Dubai: Home To The World's Most Iconic Skyscrapers

Since 1995, Dubai seems to have been growing in stature and importance in a variety of spheres, from tourism to architecture. Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, is the most populous of the regions, and the second largest emirate after Abu Dhabi. While Dubai's old reserves are currently less than one twentieth of that possessed by Abu Dhabi, oil has been one of Dubai's main exports, and built up its importance as a vital trade route during the 1970s and 1980s. However, since 1995, a series of ambitious building and construction projects have made Dubai one of the most intriguing centres of architecture in the world, undergoing a property boom that has turned it into one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

The architecture of the city is characterised by a series of staggering iconic buildings and skyscrapers, located both onshore and offshore. Perhaps the most archetypal example of Dubai's style of architecture is the Burj-al-Arab, Dubai's premier five-star hotel, which also boasts the mantle of the world's tallest hotel. Located on an artificial island, the building is meant to resemble a billowing sail, and reaches the height of 321 metres. The pinnacle of the Burj-al-Arab is visible across Dubai city, and at night, its spectacularly coloured lighting offers a memorable sight.

Other iconic buildings in Dubai include the Emirates Towers (the 12th and 24th tallest buildings in the world), the Dubai Marina and the Jumeirah Palm Island, among other ambitious building projects. However, the most bold and elaborate building project that Dubai is currently undertaking is the construction of the Burj Dubai, a skyscraper whose building began in April 2005 and is expected to be completed in 2008. Intriguingly, the eventual height of the building is being kept secret, in order to claim the place of the tallest building in the world upon completion of its construction.

Currently, Taipei 101 in Taiwan holds this title, and there are numerous others vying for the position: including the Freedom Tower at New York City's World Trade Centre, the Chicago Spire in Chicago, the Port Tower Complex in Chicago and the Shanghai World Financial Centre in China. By keeping the eventual height of the Burj Dubai a secret, its engineers hope that it will be able to fulfil its goal to surpass these current projects, although a height of approximately 808 metres (or 265 feet) has been suggested so far. The building of the Burj Dubai is not only halfway completed, having reached a height of 330 metres as of December 2006, but is already the third tallest building in Dubai.

Clearly, Dubai's architecture and design lend it a certain appeal that will attract both the architectural enthusiast and the regular tourist looking to visit a city that inspires a sense of wonder at every turn. Furthermore, Dubai allows its tourists to indulge in luxuriant holidays, and as a result offers its guests a variety of deluxe hotels in which they can relax and enjoy all the delights that Dubai has to offer.

Click here for more information about Dubai's premier deluxe five-star hotel.

Martin McAllister is a freelance online journalist. He lives in Scotland.

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Choosing a Dog Breed: Which Breed of Dog is Right for You?

If you are considering getting a dog, its wise to explore the characteristics of different breeds of dogs to determine which one is right for you and your family. Youll want to find a dog that goes with your personality, lifestyle, and pocketbook. The importance of choosing the right breed cannot be emphasized enough because a major cause of issues between dogs and owners revolves around unsuitability between the two. For example, an avid gardener probably would not be happy with a Fox Terrier, which is bred to dig vermin from their underground burrows. Hes born to dig up the garden!

So how do you choose the right breed? Lets look at some key considerations:

What kind of experience is required? Some breeds like Border Collies are strong willed by nature and will challenge you for leadership. An experienced dog owner would likely do better with them. However, the Smooth Collie and Bearded Collie are easier to train and are suitable for new dog owners.

How is the Breed with Children? If you have kids or your dog will be around them, its important to get a dog that does well with children. More importantly, you need to teach your children how to handle the dog properly. Even the most easygoing and tolerant breed of dog can bite if it is hurt or frightened.

Size Size DOES matter, when it comes to choosing the right dog breed. Do you have a house with a large yard, or an apartment or condo? Do you want to take your dog with you when you travel? Are you willing to clean up after a large dog? Do you want a dog to cuddle on the couch with you?

Exercise Requirements With the exception of a few, almost all breeds enjoy brisk exercise. Do you have time to walk your dog regularly? Does the breed need daily vigorous exercise to prevent it from being hyper? If you work long hours you may be happier with a dog with lower exercise requirements.

Grooming and Coat As for grooming, dog breeds run the gamut. Some have no-fuss coats and need occasional brushing, some breeds require regular trips to the groomer, and others fall in between. Think about the time and money you are prepared to spend on brushing and combing your dog and groomer visits, if required to keep your dog stylish.

Shedding Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly non-shedding dog. However, there are breeds that shed less than others. Some breeds shed profusely, particularly at certain times of the year. Consider possible allergies and the amount of vacuuming you are willing to do before you settle on a breed.

Ease of Training Typically only really little dogs, like toy dogs, dont require much training other than potty training. Some breeds, such as Jack Russell Terriers, are strong-willed and harder to train. This is something else to consider when narrowing down your breed.

Sociability How do you see your dog behaving around strangers? Do you want a happy-go-lucky dog that is friendly to all, or a more reserved dog that barks to alert you when strangers come to your door?

Now that you have answered some important questions, research the characteristics of the breeds you are considering to find the best fit for you. Check your library, bookstores and the American Kennel Club for profiles of breeds. Taking time to do your research will pay off tenfold, and you will have a great companion for years to come.

Valerie Goettsch is web master of http://www.my-favorite-dog.com featuring articles and information on dog breeds and where to find the best of everything for your dog, from flea meds to beds, training and designer dog clothes.

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