I'm leaning over the edge of the viewing platform on the world's tallest building, the 2,723-foot Burj Khalifa in Dubai. From 124 stories above the ground I can see mile upon mile of high-rise offices, housing developments and port facilities, all built during a 20-year boom that has transformed a small fishing village in the United Arab Emirates into one of the world's hottest destinations.
I can also see the world's largest shopping center - mostly empty of shoppers. On the other side of the tower, the World Islands real estate development is rumored to be sinking, financially and literally. Far in the desert haze the vast site of the world's largest amusement park sits empty, the project on hold.
As I hang out the window, I wonder if Dubai is also teetering, or if it is merely taking a quick breath before charging onward with its master plan. And is this lull possibly the best time to visit for those who are curious about the freakish attractions but who were turned off before by the crowds, the hype and the prices?
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