On completion, the Burj Dubai will reach an estimated height of 818m and be the tallest man-made structure in the world. In the image below, taken earlier this year, the tower is a mere 400m tall. It currently measures some 636m in height and is expected to be operational in September 2009.
Why are all these monstrously tall buildings being built in Muslim countries? Islamic supremacism. Under Sharia, no non-Muslim building can be taller than a Muslim building, the better to remind the dhimmi of the superiority and grandeur of his overlords. Since such dominance cannot be expressed directly it must be expressed by proxy.
Posted by: randian | July 15, 2008 at 11:21
While this - along with some of the other recent skyscrapers - is impressive, it's nowhere near as heart-stoppingly beautiful as the buildings in New York. Nor, of course, is the place where they're building it.
Posted by: Paul | July 15, 2008 at 11:24
ARG,
Well, when completed the structure will house luxury apartments, hotels and an enormous - and no doubt decadent - shopping mall. So if, as you suggest, it’s a matter of prideful piety, I’m not sure who’d be having the last laugh. Actually, I think it’ll be lovely rather than “monstrous,” and certainly impressive. Though I think the Chrysler Building – a mere 318m - is still deeply agreeable.
Posted by: David | July 15, 2008 at 11:37
I knew I'd been there before
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:HalfLife2_Citadel.jpg
:)
Posted by: AntiCitizenOne | July 15, 2008 at 15:12
The Guild of Evil™ will, naturally, be viewing the penthouse as a possible base of operations.
Posted by: David | July 15, 2008 at 15:33
"The UK's Hyder Consulting is designing a structure that will be twice as tall as the Burj Dubai… Kingdom Holding Company has proposed a skyscraper in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah, the Mile High Tower, which would rise to 1,600m if completed."
http://www.meed.com/news/2008/02/hyder_designing_megatall_tower.html
http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/going-up.html
That's the one you want David. One mile straight up.
Posted by: John D | July 15, 2008 at 17:13
If it really IS to be a mile high, shame it's in a Muslim country. Think of the poor couples longing to join the Mile High Club, yet scared of flying...!
Posted by: JuliaM | July 15, 2008 at 17:19
Ah, yes, I saw. But will it be built in time? I mean, a guy can’t wait forever to rain destruction on his enemies…
Posted by: David | July 15, 2008 at 17:22
I thought size wasn't supposed to matter?
Posted by: Matt M | July 15, 2008 at 18:47
You really shouldn’t listen to that short guy with the withered genitals.
Posted by: David | July 15, 2008 at 18:56
Shreck: "Do ya think he's compensating fer somethin?"
:-)
Posted by: Jason | July 15, 2008 at 19:42
They have a big building. Meh. Wish it was somewhere worth visiting.
Posted by: Candice | July 16, 2008 at 02:45