NEWS

When it comes to witnessing the sweeping vistas of the world, Mr Barry E. Wilmore and Dr Robert L. Satcher Jr have seen it all – from space. In Dubai on a private visit organised by GEMS Education, the two astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), were treated to another awe-inspiring bird’s-eye view of the city – this time, from the highest point in the city, Burj Khalifa.

Visitors to the Dubai Aquarium can pay to swim in its shark-infested waters, but shoppers in the Gulf state almost had the chance for free when the attraction sprang a leak. The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are both managed by Emaar Properties and form the core of a $20 billion (£13 billion) development to establish a new modern centre for the Gulf state.

The storm has somewhat subsided — although the media still appears to enjoy putting the boot in whenever it sees the opportunity, as shown by a recent article in The Times which insisted that the opening of Burj Khalifa was an example of how, according to the headline,

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is readying to welcome its first residents, with Emaar Properties currently conducting an orientation programme for Armani Residences homeowners. Although the interiors of the Armani Residences and The Residences in the Burj Khalifa are still in their final stages, Emaar said that the work is progressing at a fast pace.

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building developed by Emaar Properties, is readying to welcome its first residents with the orientation programme for home-owners of Armani Residences, located on levels 9 to 16 of the tower, currently ongoing. The interiors of the world-class and first of its kind Armani Residences is in the final stages, and finishing work of The Residences in Burj Khalifa is progressing at a fast pace.

Car enthusiasts flocked to this year’s Downtown Dubai Classic Car Show, held under the lengthy shadow of the Burj Khalifa, on Emaar Boulevard in the Downtown area. Motors dating back almost one hundred years – including this Model T Ford, which won People’s Choice at last year’s event – lined the street. Highlights included everything from a Ferrari Dino 1970 246GT, which clinched ‘Best of Show’ this year, to a 1956 Cadillac ambulance, the same model that was seen in the film Ghostbusters.

SEGA Republic recently celebrated the overwhelming public response since its opening in August 2009 by hosting SEGA Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr Hajime Satomi. He was accompanied by President and Chief Operating Officer Mr Okitane Usui; Location Based Entertainment Division Senior Executive Producer Mr Yasuo Tazoe, Department General Manager Mr Yasutaka Sato and Project Leader Mr Shoji Mori.

Readers of Daily Commercial News may have noticed the recent article about an elevator failure that caused Burj Khalifa in Dubai, to be closed just a month after its grand opening. Its promoters were calling it the world’s first building in motion.

Over look the Dubai Fountain as you dine on delicious cuisine. And the best bit? You can order as much as you like! Book a table on the terrace, for fab views of the Burj Khalifa!

Burj Khalifa. The Sears Tower. The World Trade Center... If it's a colossal construction, then Skidmore, Owings & Merrill probably designed it. Jay Merrick gets the measure of global architecture's biggest beasts.