August 2016 ~ In 2008, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was asked why he insisted that his emirate’s construction projects be the world’s biggest, tallest, most extravagant, and off-the-chart architectural and engineering marvels on the planet. His answer: “Why settle for less when you can be #1?” Astute point. …
The absence of dignity and integrity …….. by a few of the leading candidates …….
The absence of dignity and integrity as displayed in dialogue by a few of the leading candidates running for the U.S. presidency is overwhelmingly alarming to the lions’ share of our international colleagues who are savvy in world affairs. I share this first-hand insight not to be judgmental or personally degrade a presidential candidate, but …
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Dubai has 909 completed high-rise buildings
26 May 2013 When the United Arab Emirates was founded in 1971, there were zero tall buildings. In fact, there were very few buildings period. Today, 42 years later, the city of Dubai (in the emirate of Dubai) is a sea of high-rise buildings which include many of the world’s architectural marvels. Dubai boasts the …
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The United Arab Emirate’s Sovereign Wealth Fund totals $815 billion
May 18, 2013 According to the Sovereign Wealth Institute which is regarded as an authority in the field, the value of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) for the United Arab Emirates, which includes Abu Dhabi and Dubai, approximated $815 billion by March 2013. That is 81.5% of $1 trillion! What the heck is a SWF? …
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STAYING AFLOAT goes to Casablanca, Morocco
8 May 2013 During my trip to Morocco last week, I was especially awed by the majestic Hassan II Mosque – a must-see when visiting Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco at a congested 3.2 million residents. The mosque is the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th largest in the world, depending on which …
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Huge desalinized water requirements in the Arabian Gulf countries
The eight water-scarce Arabian Gulf countries – the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran – are among the largest water consumers per capita in the world. Saudi rates 91% higher than the global individual average. Qatar and the UAE are close behind at 83% of the international average per capita. These eight …
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Peace carries varied interpretations in the greater Middle East – many incompatible
Editorial: The geo-political bonds that hold many of the greater Middle Eastern countries together today are fragile, as observed as an expat while working in Abu Dhabi for three years. Granted, some of the region’s countries are currently considered politically stable, such as the country in which I lived– the United Arab Emirates. Others are …
World’s tallest skyscraper is under construction
When most Guinness Book of World Records followers believed that the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, would be the tallest man-made structure on the planet for the foreseeable future at 820m (2,717 feet), along comes the Kingdom Tower in Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Engineers have begun laying …
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Dubai’s renowned spice souk
The Middle East has been a central player in the trade of spices, often transported by camel caravans across the deserts, since at least 2000 BC. Spices have been, and presently are, an integral ingredient in the preparation of Middle Eastern food, much of which has Indian influence. Author’s daughter, Stephanie, is enchanted by the …
Abu Dhabi knows how to promote one of its investments with a splash!
Although this low fly-by by an Etihad wide-body Airbus 340 took place back in November 2009, the day of Abu Dhabi's inaugural Formula One race, the day will always be remembered by the 41,000 F-1 race fans, including myself, who packed the grandstands. Pride filled their hearts as Abu Dhabi’s national airline displayed its noble …
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StephenCBurton 