Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Opinion

One country cannot hold ‘The World'

Sousan Hammad
Opinion Columnist 

Breaking the world record for what could be considered the most glamorous city in existence, Dubai's inorganic realm has gone from replicating magnificent and historic structures to creating the seemingly impossible: man-made islands that are shaped to form a map of the world that can be seen with the naked eye from space. 

The islands, which are still under construction in the emirate, are set to be completed by the end of 2008. Just last month, the island of Ireland was sold for $38.8 million; the island is supposed to have a theme reflecting Irish culture. Thus far, most islands of "The World" have been purchased, but South America is still available, if anyone is interested. 

The World abides by seven principles: bespoke, grand, rare, visceral, intelligent, magical and legacy. Yes, the islands are "intelligent"; in fact, "despite its good looks, its smarts make The World go 'round," according to The World's Web site.

Money does wonders in the plastic city marked by extravagant forms of architecture. Dubai is also home to lustful attractions such as the one-and-only seven-star hotel, which stands on its own island and has an underwater restaurant reachable by submarine, the largest indoor ski slope equipped with 50 tons of snow that comes in seven shades of white, and replications of the Seven Wonders of the World -- from the Pisa to the Eiffel. 

In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, there is a controversial deal to build a version of the Louvre Museum of France as one of five museums that will shine on yet another uninhabited island, complete with all the amenities a pompous person needs -- golf courses, villas, marinas and luxury hotels. 

Home to "Mona Lisa" and several other masterpieces, the Louvre has a 30-year contract with Abu Dhabi to display or share artwork for a reported $1.3 billion. New York's Guggenheim Museum has also signed a deal to build a replica of its New York branch in Abu Dhabi. Thousands of French artists and curators protested the already sealed decision and stated "art should not be for sale."

Still, all of these fancy buildings and fake islands that are surrounded by an impeccable blue shade of water are small in comparison to yet another outrageous plan Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum, is contriving. Sheikh Mohammad, who is a famous poet, plans to spell out one of his poems in Arabic script by building villas on stilts. The villas will surround the next batch of fake islands. In between The World and The Palm Jebel Ali will be The Palm Jumeirah islands, shaped to form a palm tree, which, along with the poem, will -- hold your breath for this one -- again be visible from space. 

The English translation of the poem reads: "Take wisdom from the wise / It takes a man of vision to write on water / Not everyone who rides a horse is a jockey / Great men rise to greater challenges."

Engineers and architects have taken nearly every precautionary step to avoid protest and criticism from environmental groups who say the islands are damaging marine life. Of course, they were aware of skeptics when they began the iridescent project, so they now claim the environment is "flourishing" and that the corals and jellyfish are "accepting it as part of their natural environment," because apparently the jellyfish told them so.

For a country that is predicted to run out of oil by 2010, the United Arab Emirates is imbibing every last drop and dollar into its economy to lure tourists to see the world's entirety in just one visit -- one country -- where already in Dubai 80 percent of the population is foreigners or expatriates.

Hammad, a communication junior, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu