: An International City Changing

By Thornton J. Williams, Williams McMillian PA

As the world comes out of the global industry. Dubai is a top favorite tourist In fact, construction on such a large recession, Dubai is poised to take center destination and an increased building scale has turned Dubai into one of the stage as one of the world’s most dynamic boom in the emirate has led to many fastest growing cities in the world and cities. of the world’s most breathtaking is a part of Dubai’s Strategic Plan 2015 architectural projects being constructed to maintain economic growth and to Dubai is a city and emirate in the in a city, including the largest skyscraper put Dubai on the map of the world as a (UAE). Over in the world, the highest apartment, tourist destination of the world. Dubai the last three decades, Dubai has the biggest mall, and one of the world’s is the second most expensive city in the become a major business center most unique luxury resorts. , and 20th most expensive city in with a dynamic and diversified the world. A City Mayors survey rated economy. With its strategic location, Dubai as 44th among the world’s best emergent infrastructure and increasing financial cities in 2007, while another accessibility, Dubai is served by over report by City Mayors indicated that 120 shipping lines and is linked via 85 Dubai was the world’s 33rd richest airlines to over 130 global destinations. city in 2009, in terms of purchasing Additionally, the Emirate has two world power parity (PPP). Dubai is also an class seaports, a major international international financial centre and has airport and cargo village, and a modern been ranked 37th within the top 50 highway network. global financial cities as surveyed by Likewise, a well-functioning public the Mastercard Worldwide Centres of transportation system is critical to the Commerce Index (2007), and 1st within economic development and growth the Middle East. prospects of every modern metropolis. Undoubtedly, with the boom in Dubai’s In recent years, Dubai City has emerged economy due to increased infrastructure as a global city and a business hub with growth, the Dubai engineering an advanced public transport system industry has more jobs than engineers including buses, a new Metro system, , Dubai shown in foreground is one of to fill them. The amount of building monorails, trams, taxis (by far the the most photographed structures in the world, and and construction projects underway most frequently used means of public consistently voted the world’s most luxurious hotel. in Dubai has led to additional job transport within the emirate), abras and Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj Al Arab growth in the City. Dubai’s ambitious water buses. soars to a height of 1,053 feet, dominating the Dubai skyline. Illuminated at night by choreographed lighting government plans to build for its rapidly The Dubai Roads and Transport representing water and fire. expanding population and increased Authority (“RTA”), established a tourism has resulted in attractive few years ago pursuant to Law No. investment opportunities to both the 17, is responsible for planning and Additionally, Dubai has recently public and private sectors. The result providing the regulatory requirements attracted world attention through many being increased construction projects for transport, roads and traffic in the innovative large construction projects arising. With such amazing innovations Emirate of Dubai, between Dubai and and sports events. With projects like and growth, it is easy to see how the other UAE Emirates, and between the Burj Al-Arab, the world’s largest 21st century is quickly becoming known Dubai and neighboring countries. Dubai seven star hotel; the Burj Dubai (also as the “Age of Dubai.” n is also investing heavily in developing known as the Burj Tower), currently the reach of its airline air transportation the tallest man-made skyscraper ability so that passengers from any structure on the face of the planet; the city can fly direct to Dubai The Dubai (also known as the Palm International Airport has won numerous Dubai or The Palms), three man-made awards for its excellence in design and islands considered the Eighth Wonder services. of the World; , the largest entertainment theme park on the Although Dubai’s economy has planet twice the size of Disney World been built on the oil industry , the (a tourism, real estate, hospitality, About the Author: government recently made the decision entertainment, leisure and retail mega Thornton J. Williams is to diversify the emirate’s model of project); , the world’s the Managing Partner at business with its main revenue source first purpose-built sports city; the Mall Williams McMillian PA. He coming now from tourism, real of Arabia; etc., the bar has been set high may be reached at 850-224- estate, and financial services. With by Dubai. And Dubai is pouring massive 3999 or email at twilliams@ tourism driving its economy, Dubai amounts of capital into developing even twalaw.com. To read other is determined to be main contender bigger, more luxurious and expansive articles written by Thornton worldwide in the world tourism projects in the future. go to twalaw.com. 18 JOURNAL Florida Engineering Society February 2012 fleng.org