Today I visited the Kingdom of Sheeba, the second of our five project sites. This project is absolutely massive. The current stage includes over 30 villas and a central apartment complex with 74 apartments. The development is located on the outer most island in the Palm Jumiera, the man-made islands that alway pop up when you Google "Dubai." All of the buildings on site are designed with Yemini architecture in mind. They have brick facades, arched windows, and lots of terraces. The villas face either the city and have a private beach or look out to the Gulf of Arabia. They all have their own pool, three car garage and jacuzzis on the third floor terrace. Each of the villas are worth $8 million and are all being bought by Russian mobsters. There go my chances of buying one.

The other site I've been on is the Conrad Hotel Dubai. It's owned by the Sheik of Abu Dhabi, the second most powerful man in the UAE. He's the guy that bailed out the entire Emirate of Dubai when they started to default on loans. The hotel is 50 storeys tall, has a three storey reception area, and a fully automated car park. The car park might be the coolest part of the design. You drive into one of nine lifts and get out. The lifts and robotic arms take care of the rest. There are no floors for the cars to drive on. Everything is completely mechanical. the cars are stacked in racks and can fit three high in every level of a normal parking garage. The other cool aspect of the project in the bridge that spans between the tower and car park. It is 40 meters wide (about 130 feet for all of you Americans) and provides area for the pool, sun bathing, and a fitness center.

Tomorrow I am heading to Jordan for a little vacation. I am flying into Amman and will visiting the Dead Sea, Jerash, and Petra. It should be an incredible three days. Keep checking in for pictures.

Tom