The Wonders of Dubai

As one of the seven emirates that make up the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, Dubai has attracted worldwide attention through some mind-boggling, innovative real estate projects.

Sit back and peruse our photo gallery of some of the most amazing construction being done in the world today.

The Palm Islands

In the shape of palm trees, these are the three largest man-made islands in the world. The islands are: The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira.

The islands were commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in order to increase Dubai's tourism.

Rotating Skyscraper

The latest Dubai marvel-to-be is a proposed 68-story combination hotel, apartment and office tower where the floors would rotate 360 degrees.

Each story of the tower would be shaped like a doughnut and be attached to a center core housing elevators. Each floor would rotate independently and one single rotation would take around 90 minutes.

'The World' Project

These 300 islands, positioned to form the shape of a world map, are currently being constructed 4 kilometers offshore from Dubai in Gulf waters. 'The World' is being built primarily using sand dredged from the sea.

Prices for the islands will range from $15 million to $45 million. The project is scheduled to be completed by next year.

Burj Al Arab Hotel

Briefly marketed as "the world's first seven-star hotel," the Burj Al Arab is 1,053 feet high and is the world's tallest hotel.

Standing on an artificial island 280 meters from Jumeirah beach, it is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel. The hotel was completed in 1999.

Hydropolis

Bringing new meaning to "ocean-view room," the Hydropolis hotel is the world's first underwater luxury resort. It will sit 66 feet below the surface of the Persian Gulf and feature 220 guest suites.

The Hydropolis is scheduled to open in late 2007, but has faced major delays due to cost issues and concerns over the project's impact on marine life.

Burj Dubai

If all goes according to plan, Burj Dubai will soon become the tallest building in the world. Currently under construction in downtown Dubai, it is planned to be completed in 2008.

Burj Dubai has been rumored to have undergone several height increases since its inception. Its final height is officially being kept a secret due to competition.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

Not to be outdone by neighboring Dubai, the city of Abu Dhabi signed a deal with France this year to build a spinoff of its most famous museum, the Louvre, in the Gulf emirate better known for oil than art.

This computer image of the building will be built on a luxury resort island and is scheduled to open around 2012.

Helipad of the Burj Al Arab

In preparation for the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open, tennis legend Andre Agassi and Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis professional who's ranked No. 1 in the world, couldn't resist the temptation to have a friendly knock-about on the world's highest tennis court -- the helipad of Burj Al Arab hotel.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world, with 22,500-square meters of indoor ski area. It is a part of the Mall of the Emirates, which is one of the largest malls in the world.

It is approximately 25 stories high and can accommodate 1,500 guests at any one time.

Wild Wadi Water Park

An unforgettable adventure awaits you in the world's most advanced water theme park. It is situated between Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The park covers an area of 12 acres and comprises 24 adrenaline-pumping, state-of-the-art rides and slides.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

Retreat to an oasis in the heart of the city where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of The Creek, the sea-water inlet that is a Dubai hallmark.

The 18-hole course has been host to the PGA European Tour Desert Classic. The club prides itself on beautiful fairways and was voted "Best Clubhouse" in Golf World's "Best of the Best" Awards.

Marvel Theme Park

Marvel Entertainment and United Arab Emirate-based Al Ahli Group are developing a theme park based on Marvel's popular comics: Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, X-Men, Iron Man, Incredible Hulk and other heroes.

The park is scheduled to open in 2011.

Emirates Towers

Consisting of two skyscrapers, the Emirates Office Tower and Emirates Towers Hotel are connected by a 9,000 square meter retail boulevard. The Emirates Towers design draws on earth, sun and moon -- the three Heavenly Bodies of Islam.

The sister towers are a symbol of Dubai City. Construction was completed in 2000.

Old Dubai -- Wind Tower

Looking around Dubai you would think it is a brand-new city. In fact, it goes back more than 1,000 years. The earliest recorded mention of the city is in 1095 A.D.

The Wind Tower is part of the cultural Arabic background of the country that has now been reduced to just 20 percent of the population.

Jumeirah Mosque

The city has many fine mosques. The largest -- and one of the most beautiful -- is Jumeirah Mosque. It is a great example of modern Islamic architecture and is one of the most photographed sites of Dubai.

It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief.

Dubai Skyline

The government's decision to diversify from a trade-based but oil-reliant economy to one that is service- and tourism-oriented has boosted real estate values that have resulted in the current property boom.

Construction on a large scale has turned Dubai into one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

World Trade Center

The WTC has been one of Dubai's premier landmark properties and business locations for more than 20 years.

The complex comprises the original 39-story office tower, eight exhibition halls, the Dubai International Convention Centre, a business club and residential apartments with a leisure club.

Booming Dubai

Since 2000, Dubai has initiated a ton of construction phases and plans across the entire city, predominantly in the Mina Seyahi area, located further from Jumeirah, toward Jebel Ali.

Many areas of Dubai are dominated by a large number of construction cranes.