Tel-Chai Nation

Well wouldn't you know it, Dubai's colossal skyscraper, said to be the tallest in the world (undeservingly), has closed within a month from opening:

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The world's tallest skyscraper has unexpectedly closed to the public a month after its lavish opening, disappointing tourists headed for the observation deck and casting doubt over plans to welcome its first permanent occupants in the coming weeks.

Electrical problems are at least partly to blame for the closure of the Burj Khalifa's viewing platform — the only part of the half-mile high tower open yet. But a lack of information from the spire's owner left it unclear whether the rest of the largely empty building — including dozens of elevators meant to whisk visitors to the tower's more than 160 floors — was affected by the shutdown.

The indefinite closure, which began Sunday, comes as Dubai struggles to revive its international image as a cutting-edge Arab metropolis amid nagging questions about its financial health.

And surely that isn't one of the reasons why they closed, because of their economic falldown? I've got a feeling few foreign businesses would be willing to open an office there now for many good reasons, and not just because Dubai could be funding terrorism, but also because there's really little to invest in there. It's such a shady country behind the scenes, it'd be foolish for anyone to do business with them.

Labels: UAE