Over the last two decades, Dubai has grown to become one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet, spurred on by the development of huge skyscrapers, stunning hotels and beautiful features. We take a look at ten of the most impressive buildings in the emirate.
Re: The growth of Dubai in the last 20 years
Raffles Dubai – opened 2007
Though some 1,500 miles away from Egypt, Raffles Dubai takes its inspiration from the Great Pyramids, with its 19 storeys coming together in a fashion the pharaohs would have been proud of. The structure’s peak is sparkling gold and backlit during the night, presenting perfect photo opportunities at any time.
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Atlantis, The Palm – opened 2008
Located on The Palm Islands archipelago, the Atlantis hotel is modelled on its namesake in the Bahamas and has the same underwater theme. It accommodates more than 1,500 rooms across 23 floors and includes Dolphin Bay, an attraction which enables guests to swim with the graceful mammals.
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Re: The growth of Dubai in the last 20 years
Dubai International Airport – opened 1960
Though the airport technically opened more than 50 years ago, its expansion over the last 20 years to cope with rising demand has been startling. The airport is now one of the most beautiful hubs in the world, with passenger movement now in excess of 50 million, compared with less than six million two decades ago.
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Princess Tower Dubai – opened 2012
The world’s tallest residential building, the Princess Tower Dubai opened last year and has 101 floors to house both people born in the city and those who have emigrated there for work or pleasure. Located in the popular Marina district, its massive six-floor car park and eight retail outlets ensure residents are never left wanting.
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Re: The growth of Dubai in the last 20 years
The Address Downtown Dubai – opened 2008
Despite only being the 18th tallest building in Dubai, the Address is still an enormous structure, standing at 302.2m (or roughly the same as the tallest building in the UK and the whole of the European Union, London’s The Shard). It is located in downtown Dubai, making it a close neighbour of the massive Burj Khalifa.
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Burj Khalifa – opened 2010
By far the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa can be seen from anywhere in Dubai, standing 829.8m at its peak. Dwarfing the second-highest man-made structure in the world, the Tokyo Sky Tree, the Burj Khalifa is as vast as it is tall, with 163 floors and 3,331,100 sq ft of floor space. It also holds several world records, including the world’s highest nightclub, the world’s highest restaurant and the world’s highest elevator.
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Burj al Arab – opened 1999
One of the most famous hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab is as sumptuous inside as it is striking on the outside. Dubbing itself the world’s only seven-star hotel and with a design mimicking the sail of a ship, staying at the world’s fourth tallest hotel is a truly unforgettable experience.
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Jumeirah Beach Hotel – opened 1997
Though no longer one of the tallest buildings in the city, the Jumeirah Beach hotel is still one of the most memorable, stretching across the Jumeirah Beach like the rise and fall of a wave. With almost 600 rooms and more than 20 restaurants to choose from, guests are truly spoilt for choice.
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Re: The growth of Dubai in the last 20 years
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai – opened 2012
Dubai is home to five of the six tallest hotels in the world, and this twin-tower skyscraper is the tallest of them all, standing at 354.7 metres. With 77 floors, 684 rooms and 120 suites, the hotel combines quality with quantity to startling effect.
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Re: The growth of Dubai in the last 20 years
Palm Jumeirah – opened 2006
Part of the Palm Islands vision, work on this stunning artificial archipelago began in the early 2000s, with the first residents moving in five years later. Its combination of villas, apartments and hotels and stunning overhead view make it one of the most beautiful man-made features on earth.
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