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Regional banks display caution
AS THE PLANE descends towards Dubai’s International Airport a stunning landmark dominates the skyline. The Burj Khalifa, at 828 metres the tallest man-made structure in the world, towers over every other surrounding building. With its patterned design embodying Islamic architecture, it is a magnificent sight. The skyscraper was officially opened on January 4. As with most things Dubai the accompanying ceremony was fabulously glitzy and over the top.
A fantastic 10,000-firework display took place in front of 6,000 people including guest of honour Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. The event concluded with sky tracers and space cannons enveloping the tower in a halo of white light.
The ceremony was relayed live on a huge screen in a neighbouring park as well as on televisions placed across the Downtown Burj Khalifa, the $20 billion development area whose centrepiece is the tower.
Dubai might have one or two debt problems but it still knows how to party.
The Burj Khalifa is a symbol of Dubai’s journey over the past decade.