Dubai - Surreal Boom Town

Dubai is an anomaly within the Middle East, an oasis of calm, tolerance and multi-ethnic and religious cooperation (or at least co-existence) floating in a sea of chaos. Throughout the history of Islam there have been such "enlightened cities" - refuges of free thought, debate, science, and peaceful co-existence. Typically characterized by visionary leaders, multi-ethnic populations, and free market commerce the cities of Cordoba, Grenada, Fez, and Istanbul, all held similar positions at one time or another.This is of course a macro-level rose-colored interpretation of reality. There are certainly underlying social issues of significant import to cause concern yet nonetheless, Dubai is really an amazing place. The Ruler, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, lovingly referred to by most as "Shaikh Mo" is the driving force behind Dubai's incredible development. With the sweep of his hand he has erased the obstacles to foreign direct investment that plaque most of the Middle East. Companies can be 100% foreign owned. Foreigners can own freehold property. The practice of all religions is fully tolerated and the state has supported the construction of churches and temples. Alcohol is permitted for non-Muslims and the nightlife is vibrant.In the wake of the newly announced freehold property laws Dubai is currently undergoing an incredible construction boom. A popular urban legend states that more than 25% of the world's construction cranes are present in Dubai. There are a number of very ambitious off-shore land reclamation projects, the most prominent of these being the "The Palms" (there are three all shaped in the image of a palm trees and covered with million dollar homes) and the "Islands of the World" (an ambitious project to create 300 man-made islands that when viewed from space form an image of the world).For the young, upwardly mobile expatriate, Dubai Marina is the neighbourhood of choice. With its 100 story towers, beautiful marina and beach front setting it is destined to be the Monte Carlo of the Middle East. Marina Heights tower depicted above is my new abode.What I find most surreal about life in Dubai is that one can be nervously hurtling in an armored car through the detritus and chaos of Baghdad, Kabul, or Sana'a and then 2 hours later be dining at the Ritz Carlton. Too weird!