Dubai is an example of one of the fastest developing city in the world and what is more astonishing, growing on the desert. For centuries, Dubai has been a fishing village, known primarily for catch pearls. Rapid development of the city falls only on the last one hundred years, which showed that the small town can became one of the most modern cities in the world. The UAE is one of the fastest growing and richest countries in West Asia. Dubai itself is the most common and most recognizable Arab city that has achieved huge commercial success at a rapid pace. Many tourists visiting Dubai are fascinated by the rate of change and modernization of the city. This is evident in projects such as the Burj Khalifa Tower, which is currently the tallest building in the world. As well as the palm-shaped islands off the coast of Dubai, which are the world’s largest artificial man- made islands visible from the space!
This time Step to the Good Life visited Dubai to discover its path to success. We wanted to assess if the city is truly as incredible as everyone says. However, what target our curiosity, was desire to find out, who stays behind this enormous achievement.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum nowadays is one of the most recognizable worlds leaders, thanks to his courage to undertake unattainable (for most of the people) challenges, Dubai is what we have now – World’s Top Spot!
Sheikh Mohammed is Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. His passions are poetry and horse racing. He likes to spend money for his hobbies, that is why he is the world’s biggest owner of race horses. Also he is thought to be the biggest spender in the history of this sport, buying up stables in the Middle East, the US and Europe. His Highness also carries passion for cars and boats. In this area we need to repeat words “world’s biggest”, which will appear not once while talking about Dubai and Sheikh Mohammed. He owns one of the largest yachts measuring 163 meters. He also has over 100 cars in his garage in his Dubai palace.
But money is not everything. Development of Dubai would not be possible without greater vision, which Sheikh Mohammed certainly has! We are fascinated about his way of thought, his self-confidence and leadership skills. All people in Dubai simply love him. Everywhere you can find his photos, in the building, cars, inside restaurants and cafes. If you are lucky, you can meet him in the Dubai Mall, while he is walking around without any security. He feels safety in his city, why he shouldn’t?
Interview with Steve Kroft from CNN shows, the way of Sheikh thinking:
Why do you want everything to be the biggest, the tallest…?- Kroft asks
– Steve, why not? Why not? If you can have it in New York, why can’t we have it here?
Why are you in such a hurry? Most people would try and do this in a lifetime, not five years?
-… I want my people to live better live now, not after 20 years…
What are you trying to do here? What do you want this place to be?
-I want it to be number ONE. Not in the region but in the WORLD.
What do you mean number one in the world?
-Number one in everything, high education, health, housing… just make my people the highest level of leaving.
When he was asked about Palm Island and decision making in this almost unreal project, his answer was simple and very confident: “ Most people won’t even think about it… Most people but NOT US”
This is what you can find in Dubai Mall: waterfalls, aquarium, underwater tunnel, ice rink… and of course enormous amount of stores. Believe us, you want feel bored even for a moment.
A key centerpiece is Dubai Aquarium, one of the largest tanks in the world and featuring one of the world’s largest viewing panel. Dubai Aquarium has more than 33,000 living animals, representing more than 85 species including over 400 sharks and rays combined.
What makes Dubai Mall so unique isn’t only the number of stores (more than 1200 stores!)but also diversity, which you won’t find anywhere else. Mall contains of both European, American and local brands. Are you wondering where to hit for a spending spree? Choose Dubai! You won’t be disappointed.
Everyone loves Sheikh Mohammed, his photos are everywhere! Even when buying cupcakes, you can feel his eye on you.
The view from the Top of Burj Khalifa is amazing, especially after sunset.
It is true that in Dubai you can make your dreams come true. Our dream was to swim with dolphins, so why not do it in Dubai?
After leaving Dubai we were unsatisfied that we did not have time to explore all parts of it. However, now we have good excuse to go there back.
Dubai, see you soon!
Step to the GOOD LIFE 