Computer Animation of Dubai’s Man-Made Paradise

We’ve posted a few times already about the exciting real estate venture in Dubai which involves the building of dozens of man-made islands directly off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The islands, 90% of which have already been “reclaimed” from the sea, will collectively form the shape of our planet’s continents. About half of the islands have already been sold so if you’re looking for a bit of land for yourself, you need to check it out rather quickly.

So what do you get when you buy a man-made island? Anything you want. Since the islands are nothing but flat sand right now, owners can have them designed in any manner they choose; a palm tree here, an oasis there. You get the idea.

Although most of us have seen satellite photos of the islands taking shape, I’ve personally seen almost nothing depicting what they will eventually look like on a human scale. And then I visited the official website. Investors have put together an amazing computer animation simulation of what some of the larger islands are going to look like once completed.

Wow.

You should really take a moment to check this out. I thought it would be a bit cheesy with palm trees and ostentatious buildings gilded in gold. This is not the case at all (at least for the “resort” islands where more than one person will reside). The final product is far mellower with a bit of simple, Japanese sensibilities thrown in.

I have to admit. I am impressed.

The Eye Candy and Extravagance of Dubai

Dubai just keeps getting more and more eccentric for travelers. Once nothing more than desert and shopping malls, Dubai has exploded with extravagant attractions that are simply unbelievable, such as an indoor black-diamond ski resort and the world’s most luxurious hotel (seven stars!).

According to an article in USA Today, there is a lot more coming.

In the next few years, visitors to Dubai can admire the world’s tallest building, an underwater hotel, a tiger woods gold course, and the largest mall, hotel, and amusement park in the world.

In addition, Dubai has more than doubled their 25-mile coastline with the creation of artificial islands. One archipelago is being fashioned in the shape of the world, while three others are assuming the shape of very large palm branches. The largest, Palm Deira, will be bigger than Manhattan according to USA Today.

Incredible. Be sure to check out the USA Today slide show for a visual treat on rapidly changing Dubai. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss it.

2007 New Years Panoramas

I said I would post a link to those New Years Eve panos when they went live and I am not one to fail to deliver on my promise. Here it is, the Times Square New Years Eve shot from the second that it turned 2007 (in New York anyway). There are also a series of other lovely panos from around the world uploaded and ready for you to mouse around. Shot in Prague, Dubai, Copenhagen and on and on, these are actually very well done and capture, I think, the spirit of a moment with exceptional dynamism. Wish I’d done one myself.

Link Traveling to Dubai

Everywhere I click on the web it seems I keep seeing Dubai, Dubai, and Dubai. Is now the time to go or what? I feel as though I’m missing out on something BIG here and the chances of me jetting over in the near future are very slim. Yes, pity me, please. Anyhow I thought I might as well offer an opportunity to explore some of what I’ve been hearing or reading about Dubai lately through some of the links found below just in case someone setting out to do some hardcore Dubai travel planning soon.

  • Dubai Shopping Festival – Looks as though the DSF for 2006 is taking place right now, but if you plan well and save tons of money attending the 2007 event should be a breeze.
  • Feel like running in the desert oasis anytime soon? Registration for the Dubai Marathon on January 12, 2007 doesn’t close until New Year’s Eve. Get out there and run!
  • Gridskipper points out an excellent spot to mix, mingle and sing a song or three during karaoke. Karaoke in Dubai? Yes, they sing and make a fool of themselves here too.
  • Dubai International Film Festival – Sadly this event ends on the 17th of December and don’t say I didn’t tell you it was approaching. I did my part.
  • Perhaps you’re trying to find a nice last minute destination for the Christmas holiday. Why not consider Dubai? From this Go World Travel story I found not too long ago, the writer shares her dazzling surreal X-Mas experience in the UAE.

Dubai International Film Festival

While I’m in Persian Gulf I thougt I might as well mention the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) taking place December 10-17, 2006. According to their news ticker the red carpet promises some of Hollywood, Bollywood, and the Arab worlds (Arab-wood?) hottest stars from the silver screen right in the flesh. If your interest rests only in the films, trust me when I say the selection is also rather sizzling. Spanning from Africa, Asia, Europe and the local talents there isn’t a corner on the planet missed. If stroke of luck can get you to Dubai in such short notice, a trip to the festival might not be such a bad idea. Volver, Fast Food Nation and Babel are only a sampling of the 115 films from 47 countries on the lineup. Check out Gridskipper or the official site for additional details.