Monday, December 22, 2008

Abu Dhabi Competes with Tower of Pisa, Star Wars


In case you thought that Versace's refrigerated beach was the apex of gauche and unrepentant luxury, let me remind you about the other Disney Land qualities Abu Dhabi is developing. 

Enter the Death Star an office and residential building planned for Abu Dhabi's planned island, Waterfront City. You remember that, right? The island that Abu Dhabi is building by dumping sand into the ocean and will eventually protect an already existing place, Palm Island? Yes, well, this will be the centerpiece for that city. Can you say 'Darth Vader'? How about 'Superpower'?

If that doesn't make you think of world domination, consider the new Leaning Tower of Pisa. It's no longer in Italy, but rather in Abu Dhabi. The Capital Gate will be complete by the end of 2009. It will lean 18 degrees to the west, that's four times more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The building is dug 30 meters into the earth for stability. A luxury hotel and office suites will reside within the 35-story building. 

My question is when will France send a statue and Egypt a pyramid?