guarantee Dubai’s continuing leadership in the maritime sector.

Dubai is already one of the world’s premier destinations for tourism, but plans are afoot to create additional developments that will feature new resorts, tourist attractions, amusement parks, concert facilities,

The seven star Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel Sets a New Standard in Luxury

Although it has been open for only two years, Abu Dhabi’s 7-star Emirates Palace Hotel has already established itself as one of the city’s major landmarks. The 394-room hotel is widely regarded as the most luxurious hotel in the Middle East – and perhaps the world. Surrounded by immaculate gardens, and within walking distance of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful beach, the Emirates Palace is an architectural masterpiece, featuring 114 domes, all covered in mosaic glass tiles. The rooms and suites offer unmatched luxury, and the hotel contains no fewer than ten restaurants, bars and cafés.

In May, at the fourth annual MENA Travel Awards, the Emirates Palace won three platinum awards, the most by any hotel in its category. Categories included Best Conference/Convention Centre, Best 5-Star Leisure Hotel, and Best 5-Star Business/Corporate Hotel. The MENA Travel Awards are considered the most prestigious and highly coveted industry recognition program in the region.

The Emirates Palace International Conference Center houses one of the most technologically advanced meeting facilities in the region and offers another excellent venue in Abu Dhabi for conferences and seminars. It includes an auditorium with 1,200 seats, a main ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,800 guests, an extensive range of over 40 meeting rooms, a media center and a business center.