Comments on: Symbol of Global Excess in Dubai

By: Robin

Robin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:08:03 +0000

Juan, I'm a bit surprised that a Middle East expert such as yourself falls for some of the media hype about the collapse of Dubai.

The Burj Khalifa will not be 'mostly empty'. Maybe some investors who bought apartments will not inhabit them, but the office space will be filled, being some of the most prestigious and best-located in the city. Of course rents may be not what the owners hoped for, but any empty office space in Dubai will be in more remote and less-favoured locations. The 'Old Town' and the rest of the Burj area has quickly become one of the busiest, most popular and expensive areas in Dubai.

And, for all the seriousness of the climate change issue, it doesn't help to post hyperbole such as 'be all that is visible of the low-lying United Arab Emirates a century from now'.

The highest reasonable estimates for sea-level rise this century are 1.3 metres, more likely maximum 0.8 metres. A wealthy country such as the UAE can construct sea-defences to deal with such a rise. Most of Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa location, is more than 1 metre about sea-level.

By: MonsieurGonzo

MonsieurGonzo — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:46:10 +0000

“The Tower of Babel was not built for the worship and praise of God, but was instead dedicated to the glory of man, to "make a name" for the builders: "Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.'" (Genesis 11:4). The Book of Genesis then relates how God, displeased with the builders' intent, came down and confused their languages ~ and scattered the people throughout the earth.” The Towers and seven building complex were destroyed in 2001 in the September 11 terrorist attacks.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:28:12 +0000

Great monuments are commonly follies when they are built. Absurd, extravagant wastes of money – I'm sure the Pyramids were, when they were built.

Then memory mutates, and they become great cultural symbols.

By: vanDiemerbroucke

vanDiemerbroucke — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:48:18 +0000

Oh these little men and their erections. I yawn in their general direction.

Perhaps the postcards will sell well, but I'll buy a sunset before this any day.

-regards

p.s. Just read that book about Napoleon in Egypt,
...well enjoyed it too.

By: paul_h

paul_h — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:46:25 +0000

I must agree with f. For anyone who grew up with a love for tall buildings, this is an extraordinary fete. It is hard to imagine anyone building something taller or why, but this does capture the imagination, or mine at least.

By: NathanFromWork

NathanFromWork — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:32:51 +0000

An interesting historical resonance: the Empire State Tower was completed very shortly before/during the market crash and great depression. During the great depression they called it "The Empty State Tower".

By: mohamadreza

mohamadreza — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:38:55 +0000

Sir, there is nothing in the world called Arabian gulf, it has been Persian gulf and it will remain Persian gulf. It is a shame for a historian to let the history changes because of money

By: f

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:37:09 +0000

Nevertheless, it's one of mankind's greatest technological marvels, and one of the most beautiful buildings our planet has ever seen.

Just like we admire countless works of art and construction since the Great Pyramid, even if we could actually live without them. And yet we choose to go ahead and create them. Thus, Burj Dubai is something very human – and part of our common heritage.