The Salt Building in Dubai

The great thing about Dubai architecture is that it bends the mind. And for every crazy design, there are those that don't quite make the grade, and are left in the minds of the designer.


This building is called the GeoTube building and the concept is that it features a self-built exoskeleton made from accumulated sea salt deposits.



Yes, people design this stuff and think it will fly.




Pigs (haram) will fly first.

GEOtube Building Grows its Own Lace-Like Sea Salt Skin

Dubai and Abu Dhabi - a tale of two cities?

A tale of two cities or the story of the UAE. The tide seems to be changing. Dubai seems to be on the way back from near disaster (or challenges) as His highness would put it. If you haven't seen the interview, it is worth a quick 5 minutes of your time. "We're back!" he proclaims and then talks of unity with the whole of the UAE which put's strength behind the notion of what the UAE can achieve as one:


Dubai Ruler Says ‘We Are Back’

It's nice to know that someone is back. It implies that they were away for some time. In any case, I'd say Dubai is on the way back, and the UAE will be harder, better, faster, stronger, to quote Kanye West, recently announced for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, along with the Small Sheikh of Pop music - Prince. Yes, huge names for Abu Dhabi - and huge names for the UAE. This wouldn't have even been possible 3 years ago in Abu Dhabi, but times have changed. This weekend gone, the New York Times devoted many column inches to Masdar:



Yes, the nouveau green looks to be a reality, and while the Telegraph in the UK want to maintain the negative picture of Dubai with it's article that "Dubai may have to knock down buildings constructed during boom", it's the overall picture of where the UAE is going long term that is important.

Yes, Dubai is back, Abu Dhabi has arrived. And the UAE is on the up and up. Yes, this is Mission Impossible 4.

Dubai may have to knock down buildings constructed during boom
In Arabian Desert, a Sustainable City Rises
A tour of Masdar
Prince, Kanye West confirmed for Abu Dhabi

The importance of cheese

Enjoy!