"Dubai - The giant building site" a Dubai Travel Page by colbeck100

We expected a vibrant middle Eastern setting with modern architecture and beautiful beaches. I hoped for clear blue skies and warmth as an alternative to UK winter. The weather was poor because for the first three days it was cloudy, cool and on two days it rained. The architecture was modern - so modern that most was still in construction. This seemed to be all over Dubai. It is as if the planning regulations have been ripped up and the sky is literally the limit - with skyscrapers going up everywhere. We stayed at the Hilton which proved to be a good hotel but it was surrounded by building work. The distance from hotel to the town centre was about 19 miles. The roads into town were always full and at rush hour it was gridlock (even on the 6 lane motorway).
The building invades everything especially beach life. They are building 'The Palms' which are towns built on reclaimed land offshore. It is an incredible concept which will be finished within the year but the amount of upheaval is staggering. They have two other mega offshore complexes in construction for 2007 and 2008. I would imagine that my feelings of disappointment will be shared by other travellers who come with lofty expectations.