The city is ostentatious, a supremely arrogant display of gulf oil wealth. Certain middle eastern states have a glorious opportunity to show the world that they can be world leaders in health care, education, technology, science and sustainability but they mostly seem interested in outdoing one another with ludicrious, gleaming oversized office and apartment developments.
The law of supply and demand did not seem to be in the minds of the planners behind Dubai, they have gone for a "Build it, and they will come" approach which has not, and will not be completely successful. You cannot build a world-leading financial, entertainment or cultural centre overnight, it takes centuries.
So many parts of their vision seem over indulgent- an airport that can handle 150 million passengers a year? Twice the current usage of Heathrow? Why have they not learned from the mistakes of the Saudis, who's oversized air terminal is largely gathering dust in the desert?
The emirate are also heavily in debt, their current debt is significantly higher than their current GDP, despite massive oil wealth.
I'd be much happier if they grew the city with the future in mind rather than building a giant play park. Reign in the over-ambitious towers and landmarks and invest heavily in a sustainable transport system, education/research and healthcare. I realise they do funds these areas at present, but I'd like to see a reallocation of resources away from these ridiculous white elephants such as the Palm Islands.
This will make it much more than another boom city that shot up on an overheated real estate market.
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