DUBAI ANNOUNCED PLANS FOR TOURISM PROJECTS IN 2010

Next year Dubai plans to open new hotels, sports grounds, metro stations as well as an airport.  Although harshly hit by the recent financial problems Dubai’s authorities keep their optimism announcing Dubai’s tourism plans for 2010. One of the much awaited projects is Burj Dubai – the tallest man-made structure ever built (818 m; 2,684 ft). The tower includes several luxurious hotels and should be opened in January 2010. Several new hotels will also open their gates during 2010 – e.g. the Palazzo Versace Resort. The Ottoman Palace 5 * on the island of Palm-Jumeirah will also soon welcome its first guests who will be able to enjoy their spa complex with the world"s largest Turkish hamam. Golf lovers are also expected to head to the region in greater numbers. New courses are to be opened – e.g. Jumeirah Golf Estate and Al Ruwaya which was designed by Tiger Woods. In 2010 also the world’s richest horse race – the Dubai World Cup – is going to take place in a new hippodrome Meydan Racecourse. This project includes a five-star hotel, an 18-hole golf course, more than 10 first-class restaurants, indoor parking for 10 thousand cars, gallery, a horse racing museum, and IMAX cinema.Next year also the first passengers will be able to take off from the new world"s largest passenger and cargo hub Al Maktoum International Airport. It is estimated that each year the airport will be able to serve 160 million passengers. In addition, in the second half of 2010 a Green Line of the Dubai driverless, fully automated metro network will be opened as well as additional 19 stations of the currently operating Red Line. When the Green Line is operational the Metro will become the longest automated metro network in the world surpassing Vancouver Skytrain by 3 km. Every day the Dubai Metro trains carry about 57 thousand passengers.