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A Defining Moment in Dubai’s Dazzling History
A defining moment in Dubai's dazzling modern history, the opening of Burj Dubai marks not just the addition of another iconic structure to Dubai's skyline, but the beginning of a new era of growth driven by reignited business optimism, business 
leaders say.
- PUBLISHED: Tue 5 Jan 2010, 12:14 AM UPDATED: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 10:23 AM
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Following are excerpt from their comments compiled by Khaleej Times team including Issac John, Abdul Basit and T. Ramavarman.
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Hussain Sajwani, Chairman, Damac Holding
The opening of the world’s tallest tower — Burj Dubai — is a testimony of the phenomenal growth that Dubai has achieved over the years. It exemplifies the commitment and dedication by a country in achieving world class feats. Burj Dubai is set to redefine Dubai’s skyline. I would like to congratulate the Dubai government on achieving this important milestone.
Sunny Varkey, Founder and Chairman of Gems Education
Burj Dubai marks the beginning of new era for Dubai.
The opening of Burj Dubai today comes at a time when the whole Middle East region dreams of a magic moment that could trigger a long-awaited economic recovery from more than year of unprecedented slump and gloom.
Towering at more than 800 metres height, the tallest building in the world marks a defining moment for Dubai and a watershed in the economic history of the Middle East.
Mahendra Patel, Group Managing Director of GEAP International
Burj Dubai is an extraordinary achievement. It reflects the vision and foresight of the Ruler of Dubai His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is a modern and magnified version of the vision of His Highness Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum who was responsible for the construction of World Trade Centre which was at that time the tallest building in the region.
Dr. J R Gangaramani, Chairman of Al Fara’a Properties
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum could change the face of Dubai during the last four years to make it one of the best places to work and live in the world. Along with the efforts to put in place best of the class infrastructure in Dubai, His Highness has a passion to provide the emirate with special things like the Palm Island, and now Burj Dubai. All these need vision, and it was his vision that helped Dubai to sail through the rough weather of the global recession.
Yusuffali MA, Managing Director of Emkay Group and Director of Abu Dhabi Chamber
Iconic projects have always helped nations to become role models for the entire world, and now it is more appropriate for the UAE. Burj Dubai is not just the tallest tower in the world but it has become a symbol of the technological advancement and economic progression of the entire Arab world. Especially coming at a time when world is coming out from depressing year, Burj Dubai will serve as a catalyst for new development initiatives and investment plans. This is truly crowning glory for UAE, which has other land mark projects such as Palm projects, Dubai Metro, YAS marina circuit.
Siddharth Balachandran, Managing Director, Bumga Group
This is really a momentous occasion, not only for Dubai, but also for the UAE. The impact of such a sensational opening of structural spectacle, as the Burj Dubai is, will resound throughout the world and will definitely infuse the world economy with much needed optimism. I consider the unveiling of the Burj Dubai a fitting event that would herald the new decade in style.
Dr. Ram Buxani, President, ITL Group-Cosmos
Burj Dubai will add phenomenal dimensions to Dubai’s success story. Dubai will now be placed in the same league of countries like USA, France, Japan and Malaysia, all of them once boasted to have the tallest structure in the world. For a small city-state of Dubai, which did not have even an airport just 40 years back, to possess such world class infrastructure underscores the vision and wisdom demonstrated by the rulers of this country. From 19th century Dubai has jumped into 21st century within a short span, and is moving shoulder to shoulder with developed economies in the world.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman of Dr Moopens Group & DM Healthcare
Dubai is unveiling the epitome of man’s ambition and hard work today. When we went to USA decades back, visiting the Empire State building, the tallest structure in the world at that time, was top on our agenda. Many years later, while visiting Kuala Lumpur, climbing Petronas Tower was part of the wish list. Extrapolating this human urge to witness such extra ordinary accomplishments, we shall soon see people world over descending on Dubai to see the tallest structure erected by mankind on our beautiful planet. Let us bask in the reflected glory of becoming part of history and salute our visionary leaders”
Joy Alukkas, Chairman of JoyAlukkas Group
The message Dubai will project to the world through Burj Dubai is one of positivity and of standing tall despite circumstances. This surely means Dubai will become an even more attractive destination for world travelers, be it for business or pleasure. The people of Dubai will surely be more positive and look forward and work towards more such landmarks in the future. The Ruler of Dubai believes that ‘nothing is impossible’ if you have the will and determination and the people have faith in him.
Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials
My decision to buy into the iconic ‘Burj Dubai’, where I have acquired three apartments shortly after the project was launched, is based on the project’s growing global repute as an architectural achievement. Its global identity as the tallest tower ever to be built in the world represents Dubai in the global arena. I was further convinced to acquire property within this landmark project in homage to the city where Danube has been built from the ground up.
Jesse Downs, Director Research & Advisory Services, Landmark Advisory
Burj Dubai’s launch is one large step towards the completion of the master development. Even though the final completion is not expected in the medium term, a large and functional portion of the area is completed. More interestingly, it also increases agglomeration economies, thus moving the market towards the creation of one primary Central Business District. Based on the anticipated supply pipeline for this year, we expect average sale prices and average rents to continue to decline into 2010.
Kamal Vachani, Director Al Maya Group
We are indeed very fortunate to have Burj Dubai tower in the city of Dubai. This clearly reflects the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to put Dubai first in every field. Burj Dubai will attract tourists from all over the world and will bring further prosperity, fortune and fame to Dubai. Dubai as a city has always been vibrant and a sought after destination for business and tourism and it will continue to do so after this launch of Burj Dubai, which is the tallest, tower in the world. It goes without saying that just like the other wonders existing in Dubai, the Burj Dubai will add to the charm and splendour of Dubai.
Jitendra Gianchandani, Chairman, Jitendra Group of Companies
The launch of Burj Dubai is a defining moment – and a very proud one – not only for Dubai or the UAE or the Middle East but for entire human race. It is a grand salute to engineering capabilities. Burj Dubai is nothing but a milestone in our life on this earth. I see it in the same ray of light when mankind built the first satellite to reach the moon, when mankind built the first submarine or when we first built a computer.
Paras Shahdadpuri, President of Indian Business & Professional Council
It requires a huge courage and resource for any city to host icons such as the tallest structure on earth and Dubai has done it, and done it with a grand success. It requires huge infrastructure and relative logistics to support such iconic structures. When the whole world is talking about the global economic crisis and worldwide recession, inauguration of Burj Dubai stands out conspicuously as an oasis of success against a backdrop of grim economic situation. Burj Dubai inauguration will inject a major shot of confidence to the businessmen and citizens of UAE.
James Mathew, Managing Director Horwath MAK Consulting
Despite all odds, Burj Dubai officially becomes the tallest tower today. It is truly an achievement for this region. It is argued that the construction of super tall- structure is often the sign that economic downturn is on the way. The best example is the late 1920s, which saw an unprecedented skyscraper boom (The Empire State Building) prior to the Great Depression. But the reality is that those economies have shown steady and sustainable growth subsequently. It will sure be the case for the UAE.
· abdulbasit@ khaleejtimes.com
· ramavarmai@ khaleejtimes.com
