The end of the Ports saga?

2006 put Dubai on the map because the US perceived that the UAE posed a security risk. There was some amusing commentary, some bordering on racist, when this simple was a business deal. With AIG having paid an undisclosed amount, let's close this sorry chapter and get on with business.

Reuters: Dubai Ports to sell U.S. operations to AIG unit

Is it really the 'bestest' (sic)?

Probably very true:

A good portion of the news coming out of the Gulf was typed up by the government propaganda ministries. Almost every time I see (UAE) next to an article, I'm immediately skeptical as the article is usually a puff piece about some new, marvelous, "world's best," Guiness record breaking project going on in Dubai. It's basically an article that could easily be broadcast on Sama Dubai, the Dubai government's official Dubai promoting channel that broadcasts wonderful things about Dubai 24/7.

Biased Media in the Middle East From Lebanese Political Journal

A kink in the armour?

"Sorry, we have a small economy and 3 years is not enough time. If things work out well, we'll join you in the party of all parties. Best wishes. QABOOS "

Oman ‘will not join Gulf monetary union in 2010’

The Skyscraper Curse

The skyscraper curse is an unscientific correlation between tallest building projects and financial crises. History shows numerous examples of this.

Be it in Kuala Lumpur in 1997, Chicago in 1974, New York in 1930 or the biblical Tower of Babel long ago, mankind's penchant for architectural overreach is a strangely reliable omen of troubles.

It's an interesting theory, and while the announcement of all the "tall building" projects in Dubai was not a direct result of problems in the economy, it might have been part of the "ramp effect" that caused people to rush in to unchartered territories. The height is symbolic of the heights that leaders see to what can be achieved here in the UAE. However, skyscrapers are also good curtains shadowing those things underneath that might not be so successful. Whether you believe in the former or the latter, the skyscraper curse is one that always looms, especially for those that believe that the competition for the skies marks the beginning of the end of the world. For those that got stung by the Middle East stock market crash, the symbol of all these tall buildings is a constant reminder of when they thought their world had collapsed.

The `Skyscraper Curse' Is Worth Watching in 2007: William Pesek