This past February, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce authorized the development of a “free zone” dubbed Food City. GCLA, a green landscape architect firm, proposed a master plan for the city sector to turn it into an incredible off-the-grid, self-sufficient metropolis. GCLA’s future-forward urban quarter incorporates an extensive list of sustainable urban planning ideas, including vertically stacked landscape surfaces, artificial roof landscapes, renewable energy systems, aquatic farms, and thermal conditioning.

GCLA has described their proposal for Food City as the “the marriage of landscapes and urbanism“. Their project integrates a variety of proposals to decrease overall energy use — concentrated solar collectors, towers covered in thin-film photovoltaic cells, piezoelectric pads in pedestrian areas, and methane harvesting through sewage percolation tanks.

GCLA also proposes water conservation measures critical to off-the-grid survival in water-starved Dubai, like atmospheric water harvesting, solar desalination through concentrated solar collectors, grey water recycling, and application of hydroponic sand to minimize water loss. Essentially, GCLA’s vision is an amalgamation of nearly every urban sustainability initiative in the past few years. It’s certainly utopian, but it may ultimately prove necessary.

credited to inhabitat.com

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Where in the name of Benjamin Siegel did Dubai come from? The slain gangster known as Bugsy who had a dream to build a city oasis in the middle of the Nevada desert would feel right at home in the United Arab Emirates today. The Las Vegas pioneer would simply marvel at the hubristic ambition of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. For better or for worse, and he certainly has his detractors, the Prince has helped engineer a veritable urban playland out of sand and procure billions of dollars in foreign investment.

Dubai is now the foremost expat city in the world and daily, thousands apply for countless jobs to aid in the development of this new megalopolis. It boggles the mind to see how far Dubai has come in so short a time. From skyscrapers that smash records, hotels that redefine luxury and manmade islands in the shape of continents, the city is a strange and seductive amusement park. Which is where our countdown comes in. Here are the top 10 things to do in Dubai.

10. Ski

Only in Dubai can you ski in the middle of the desert. On real snow. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of snow that never melts. There are 5 runs of divergent difficulty levels, equipment rental available and professional instructors, no doubt from Alpine nations, on hand to assist. If parents want to ski or snowboard while the kids play, they can drop them off at the adjacent 3,000 square meter snow park. Of course, this being Dubai, it dwarfs every other snow park on the planet.

9. Go to the Movies

The temperature in Dubai can reach a deadly 40 degrees Celsius. So for those who do not ski and want to cool off, perhaps a movie would be in order. At the extraordinary Mall of the Emirates, the Cinestar theatre offers an experience quite unlike any other cinema. While their regular theaters are posh enough, one can rent a Gold Class theater with leather recliners, private tables, adjustable foot rests and dedicated lounges with special food and beverage services.

8. Afternoon Tea at the Burj

The vast majority of us will never be able to afford the stratospheric rates at the bazillion-star Burj-al-Arab hotel. It costs a mint to even tour the grandiose facility. But certain special occasions may call for the sophisticated elegance of their afternoon tea service. No regular afternoon tea experience mind you, the Burj offers only the best in cakes and teas from around the world. At a price of course. Couples can indulge in their chocolate fountain for two, if they have the appetite and pocketbook for it.

7. See Hydropolis

Ok, so this mega-luxury underwater hotel, built by German engineers and the size of Hyde Park in London will not open until 2009. Still, visitors can gape at the construction site off Jumeira Beach, which was the last piece of free Dubai beachfront property and possession of the Crown Prince. The hotel is a Jules Verne meets Atlantis wet dream, with actual suites at least 20 meters below the surface area of the Arabian Gulf. Anyone with irrational fears of aquariums is advised to stay elsewhere while in Dubai.

6. Watch a Horse Race

The proverbial Sport of Kings has firm roots in the Middle East. No surprise then that Dubai boasts the most impressive racecourse in the world, as well as a number of world class races for thoroughbreds. Even for newcomers to the sport, the races are quite the spectacle to behold. And we refer not to the horses even, but to the crowds themselves, populated as they are with the cream of world equestrian society. It’s all quite a scene.

5. Desert Safari

Despite present appearances, Dubai is amid a desert. With all this sand around, intrepid entrepreneurs have found a way to cash in. Two words: desert safari. While the price is high, the experience may well be worth it. Highlights include a stay with bedouins and a peek into their traditional way of life, replete with desert cookouts, bonfires and belly dancers. So the authenticity may get a little lost in translation but still, good fun awaits. For most, the best part of the safari is the chance to careen among the dunes on open four-wheel vehicles. Without any traffic cops around, you can really go wild.

4. Tour the Grand Mosque

On a less secular note, the Grand Mosque harkens back to the pre-urban-development-on-steroids days of Dubai. Oh yes, there was a Dubai before there was a Dubai, if you catch our drift. The Mosque, built around the turn of the last century, is the most attractive in the city and reminds us that yes, despite the excess and Western-style influences of late, this is a Muslim land. Reports are that non-Muslims are not permitted entry, although there are some testimonies to the contrary. Come with an open and sincere heart and let the chips fall where they may.

3. Hit the Links

It may sound odd, but golf and Dubai have become synonymous of late. Typical of the city’s intent to become a capital for all the world’s most popular recreations, clubs and courses in Dubai are first-class. It really is quite an experience to tee it up in this desert oasis. Night golf has become huge here, with floodlights all along the fairways and greens. The city hosts the best golfers in the world, Tiger Woods chief among them, every February at the Dubai Desert Classic. It came as no shock when Woods made the announcement that his inaugural course design would debut in Dubai, with a private residential community built around it.

2. Get a Spa Treatment

But not just any spa treatment. At the Madinat Jumeirah, Arabian Resort of Dubai, the in-house Talise spa offers one of the most expensive treatments in the world. At six hours long, it may just be one of the longest as well. The spa’s website describes the elaborate treatment in these terms: Pampering foot ritual. Cleansing hammam signature scrub. Awakening aromatic body mask. Talise fingerprint massage. Sodashi Anti Age Indulgence. Energy balancing foot reflexology & mint foot refresher.

No word on whether water or even lunch comes with the experience. Given the length of time, you may want to eat in advance. Oh and the price? AED 2,640. But don’t bother with the currency conversion. It will just hurt too much.

1. Dubailand!

It sounds hilarious but Dubailand is serious business. The concept for this family playground is the result of an effort to transform Dubai into the preeminent luxury entertainment destination in the world. To become the international hub of family tourism, you would have to build an ambitious theme park with enough variety and choice for everyone. Well that is pretty much what Dubailand offers or soon will (the project is ambitious in scope and will take some time to complete), with sports complexes - from golf courses to a polo and equestrian club, amusement park rides, hotels, shops, restaurants and of course, residential units. Developers anticipate that between visitors, workers and residents, over 2.5 million people will inhabit this quasi-city within a city. Proof yet again, that Dubai is a mad, mad town.

credited to blog.ratestogo.com

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A good rendering is a thing of beauty, and when it is of an amazing vertical farm, so much the better. Italian architects Studiomobile has developed a Seawater vertical farm to be built in Dubai.

"The seawater vertical farm uses seawater to cool and humidify greenhouses and to
convert sufficient humidity back in to fresh water to irrigate the crops."

It is designed to work with seawater:

phase 01

The air going into the greenhouse is first cooled and humidified by seawater, which is trickled over the first evaporator. this provides a fresh and humid climate for the crops that in these conditions need very little water as they are not stressed by excessive transpiration.

phase 02

As the air leaves the growing area it passes through the second evaporator which has seawater flowing over it. during this phase the humid air mix with the warm dry air of the ceiling interspace. thus the air is made much hotter and more humid.

phase 03

The warm air is forced to flow upward by the stack effect that is temperature induced. in the central chimney the warm and humid air will condense when in contact with plastic tubes where cool sea water is pumped. in the surface of the condenser many drops of fresh water will appear, ready to be recollected in a tank to water the crops and for other uses.

credited to treehugger.com

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Emaar has unveiled a world-class water, light and music spectacle in the 30-acre Burj Dubai Lake within Downtown Burj Dubai. Located near Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, and The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations, the fountain assures a vibrant musical and visual experience.

Following a competition, the fountain was named 'Dubai Fountain', reflecting the rising prominence of Dubai as a global destination and as Emaar's fitting tribute to the city.

At over 900 ft (275 metres) in length – equivalent to that of over two football fields – Dubai Fountain is about 25 per cent larger than The Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas in area. Powerful water nozzles shoot water sprays to heights of over 500 ft (150 metres) – equivalent to that of a 50-storey building.

Over 6,600 lights and 50 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 different water expressions that will appeal to visitors. Different combinations of water-forms of Dubai Fountain perform to selected musical pieces – chosen from a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.

Dubai Fountain, when operational in all its glory, will have over 22,000 gallons of water in the air at any given moment. Its nozzles will take water to different heights – from 70 to 500 ft. The 50 colour projectors provide the full spectrum of colour with a total output of 1.5 million lumens.

credited to emaar.com and youtube user nhomsany

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I would add Dubai beaches to the best beaches in the world list. Dubai has a few magnificent white sandy beaches. Water is crystal clear. So if you are a beach lover then you will love Dubai beaches.

My favourite Dubai beaches are Jumeirah beach and Mamzar park beach.

Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah is about 25 minutes drive from the Dubai city centre. Jumeirah beach is world famous because of Burj Al Arab 7 Star Hotel and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. You can visit the 7 star hotel if you are planning visit this beach.

Jumeirah beach is a few kilometres long. Not very crowded. Barbecue facilities are available in many places. Lifesavers are on duty throughout the day.

Jumeirah beach is a very safe place even for children. Water is very shallow. There is a road parallel to the beach. You can drive and select the best spot for you.

Mamzar Beach

Mamzar is a famous park in Dubai. One border of the park is the lovely Mamzar beach. Therefore you need to buy tickets to the park to access the beach.

Mamzar is also about 25 minutes drive from the city centre, but in a different direction from Jumeirah beach. This beach is made for holidaymakers. It has barbecue spots, chalets and many more facilities to attract visitors.

Jebel Ali Beach in Dubai

Jebel Ali is about 40 KM away from the Dubai city. Jebel Ali is famous due to various things. Most of the duty free industrial zones are located in Jebel Ali. It is also known as a place of good Golf Clubs, holiday resorts and hotels.

But Jebel Ali is more famous because of the beautiful beach and proposed Palm Island development. Also there are lot of luxury apartment buildings are in Jebel Ali.

The Dubai beach does not have large waves. Especially Mamzar beach is almost like a swimming pool. However, Jumeirah beach has waves on windy days. You will have to wait for a good day if you are planning windsurfing.

Friday is the weekend in Dubai. Dubai beaches are a bit crowded on Thursday evenings and Fridays.

The bad news is alcohol is not permitted in public places in Dubai. That includes Dubai beaches. Therefore don’t expect beach bars along the beach.

credited to flickr users: chrised, bigblue, radziun, ttva, spoonfork, chrisdubai, wackospecialist, nuppo, asteyn, eidetic-images, dnilo

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The modern emirate of Dubai was created consequent with the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. However, written accounts documenting the existence of the city have existed at least 150 years prior to the formation of the UAE. Dubai shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civic law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates to possess veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country's legislature. Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum dynasty since 1833. The emirates' current ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is also the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE.

credited to wikipedia

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Any day now Burj Dubai will overtake Taipei 101 and become the world's tallest building. It's already significantly higher than the Chicago Sears Tower (not counting the spire), and is quickly approaching the title of the highest concrete free-standing structure. Skyscraperpage forum has been quick to announce: "Ladies and Gentleman, the next tallest structure EVER built by the humans race !!!!!", and judging by the following pictures of construction progress, it will be a matter of only a few days.

Construction update:

- Designed by Chicago architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for Emaar Properties.
- Will house hotel and condominiums, be largely residential.
- Completion date: June 30, 2009
- 959 meters high, 189 - 200 floors?
- An observation deck will be located on the 124th floor.
- The top residential level will only be 8 meters wide.
- Will have the fastest elevators in the world with a speed of 700m/min (42.3 kmh / 26.1 mph)
- When finished, It will be almost 40% taller than the the current tallest building, the Taipei 101.

credited to flickr

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