Oz comes to Dubai

 

Click here to see all images from Dubai.
    I have recently seen some amazing pictures from Dubai which is an Arab country on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf. I am amazed by the enormous growth that it has experienced in the 15 years since I first visited there.
    Dubai has respectable oil industry but that sector of its economy accounts for only 6% of its size. The leaders of Dubai sought to make it a modern commercial hub and not become a place that had only oil to offer. It doesn't have religious police and women have rights that are actually respected. The growth that I am referring to is truly mind boggling because 15 years ago, the city had at best a few high rise buildings.
    Today it looks like a city out of the Stars Wars movies. It is in the process of putting up the "worlds largest structure" and has completed other land development ventures that are truly remarkable including the worlds tallest hotel, the worlds largest waterfront development, and undersea hotel and artificial islands that have been made in the Gulf. Dubai has also hosted major sporting events that have gained the attention of the worlds sporting elite. It has taken a lot of foresight from the Rulers of Dubai to achieve this kind of development in so little time. By diversifying the nature of business in Dubai the nation has assured itself a place in the economy of the 21st Century.

Comments

[Gabe]

Amazing stuff, thanks for sharing. The page with all the photos and captions is mind boggling. I knew Dubai was undergoing some development, but I had no idea of the scale.

[Mary Lou]

WOW it's all I can say!

[ZuDfunck]

Happy to have found your blog Kareem

let me ask you...

Are you as geeked as I am that we may see a Celtics/Lakers NBA Finals?

Are you a NASCAR fan?

Thanx in advance...

ZuD

[Zo]

Kareem,

You have the unique perspective of someone who has been to Dubai, past and present, which allows you a far more objective point-of-view than someone who hasn't. I marvel at the technological innovation in Dubai, but also understand that many of the workers live in slums on the outskirts of town, and the government of Dubai does not have judicial and social institutions designed to protect the rights of these people. What is your take on how to balance capital success with social responsibility?

I do not know if you read the comments posted, but Im fascinated to know your opinions in such matters.