Mobissimo

With all the media furor and frenzy over the Port Deal and Dubai Ports World, let's take a look at the capitalist, open-market stronghold in the Middle East, the luxury playground for the rich and famous, and easily the hottest destination of the planet. Dubai is the site of the world's only seven-star hotel: the Burj-al-Arab soaring over the city skyline and turquoise sea like a billowing sail. (Did I mention the joint's got an underwater restaurant?)

Dubai is also the site of the mind-blowing development project, dubbed 'The World' of miniature man-made islands shaped like the continents of the world. Thus, of all these private artificial islands spread out across the Arabian Gulf, you could buy up your own continent! Plus, Dubai has world-class shopping at the upscale BurJuman Centre, and its Mall of the Emirates is the biggest shopping mall outside of North America. Its indoor ski resort is a miracle of design: an alpine village and Snow Dome smack in the middle of the desert. And let's not forget … with almost all flights to Germany booked for the World Cup Championship in June, Dubai serves as a backdoor entry as the hub for Emirates Airlines, the games' sponsor.
Related Articles:

The New York Times, "Dubai Expected to Ask for Review of Port Deal"

Gridskipper, "Ski Dubai"