World's tallest tower hits 828m, renamed Burj Khalifa

Posted by: Bahraintaxi Thursday, 7 January 2010 8:35 PM[UAE]

Dear :), you make some important points. I'm not suggesting that the UAE really ought to be 'grateful' to the UK or the US, just that the rhetoric of gratitude cuts both ways. I'm not a 'victim of the media', but have in-depth knowledge of this history and politics of the GCC region. It's interesting to speculate what the political geography of the region would be like now were it not for the British military and political presence in the region during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The fact is that few, if any, of the smaller Gulf states would exist today: Kuwait would either be part of Iraq, or divided between Iraq, Iran and Saudi; Bahrain would be part of Saudi or Iran; Qatar would be part of Saudi; what's now the UAE would be divided up between Saudi and Oman. Then the existence of Kuwait and quite possibly other GCC states was threatened again in the early 1990s. Did Britain protect these small states out of the goodness of its heart? No. It's reasons were selfish: protection of the sea routes to its possessions in Indian and the Far East, and later for oil. The first Gulf War was clearly fought for oil, but in both cases the smaller Gulf states clearly benefited. I'm not seriously suggesting that anyone should be 'grateful' for this, but perhaps the benefit should be more acknowledged than it usually is. And perhaps Emiratis should be a bit more magnanimous than they often are (at least on AB), and occasionally praise or thank those people who do jobs many UAE nationals wouldn't dream of doing. Neither am I seriously suggesting that the GCC states adopt British-style immigration polices. For a range of political, historical and demographic reasons these would be undesirable in the region. But it is true that there is certainly room for improvement in the way the GCC states treat migrant workers, and that the occasional expression of thanks and appreciation 9over and above salary) would be a step in the right direction. With regard to the more personal questions you ask, I'll provide some no BS answers: * I did the same job in the UK as I do here * The accommodation I live in here is bigger and more luxurious than that in the UK, but not so well-build nor so valuable * I do indeed drive much nicer cars out here than in the UK * I'm paid about the same as I got in the UK, perhaps 5-10% more at most. The big difference comes in (a) not paying 40% UK income tax, and (b) fringe benefits attached to my employment package (rent allowance, school fees, &ct) * It's a vulgarization to say 'Everyone is here for the money, so let's drop the act' (does this include the Emiratis?); I've worked in the GCC region for 8 years, but before that I've worked in non-GCC Arab states on less than wonderful money. Area knowledge is part of my job, going back to 20 years to my undergraduate degree (in Arabic) * Nobody is forced to work in the UAE, that's true; but the global mobility of labour is part of the same system that ensures global mobility of capital, both of which are interconnected, and both of which have hugely benefited the UAE. * I am indeed familiar with the major airports of the GCC, so I know how to get there. But it shouldn't be a question of 'If you don't like it ship out'. I never said I didn't like it; but no country is perfect, and occasional constructively critical voices should be listened to.

Posted by: :) Thursday, 7 January 2010 6:04 PM[UAE] - UAE

And yet you are living here!!! What did you do before in your native UK? Where did you live? What car did you drive? How much were you paid? And the final question , if life over there is much better WHY ARE YOU HERE? My friend you are unfortunately a victim of the media, what you have pointed as protection was actually an occupation that turned into a protection of the resources! a protection of the oil fields! Trust me no one has been forced to come and live in this country including the labor force, as much as one would say about the way they live in camps and the work they do and the low pay they get, it is still way better than not finding food or work, go have a look at the way they live in their countries! And yes everyone is here for the money, so let?s drop the act! otherwise they would have stayed in their home countries. One last thing! No one is forced to stay here as well :) so if anyone doesn?t like it here am sure they know the way home!

Posted by: SASIKUMAR Thursday, 7 January 2010 5:34 PM[UAE] - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

YES IT IS A EXCELLENT ACHIVEMENT OF OUR BELOVED RULER SHAIKH MOHAMMED AND WE ALL MUST BE PROUD TO HAVE SUCH A RULER FOR ALL OF US

Posted by: Dubya Wednesday, 6 January 2010 1:14 PM[UAE] - UAE

So the debates have covered whether the name should have been changed, why the name was changed, how great the building is. I would like to see AB look into the remaining Downtown development. There are many other towers being built around the Burj Khalifa where construction has not moved for nearly a year, yet those who purchased are left with little remedy. I am a fan of the Burj and the completed parts of this development, but I think we need to recognise that notwithstanding the success of this one building, there are many others in its shadows which are letting down those who purchased and want the buildings delivered. The remaining buildings also will make many of the cafes and shops which have opened in places like the residences and south ridge viable - already some have closed as there is not enough footfall. People who own in 8 Boulevard Walk will be waiting indefinately for their tower to become joined up with the rest of the development... I think the master plan should be redesigned and the bits that are not going to be built should be landscaped for the benefit of the community.... or redesigned into lowed density uses...with the option of replanning at some time in the future. This will ensure that those who have invested in this area that currently overlook a building site have some hope of an alternative view sometime in the future

Posted by: girish Wednesday, 6 January 2010 9:38 AM[UAE] - uae

i have been a great fan one of the biggest follower of H.H.Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rasid Al Maktoum the Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Look at this city a desert being converted in to a paradise. Although we expats are from almost all parts of the world but harmony you can find it here, the level of security to life, the value for a human life its all to be learnt here. And all this is possible because of the leader with vision. I pray to lord to grant him health and prosperity as the saying goes every day is not a sunday tough times but i am sure that he has already prepared himslef for the same.