French news service, AFP, published an interesting piece today about the country of Dubai planning to build a Disney-like theme park within its borders to attract more tourism dollars...

Initially planned to cover an area of two billion square feet (185 square kilometres), Dubailand, billed as the "world's most ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment project," is expected to be a sprawling three billion square feet. This would make it larger than the entire city of Orlando, Florida -- home to Walt Disney World, Universal Resort, Sea World and a variety of other attractions and hotels.

Read the full article here...
http://news.yahoo.com/..../070619042822

The article goes on to point out all the other tourist attractions in Dubai.

I knew that Dubai was a place where rich folks went to, but I didn't understand how much attention Dubai has concentrated on earning tourist dollars. It makes sense, however. Dubai's oil industry is dwindling down as it pumps out the last of its natural reserves. It needs something to continue.

Imagine if other nations around the Middle East, Persian Gulf, and Caspian Sea looked towards building themselves into a tourist mecca. They'd have to build an environment friendly towards westerners and "infidels".

Of course, the tourism industry isn't the only way to build an economy. North Korea is squeaking out an existence by supplying terrorists with tools. Afghanistan finds itself reviving its opium industry. But then again, these countries are ruled by war and hate. If you want to become rich, you have to be focused on building business.

I just wonder if other countries out there are looking at Dubai, and seeing their future there.

Labels: Dubai, middle east