Dubai Buildings Images & Guide 2011

Dubai has been grabbing headlines lately -- for more reasons than one. First on everyone's minds is the current controversy over Dubai Ports World's acquisition of Britain's Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co., making the Middle Eastern company the possible operator of shipping terminals at major U.S. ports.Another reason this United Arab Emirate is gaining widespread global attention: Dubai is experiencing a construction boom, with new buildings going up at a pace that rivals China's development -- albeit on the scale of an emirate roughly the size of Yosemite National Park, and with a population of only 1.4 million.
Dubai's crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has set a national goal of attracting 15 million tourists in 2010. Interestingly, that's the same year that Dubai's known oil reserves will most likely be tapped out, according to The Economist. Here's a look at 10 wonders of the quickly changing cityscape. Many promise to be the world's largest, tallest, or first-of-their-kind projects.

Dubai Buildings  

 Booming Dubai
Since 2000, Dubai has initiated a ton of construction phases and plans across the entire city, predominantly in the Mina Seyahi area, located further from Jumeirah, toward Jebel Ali.Many areas of Dubai are dominated by a large number of construction cranes.

 The Wonders of Dubai
As one of the seven emirates that make up the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, Dubai has attracted worldwide attention through some mind-boggling, innovative real estate projects.Sit back and peruse our photo gallery of some of the most amazing construction being done in the world today.

 Emirates Towers
Consisting of two skyscrapers, the Emirates Office Tower and Emirates Towers Hotel are connected by a 9,000 square meter retail boulevard. The Emirates Towers design draws on earth, sun and moon -- the three Heavenly Bodies of Islam.The sister towers are a symbol of Dubai City. Construction was completed in 2000.

Burj Al Arab Hotel
Briefly marketed as "the world's first seven-star hotel," the Burj Al Arab is 1,053 feet high and is the world's tallest hotel.Standing on an artificial island 280 meters from Jumeirah beach, it is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel. The hotel was completed in 1999.

 Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Retreat to an oasis in the heart of the city where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of The Creek, the sea-water inlet that is a Dubai hallmark.The 18-hole course has been host to the PGA European Tour Desert Classic. The club prides itself on beautiful fairways and was voted "Best Clubhouse" in Golf World's "Best of the Best" Awards.

Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world, with 22,500-square meters of indoor ski area. It is a part of the Mall of the Emirates, which is one of the largest malls in the world.It is approximately 25 stories high and can accommodate 1,500 guests at any one time.