Dubai Other Works

Although the Burj Dubai is scheduled to open in 2008, Downtown Burj Dubai, which represents the area surrounding the world’s tallest building, will not be ready until 2009. In addition to housing residences and offices, Downtown Burj Dubai will feature luxury hotels and the Dubai Mall, set to become the biggest shopping center on earth. • At twice the size of Disney World, Dubailand intends to become the planet’s largest entertainment complex, featuring resorts, sports and outdoor activities, health retreats, a huge shopping mall, and six theme parks. These will include Six Flags Dubai, Universal Studios Dubai, Paramount Studios Theme Park, Dubai Snowdome, and one of the world’s largest water parks, among other attractions. About half these will be open by 2010. The Dubai Autodrome has already opened here. • A multiuse project scheduled for completion by 2015, Dubai Festival City will add a new marina, golf course, residences, offices, and hotels, including the UAE’s first W hotel. Festival Waterfront Center (also referred to as Dubai Festival City) is already open (p. 113) and is one of Dubai’s largest malls. • It’s hard to imagine locals giving up their automobiles for a ride in the public tube, but the eventual opening of Dubai Metro should ease some of the city’s spiraling congestion and quicken travel within the city. There will be two lines connecting the city’s principal areas.