6 New Dazzling Dubai Developments

An aerial view of the man-made palm tree-shaped islands in Dubai.

Masterplan of the "The World", 300 man made islands off the coast of Dubai formed in the shape of a map of the world.

Pakistani and Indian laborers form the backbone of a workforce that has transformed Dubai in to a futuristic city that now boasts the tallest building in the world, the Burj Dubai.

Burj Dubai

Quite simply, this giant tower rising in downtown Dubai was built to be the world's tallest building. Now, the Burj Dubai is even the tallest man-made structure (beating out a television tower in North Dakota). At least until someone builds a taller one. Still under construction, it stands today at 629 meters, or 2,063 feet, with 160 stories. The ultimate target height remains secret (to keep rivals for the crown in the dark).

The vision behind it, according to the company's website, is to build "an icon of the Middle East" and "tangible proof of Dubai's central role in a growing world." The tower will house both residential and commercial space. Perhaps the most high-profile tenant so far is Giorgio Armani, who is building a flagship for his new hotel chain. The Armani Hotel will include not only an opulent hotel outfitted by Armani himself but also a spa, restaurants, a nightclub, and luxury residences.

Dubai Mall

In the shadow of the Burj Dubai, workers are putting the final touches on the Dubai Mall, which is scheduled to open this August and be one of the world's largest indoor shopping malls (although an even larger one is being built in Dubailand). The size of 50 soccer fields, the mall has space for 1,200 stores and 120 restaurants and cafes. It claims it will have the biggest indoor gold souk, or market, in the world. A Fashion Avenue area with its own VIP entrance has lined up Versace, Hermès, Givenchy, Cerruti, Ermenegildo Zegna, and other high-end tenants. Beyond the shopping, a massive indoor aquarium (one of the world's largest, of course) will be home to 33,000 animals, including 400 sharks and rays.

The Lagoons

Another downtown Dubai development, the Lagoons is a mixed residential and commercial area building seven islands in the middle of town that developers promise will be surrounded by landscaped greenery (despite the desert climate). At the center is a quartet of wavy glass towers intended to mimic the movement of candlelight. "There is no perception of limitations" in Dubai, says Abubark Hejazi, a Saudi architect who runs the Dubai office of TVS International, the U.S.-based architecture and design firm that designed the towers. "Here, there is no such thing as 'it's impossible.' " Along with the requisite shopping space, the Lagoons will house offices, hotels, cafes, and a new Dubai Opera House.