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The Burj Dubai in downtown Dubai (United Arab Emirates) is currently the world’s tallest skyscraper. Indeed, it is the tallest structure ever built. It is scheduled to be finished in September of 2009. The architects are keeping the anticipated final height from the public, but educated guesses put it at somewhere around 2,700 feet (just over 820m).

According to insiders who have observed progress, the Burj Dubai “changes aspect” every two weeks, and construction is proceeding at a breakneck pace. The architectural firm behind the Burj Dubai project (Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill) was also responsible for developing plans for Chicago’s Sears Tower and the Freedom Tower currently being built on the site of the World Trade Center. Despite the hype, the Burj Dubai may only hold the mantle of “tallest building in the world” for a limited time. Another nearby building, the “Al Burj,” could reach heights of nearly 5,000 feet. Similarly, the Saudi Arabian firm Kingdom Holdings has been planning an enormous “mile-high tower” that would theoretically double the height of the Burj Dubai.

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel

Both Institutional Investor Magazine and the 2007 World Travel Awards rated the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel as “the best hotel in the world.” The hotel actually has seven stars. Guests are picked up from the nearby airport either by helicopter or by personalized Rolls-Royce. The hotel stands tall along the coastline of Dubai at well over 300 meters. Room furnishings are all gilded with 24-carat gold. Every night, the hotel lights up in an array of colors carefully choreographed to astonish the eye and delight the senses. The hotel offers splendid beach access as well as a veritable army of butlers, receptionists, and personal attendants to ensure that the whims of every guest are taken care of. And if you need to rejuvenate or recuperate, check out the 18th floor Assawan Spa and Health Club for an array of therapeutic treatments, rituals, and fitness classes. In terms of dining, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah offers practically any kind of experience the senses could desire. For al fresco dining, check out the Majlis Al Bahar; for top tier Asian food, go to Junsui; for amazing views of the ocean and Dubai skyline, head down to the Sky View Bar.

The Dusit Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road

This Thai-inspired five-star hotel is one of Dubai’s business district’s greatest gems. The astonishing architecture, which includes gorgeous silver mirroring on the façade, has won a plethora of international awards. The service, dining, and facilities at the Dusit Hotel are second to none. Enjoy your own butler service, luxury spa treatments, cuisine from all around the world (including superior Italian and of course Thai options) and the height of service. The Dusit Hotel is also an excellent place to host business conventions, since it offers easy access to Dubai’s financial center and airport.

One and Only Royal Mirage -- Al Sufouh Road.

This Spanish- and Moroccan-inspired architectural wonder features traditional Arab decor, amazingly complex mosaics, and soothing “high aesthetic” water fountains. The One and Only Resort company also owns hotels in Mexico, the Bahamas, Mauritius, and the Maldives. These hotels are noted for their diversity of spaces and eclectic cuisine and architecture. At the Al Sufouh Road hotel, for instance, you can lose yourself in Indo-European dining splendor, Near East culinary journeys, and traditional Islamic architecture.

Dubai Marina and the Bur Dubai -- Creek Park and Zabeel Parks

While Dubai may be a hot spot for awesome architecture and fancy hotels, it is also a bustling and lively city with old flavors and authentic Arab culture. A tour of the Marina offers visitors a chance to sample architectural splendor, local cuisine, and authentic souk markets. You can also ride so-called Abras (tiny boats) across creeks where amazing photo opportunities await. At the parks, you can cool off at the lakes. Be careful not to spend too much time outdoors in the summer, however, as daytime temperatures can often top 120 degrees.