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Dubai's Burj Khalifa builder plans even taller viewing tower

<p>Dubai is reaching for the sky once again, with the developer of the world's tallest building vowing Sunday to build an even taller tower bedecked with rotating balconies and elevated landscaping inspired by the mythical hanging gardens of Babylon.</p> <p>The government-backed company behind the project, Emaar Properties, hopes the new tower will entice a fresh wave of view-seeking homeowners even as it raises numerous other promised skyscrapers and repairs a prominent one gutted by fire on New Year's Eve.</p> <p>Company Chairman Mohamed Alabbar said the new observation tower would be "a notch" taller than the 828-metre Burj Khalifa. Just how much taller he wouldn't say.</p> <p>Unlike the Burj Khalifa, the new US$1 billion (AU$1.46 billion) tower will not be a traditional skyscraper but more of a cable-supported spire containing "garden" observation decks graced with trees and other greenery. Emaar says it will also contain a boutique hotel, restaurants and glass balconies that rotate outside the wall of the tower.</p> <p>The structure's design means it is unlikely to be widely recognised as a taller "building" than the Burj Khalifa even if it surpasses it in height.</p> <p>The Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, for example, says at least 50 percent of a structure's height must contain usable floor area for it to be considered in its ranking of the world's tallest buildings. That typically disqualifies telecommunications and observation towers that have only a small number of floors.</p> <p>It and the Burj Khalifa could also be surpassed by a skyscraper being built in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, that promises to rise more than 1 kilometre high.</p> <p>The new Dubai tower will be the centrepiece of a new 6 square-kilometre development on the edge of the Dubai Creek, near a protected wildlife sanctuary that regularly attracts flamingoes and other water birds.</p> <p>Alabbar likened the structure, designed by Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, to a 21st-century Eiffel Tower that can act as a magnet not just for tourists but also for property buyers willing to pay a premium for nearby apartments with a view. It is due to open by the time Dubai hosts the World Expo in 2020.</p> <p>"Many ... of our customers would like to have that view. And if you ask me what is the financial model, that is the financial model," he said.</p> <p>Emaar followed a similar strategy when it raised the Burj Khalifa, which opened in 2010. The silvery skyscraper is flanked by fancy low and high-rise apartment complexes, some of which are still being built, as well as hotels, restaurants and one of the world's biggest shopping malls.</p> <p><img width="499" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/24781/big-tower-in-text_499x280.jpg" alt="Big Tower In Text"/></p> <p>The area is also home to The Address Downtown, a 63-story luxury hotel built by Emaar that went up in flames on New Year's Eve.</p> <p>Dubai police have blamed exposed wiring for sparking the blaze. Outside experts say the type of cladding used to sheath the building was likely a factor in fuelling that fire and several others that have engulfed skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates.</p> <p>Emirati authorities have ordered a nationwide safety survey of existing buildings and promised to tighten regulations in the wake of the fire.</p> <p>Asked about fire risks Sunday, Alabbar said it was important to learn from the accidents but suggested there are limits to how much builders can do.</p> <p>"Safety rules are good, but can you really eliminate all risk? I don't think human beings are able to eliminate all risk," he told reporters. "Risks are there as long as we are progressing ... These things do happen, and you have to go and fix them and make sure if they happen, they happen to a minimum."</p> <p>Not long after the plan was revealed, Emaar Properties announced its group chief executive officer, Abdulla Lahej, had quit.</p> <p>Lahej's responsibilities were being handled by Amit Jain, group chief operating officer, Emaar said in a statement, without elaborating further.</p> <p>What do you make of this move to make the world’s biggest tower? Do you think they should be applauded for their ambition, or more realistic? Share your thoughts in the comments.</p> <p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/03/qatar-airways-longest-flight-world/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Qatar Airways announces the world's new longest flight</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2015/12/largest-flower-garden-in-the-world/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">14 images from the world’s largest flower garden</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2015/12/10-tallest-buildings-in-the-world/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The new tallest building in the world</strong></em></span></a></p>

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4 great budget-friendly overseas destinations

<p>With the Aussie dollar in a slightly weaker position than it was in recent years, many people are finding it more difficult to find an overseas holiday destination that fits their budget. But not to fear, because if there's something we're good at, it's sniffing out a bargain. So we’ve done a roundup of four countries you can visit without taking out a second mortgage.</p> <p><strong>Vietnam</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/6052/vietnam-river_500x334.jpg" alt="Vietnam River"/></strong></p> <p>Increasingly popular with Australians, Vietnam’s prices haven’t caught up with the increased traffic. Despite the AUD having fallen slightly against the dong. You can often get great deals on airfares and luxury hotel packages together. Eating, shopping and doing local tours are all relatively good value, as well.</p> <p><strong>UAE</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="394" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/6053/united-arab-emirates_500x394.jpg" alt="United Arab Emirates"/></strong></p> <p>If you’re on your way to Europe, you may have a stopover in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. While these have never been traditionally cheap destinations, the AUD is holding ground against the dirham at the moment. If you’ve got the time and inclination, take a few days to explore these incredible cities.</p> <p><strong>South Pacific</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="499" height="310" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/6054/south-pacific_499x310.jpg" alt="South Pacific"/></strong></p> <p>There has never been a better time to go on your first cruise. There are so many different ships setting sail every year, that there’s fierce competition for your business. Visit the South Pacific nations by day, and enjoy the incredible food and luxurious facilities by night. With meals included, cruises can be a great value holiday for any budget.</p> <p><strong>Japan</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/6056/japan_500x334.jpg" alt="Japan (2)"/></strong></p> <p>Recently, the AUD has strengthened against the Yen, which makes Japan even more attractive as an exciting, cultural holiday destination. You’ll get a mix of everything – breathtaking scenery, great shopping, and mesmerising cityscapes.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/travel/travel-club/2015/04/can-you-trust-tripadvisor/">Can you really trust TripAdvisor reviews?</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/travel/travel-club/2015/04/worlds-strangest-hotels/">7 of the world’s weirdest and most wonderful hotels</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/travel/travel-club/2015/04/holiday-organisation-tips/">Top tips for a stress-free, organised holiday</a></strong></em></span></p>

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