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Dubai skyline: Beautiful or grotesque?

  • You could be forgiven for viewing the architects of Dubai--the United Arab Emirates' most grandiose city--as frat boys, interested only in size and feats of competitive excess. Is Dubai's titanic architectural ambition something to celebrate, itself, or is it an experiment turned grotesque?
    1/30

    Dubai Skyline

    You could be forgiven for viewing the architects of Dubai--the United Arab Emirates' most grandiose city--as frat boys, interested only in size and feats of competitive excess. Is Dubai's titanic architectural ambition something to celebrate, itself, or is it an experiment turned grotesque?
  • Famous for his distinctive architecture, he praises Abu Dhabi for handing over the Guggenheim museum project to him, and said he issues of human rights, conditions of temporary workers and camps are “very important” to him when he takes up a project. (Photo by Saadiyat)
    2/30

    Is Dubai’s skyline on

    Famous for his distinctive architecture, he praises Abu Dhabi for handing over the Guggenheim museum project to him, and said he issues of human rights, conditions of temporary workers and camps are “very important” to him when he takes up a project. (Photo by Saadiyat)
  • Click next to take a look at Dubai's plans for an amazing underwater hotel.
    3/30

    Dubai

    Click next to take a look at Dubai's plans for an amazing underwater hotel.
  • The Water Discus complex was designed to ensure safety at all times, even in the most adverse weather conditions. The structure sits up on three sturdy legs fixed to the seabed, and the upper disc is suspended above the water surface. These two technical solutions will ensure that Water Discus remains safe even in the event of a fairly high tsunami, which can normally flood the nearest coastal areas. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
    4/30

    Dubai underwater hotel

    The Water Discus complex was designed to ensure safety at all times, even in the most adverse weather conditions. The structure sits up on three sturdy legs fixed to the seabed, and the upper disc is suspended above the water surface. These two technical solutions will ensure that Water Discus remains safe even in the event of a fairly high tsunami, which can normally flood the nearest coastal areas. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
  • The complex is surrounded by a beautifully vibrant coral reef. This unique location will allow visitors to enjoy the tropical weather and the colourful underwater world. The disc, located up to 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea, is composed of 21 hotel rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. Each room is integrated with the underwater world as closely as possible, offering a surprisingly direct, yet safe contact with the local flora and fauna. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
    5/30

    Dubai underwater hotel

    The complex is surrounded by a beautifully vibrant coral reef. This unique location will allow visitors to enjoy the tropical weather and the colourful underwater world. The disc, located up to 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea, is composed of 21 hotel rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. Each room is integrated with the underwater world as closely as possible, offering a surprisingly direct, yet safe contact with the local flora and fauna. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
  • Water Discus Underwater Hotel will comprise two discs - an underwater and above-water one. This combination will allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
    6/30

    Dubai underwater hotel

    Water Discus Underwater Hotel will comprise two discs - an underwater and above-water one. This combination will allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
  • The two parts of the structure are connected by three solid legs and a vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway. The size of each disc has been adjusted to local conditions. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
    7/30

    Dubai underwater hotel

    The two parts of the structure are connected by three solid legs and a vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway. The size of each disc has been adjusted to local conditions. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
  • The disc and its adjacent satellites located 5 - 7 metres above the water surface comprise a restaurant, a spa and a special recreation area. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
    8/30

    Dubai underwater hotel

    The disc and its adjacent satellites located 5 - 7 metres above the water surface comprise a restaurant, a spa and a special recreation area. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
  • A multifunctional lobby built inside an enormous swimming pool shows the centre of the disc. The area around the underwater part of the complex and diving activities may be watched as they happen on the screens hanging on the lobby walls. This part of the complex is connected to the satellites with glass-walled tunnels cutting through a training pool for divers. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
    9/30

    Dubai underwater hotel

    A multifunctional lobby built inside an enormous swimming pool shows the centre of the disc. The area around the underwater part of the complex and diving activities may be watched as they happen on the screens hanging on the lobby walls. This part of the complex is connected to the satellites with glass-walled tunnels cutting through a training pool for divers. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
  • Dubai shipbuilder Drydocks World has inked a deal with Swiss-based BIG InvestConsult, on behalf of partner Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) for creation of the hotel. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
    10/30

    Dubai Port At The Hub Of World Trade

    Dubai shipbuilder Drydocks World has inked a deal with Swiss-based BIG InvestConsult, on behalf of partner Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) for creation of the hotel. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
    Getty Images
  • The financial details of the deal, exact location and date of commencement of construction are still not known. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
    11/30

    Dubai underwater hotel

    The financial details of the deal, exact location and date of commencement of construction are still not known. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
  • <p>Dubai, has never failed to surprise. From its modest beginnings as a sleepy fishing hamlet just a few decades back, the ‘city of gold’ has taken giant strides, establishing itself as a major financial, trading and tourist centre. And yes, a destination to witness some of the world’s stunning architectural achievements.</p><p><b>Click on next to see some other engineering and architectural wonders</b> that Dubai has created from scratch in a matter of a few years.</p> (Getty Images)
    12/30

    Dubai underwater hotel

    Dubai, has never failed to surprise. From its modest beginnings as a sleepy fishing hamlet just a few decades back, the ‘city of gold’ has taken giant strides, establishing itself as a major financial, trading and tourist centre. And yes, a destination to witness some of the world’s stunning architectural achievements.

    Click on next to see some other engineering and architectural wonders that Dubai has created from scratch in a matter of a few years.

    (Getty Images)
  • <b>Burj Al Arab</b> is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,053 ft), it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world. Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship.
    13/30

    Burj Al Arab

    Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,053 ft), it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world. Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship.
  • <b>The Palm Jumeirah</b> is an artificial archipelago created using land reclamation. It is one of three islands called the Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) which extend into the Persian Gulf, increasing Dubai’s shoreline by a total of 520 kilometres (320 mi). The Palm Jumeirah is in the shape of a palm tree. It consists of a trunk, a crown with 16 fronds, and a surrounding crescent island. (Image credit: Nakheel)
    14/30

    Dubai reveals plans for amazing underwater hotel

    The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago created using land reclamation. It is one of three islands called the Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) which extend into the Persian Gulf, increasing Dubai’s shoreline by a total of 520 kilometres (320 mi). The Palm Jumeirah is in the shape of a palm tree. It consists of a trunk, a crown with 16 fronds, and a surrounding crescent island. (Image credit: Nakheel)
    Paul Macleod
  • <b>The World or World Islands</b> is an artificial archipelago of various small islands constructed in the rough shape of a world map, located 4.0 kilometres (2.5 mi) off the coast of Dubai. The World islands are composed mainly of sand dredged from Dubai's shallow coastal waters, and are one of several artificial island developments in Dubai. (Image credit: Nakheel)
    15/30

    Dubai reveals plans for amazing underwater hotel

    The World or World Islands is an artificial archipelago of various small islands constructed in the rough shape of a world map, located 4.0 kilometres (2.5 mi) off the coast of Dubai. The World islands are composed mainly of sand dredged from Dubai's shallow coastal waters, and are one of several artificial island developments in Dubai. (Image credit: Nakheel)
  • A closer view of The World is seen from the air. The World consists of over 300 man made islands strategically positioned to form the shape of the world map. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    16/30

    Dubai Economy Booms

    A closer view of The World is seen from the air. The World consists of over 300 man made islands strategically positioned to form the shape of the world map. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    Chris Jackson
  • Almost two years of planning, research development and design went in to the construction. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    17/30

    Dubai Economy Booms

    Almost two years of planning, research development and design went in to the construction. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    Chris Jackson
  • <p>Though this is not a creation based inside or under water, no summary of Dubai's architectural feats can be completed without mentioning this one.</p><p>Standing at 829.84 m (2723 ft), the <b>Burj Khalifa</b> is currently the tallest building in the world. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)</p>
    18/30

    General Views Of Dubai

    Though this is not a creation based inside or under water, no summary of Dubai's architectural feats can be completed without mentioning this one.

    Standing at 829.84 m (2723 ft), the Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

    Chris Jackson
  • Click next to check Dubai-like 'New Patna' planned in Bihar.
    19/30

    Dubai

    Click next to check Dubai-like 'New Patna' planned in Bihar.
  • Hafeez Contractor, one of India's best known architects, plans to develop a world city alongside the river Ganges here - on the lines of Dubai - that will boast of eco-friendly buildings and water sports facilities, officials here say. (Pictured left: A general view of Dubai Marina. Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
    20/30

    Dubai Attempts To Reassure Investors

    Hafeez Contractor, one of India's best known architects, plans to develop a world city alongside the river Ganges here - on the lines of Dubai - that will boast of eco-friendly buildings and water sports facilities, officials here say. (Pictured left: A general view of Dubai Marina. Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
    David Rogers
  • "Contractor submitted his proposed plans to the state government during his visit here Tuesday," an official said referring to the proposed New Patna World City. (Pictured left: A general view of the Dubai Marina. Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
    21/30

    Dubai Attempts To Reassure Investors Over Debt Default

    "Contractor submitted his proposed plans to the state government during his visit here Tuesday," an official said referring to the proposed New Patna World City. (Pictured left: A general view of the Dubai Marina. Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
    Dan Kitwood
  • Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is reportedly impressed by Contractor's plans to develop a future city in Patna. (Pictured left: The iconic Emirates Towers dominate the skyline beside the wide boulevard of Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. 2007 Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    22/30

    The Growing Economy Of Dubai

    Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is reportedly impressed by Contractor's plans to develop a future city in Patna. (Pictured left: The iconic Emirates Towers dominate the skyline beside the wide boulevard of Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. 2007 Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    Chris Jackson
  • "After Contractor met him in this connection, Kumar has asked development commissioner A.K. Sinha and top officials of the urban development department to have a meeting with Contractor to discuss it," officials said. (Pictured left: Gleaming new boats rock gently in the Dubai Marina. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)
    23/30

    ARE: Migrant Labor Camps

    "After Contractor met him in this connection, Kumar has asked development commissioner A.K. Sinha and top officials of the urban development department to have a meeting with Contractor to discuss it," officials said. (Pictured left: Gleaming new boats rock gently in the Dubai Marina. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)
    Getty Images
  • "All the high-rise buildings and apartments will be constructed on eco-friendly lines with water sports facilities on the river side," the official said. (A general view of the Dubai Marina at night, United Arab Emirates. Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
    24/30

    Dubai Attempts To Reassure Investors

    "All the high-rise buildings and apartments will be constructed on eco-friendly lines with water sports facilities on the river side," the official said. (A general view of the Dubai Marina at night, United Arab Emirates. Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
    David Rogers
  • An official of the urban development department told IANS that Contractor's plans are to develop a new city spread over an area of 1,700 acres. This would include residential, commercial and entertainment centres on 300 acres while 350 acres would be developed as green fields. (Pictured left: A general view of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    25/30

    General Views Of Dubai

    An official of the urban development department told IANS that Contractor's plans are to develop a new city spread over an area of 1,700 acres. This would include residential, commercial and entertainment centres on 300 acres while 350 acres would be developed as green fields. (Pictured left: A general view of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    Chris Jackson
  • "He plans to develop a park on 600 acres on the lines of the New York park which is spread over 800 acres," officials said. (Pictured left: An aerial view of the man-made Palm Jumeirah islands in Dubai, UAE)
    26/30

    Dubai

    "He plans to develop a park on 600 acres on the lines of the New York park which is spread over 800 acres," officials said. (Pictured left: An aerial view of the man-made Palm Jumeirah islands in Dubai, UAE)
    Paul Macleod
  • Other facilities like seven-star hotels, malls and shopping centres, schools, hospitals, health clubs, meditation centres, art galleries, convention centres and sports centres would be created in the planned city. (Pictured left: The Burj Al Arab, a 7 star hotel in Dubai. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
    27/30

    General Views of Dubai

    Other facilities like seven-star hotels, malls and shopping centres, schools, hospitals, health clubs, meditation centres, art galleries, convention centres and sports centres would be created in the planned city. (Pictured left: The Burj Al Arab, a 7 star hotel in Dubai. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
    Julian Finney
  • Kumar Wednesday laid the foundation for Bihar's first multi-storeyed industrial complex at the Fatuha industrial area near Patna. At a function on the occasion, he said Contractor had come up with a layout to develop land full of sand near the Ganges. (Pictured left: An aerial view of the man-made The World islands in Dubai, UAE)
    28/30

    Dubai

    Kumar Wednesday laid the foundation for Bihar's first multi-storeyed industrial complex at the Fatuha industrial area near Patna. At a function on the occasion, he said Contractor had come up with a layout to develop land full of sand near the Ganges. (Pictured left: An aerial view of the man-made The World islands in Dubai, UAE)
  • Contractor said Patna has the potential to become a city like Delhi or Dubai. "Patna has a lot of potential with regard to infrastructure development, especially with the positive leadership in the state," he said. (Pictured left: A man arranges gold in a shop window in the gold souk in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
    29/30

    Dubai Attempts To Reassure Investors Over Debt Default

    Contractor said Patna has the potential to become a city like Delhi or Dubai. "Patna has a lot of potential with regard to infrastructure development, especially with the positive leadership in the state," he said. (Pictured left: A man arranges gold in a shop window in the gold souk in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
    Dan Kitwood
  • Contractor is already working in Patna. Eary this year, the Bihar State Housing Board (BSHB) selected him for the re-development of the housing board's flats here. (Pictured left: An aerial view of The World in Dubai. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    30/30

    Dubai Economy Booms

    Contractor is already working in Patna. Eary this year, the Bihar State Housing Board (BSHB) selected him for the re-development of the housing board's flats here. (Pictured left: An aerial view of The World in Dubai. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
    Chris Jackson
You could be forgiven for viewing the architects of Dubai--the United Arab Emirates' most grandiose city--as frat boys, interested only in size and feats of competitive excess. Is Dubai's titanic architectural ambition something to celebrate, itself, or is it an experiment turned grotesque?
Famous for his distinctive architecture, he praises Abu Dhabi for handing over the Guggenheim museum project to him, and said he issues of human rights, conditions of temporary workers and camps are “very important” to him when he takes up a project. (Photo by Saadiyat)
Click next to take a look at Dubai's plans for an amazing underwater hotel.
The Water Discus complex was designed to ensure safety at all times, even in the most adverse weather conditions. The structure sits up on three sturdy legs fixed to the seabed, and the upper disc is suspended above the water surface. These two technical solutions will ensure that Water Discus remains safe even in the event of a fairly high tsunami, which can normally flood the nearest coastal areas. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
The complex is surrounded by a beautifully vibrant coral reef. This unique location will allow visitors to enjoy the tropical weather and the colourful underwater world. The disc, located up to 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea, is composed of 21 hotel rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. Each room is integrated with the underwater world as closely as possible, offering a surprisingly direct, yet safe contact with the local flora and fauna. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
Water Discus Underwater Hotel will comprise two discs - an underwater and above-water one. This combination will allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
The two parts of the structure are connected by three solid legs and a vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway. The size of each disc has been adjusted to local conditions. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
The disc and its adjacent satellites located 5 - 7 metres above the water surface comprise a restaurant, a spa and a special recreation area. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
A multifunctional lobby built inside an enormous swimming pool shows the centre of the disc. The area around the underwater part of the complex and diving activities may be watched as they happen on the screens hanging on the lobby walls. This part of the complex is connected to the satellites with glass-walled tunnels cutting through a training pool for divers. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
Dubai shipbuilder Drydocks World has inked a deal with Swiss-based BIG InvestConsult, on behalf of partner Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) for creation of the hotel. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
The financial details of the deal, exact location and date of commencement of construction are still not known. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
<p>Dubai, has never failed to surprise. From its modest beginnings as a sleepy fishing hamlet just a few decades back, the ‘city of gold’ has taken giant strides, establishing itself as a major financial, trading and tourist centre. And yes, a destination to witness some of the world’s stunning architectural achievements.</p><p><b>Click on next to see some other engineering and architectural wonders</b> that Dubai has created from scratch in a matter of a few years.</p> (Getty Images)
<b>Burj Al Arab</b> is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,053 ft), it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world. Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship.
<b>The Palm Jumeirah</b> is an artificial archipelago created using land reclamation. It is one of three islands called the Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) which extend into the Persian Gulf, increasing Dubai’s shoreline by a total of 520 kilometres (320 mi). The Palm Jumeirah is in the shape of a palm tree. It consists of a trunk, a crown with 16 fronds, and a surrounding crescent island. (Image credit: Nakheel)
<b>The World or World Islands</b> is an artificial archipelago of various small islands constructed in the rough shape of a world map, located 4.0 kilometres (2.5 mi) off the coast of Dubai. The World islands are composed mainly of sand dredged from Dubai's shallow coastal waters, and are one of several artificial island developments in Dubai. (Image credit: Nakheel)
A closer view of The World is seen from the air. The World consists of over 300 man made islands strategically positioned to form the shape of the world map. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Almost two years of planning, research development and design went in to the construction. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
<p>Though this is not a creation based inside or under water, no summary of Dubai's architectural feats can be completed without mentioning this one.</p><p>Standing at 829.84 m (2723 ft), the <b>Burj Khalifa</b> is currently the tallest building in the world. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)</p>
Click next to check Dubai-like 'New Patna' planned in Bihar.
Hafeez Contractor, one of India's best known architects, plans to develop a world city alongside the river Ganges here - on the lines of Dubai - that will boast of eco-friendly buildings and water sports facilities, officials here say. (Pictured left: A general view of Dubai Marina. Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
"Contractor submitted his proposed plans to the state government during his visit here Tuesday," an official said referring to the proposed New Patna World City. (Pictured left: A general view of the Dubai Marina. Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is reportedly impressed by Contractor's plans to develop a future city in Patna. (Pictured left: The iconic Emirates Towers dominate the skyline beside the wide boulevard of Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. 2007 Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
"After Contractor met him in this connection, Kumar has asked development commissioner A.K. Sinha and top officials of the urban development department to have a meeting with Contractor to discuss it," officials said. (Pictured left: Gleaming new boats rock gently in the Dubai Marina. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)
"All the high-rise buildings and apartments will be constructed on eco-friendly lines with water sports facilities on the river side," the official said. (A general view of the Dubai Marina at night, United Arab Emirates. Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
An official of the urban development department told IANS that Contractor's plans are to develop a new city spread over an area of 1,700 acres. This would include residential, commercial and entertainment centres on 300 acres while 350 acres would be developed as green fields. (Pictured left: A general view of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
"He plans to develop a park on 600 acres on the lines of the New York park which is spread over 800 acres," officials said. (Pictured left: An aerial view of the man-made Palm Jumeirah islands in Dubai, UAE)
Other facilities like seven-star hotels, malls and shopping centres, schools, hospitals, health clubs, meditation centres, art galleries, convention centres and sports centres would be created in the planned city. (Pictured left: The Burj Al Arab, a 7 star hotel in Dubai. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Kumar Wednesday laid the foundation for Bihar's first multi-storeyed industrial complex at the Fatuha industrial area near Patna. At a function on the occasion, he said Contractor had come up with a layout to develop land full of sand near the Ganges. (Pictured left: An aerial view of the man-made The World islands in Dubai, UAE)
Contractor said Patna has the potential to become a city like Delhi or Dubai. "Patna has a lot of potential with regard to infrastructure development, especially with the positive leadership in the state," he said. (Pictured left: A man arranges gold in a shop window in the gold souk in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Contractor is already working in Patna. Eary this year, the Bihar State Housing Board (BSHB) selected him for the re-development of the housing board's flats here. (Pictured left: An aerial view of The World in Dubai. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Updated

You could be forgiven for viewing the architects of Dubai--the United Arab Emirates' most grandiose city--as frat boys, interested only in size and feats of competitive excess. Is Dubai's titanic architectural ambition something to celebrate, itself, or is it an experiment turned grotesque?