'It's like some futuristic city where money is no option'

This is Tim's comment as we are cruising through the most amazing, sleek skyscrapers...past gigantic malls...and flying along with traffic at speeds we haven't seen in quite some time! And it is true. It is amazing the results you get when money is not an issue. Artificial islands in the shape of palms and the globe, underwater hotels, a ski resort in the desert. It is as if each new project tries to outdo the others for the least likely thing you would find in a place whose climate shouldn't support a small civilization, let alone a huge city! We strolled through chic malls with sparkling marble floors, stood in disbelief peering at the folks skiing while it was 90 outside, marveled at the creative architecture of the never-ending buildings, and wondered about the future of the buildings still in construction (with cranes a ubiquitous site across the horizon). Then there was the 'old town' full of markets (gold, spices, silk, etc, etc) bringing traders from all around the world. A city that was nothing more than palm frond huts in the desert, subsisting off of fishing and pearl diving as recently as the early 60s...is now the quintessential shopping destination. It is a lush, green conglomeration of luxury resorts, hotels, and malls with no sign of the desert in the city. Just add money, water, and lots of imported workers...and it is amazing what you can accomplish.