TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

More than a dozen of us filed into the dark elevator, ready to be whisked up 1,483 feet to the observation deck of the newly minted tallest building in the world. The smooth 60-second ride delivered us to the Burj Khalifa’s 124th floor. People of all ages were making their way around the viewing platform’s floor-to-ceiling windows, soaking up the 360-degree views of Dubai at night.

The shops in Dubai Mall that were forced to close following a leak in its huge aquarium on Thursday, opened back to normal business on Friday. According to The National daily, the viewing tunnel running through the middle of the 10 million-litre tank remained closed.

Armani is credited with pioneering the concept of the lifestyle brand, and today his empire encompasses a couture line, several ready-to-wear lines, underwear, perfume, cosmetics, cafés and homeware. But the latest must-have in an Italian designer's portfolio is a hotel or two; Missoni and Versace have their own and Moschino unveiled one here in Milan this week. Not to be outdone, Armani will open his first hotel in April in the Burj Tower in Dubai.

When it comes to witnessing the sweeping vistas of the world, Mr Barry E. Wilmore and Dr Robert L. Satcher Jr have seen it all – from space. In Dubai on a private visit organised by GEMS Education, the two astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), were treated to another awe-inspiring bird’s-eye view of the city – this time, from the highest point in the city, Burj Khalifa.

Visitors to the Dubai Aquarium can pay to swim in its shark-infested waters, but shoppers in the Gulf state almost had the chance for free when the attraction sprang a leak. The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are both managed by Emaar Properties and form the core of a $20 billion (£13 billion) development to establish a new modern centre for the Gulf state.

Car enthusiasts flocked to this year’s Downtown Dubai Classic Car Show, held under the lengthy shadow of the Burj Khalifa, on Emaar Boulevard in the Downtown area. Motors dating back almost one hundred years – including this Model T Ford, which won People’s Choice at last year’s event – lined the street. Highlights included everything from a Ferrari Dino 1970 246GT, which clinched ‘Best of Show’ this year, to a 1956 Cadillac ambulance, the same model that was seen in the film Ghostbusters.

SEGA Republic recently celebrated the overwhelming public response since its opening in August 2009 by hosting SEGA Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr Hajime Satomi. He was accompanied by President and Chief Operating Officer Mr Okitane Usui; Location Based Entertainment Division Senior Executive Producer Mr Yasuo Tazoe, Department General Manager Mr Yasutaka Sato and Project Leader Mr Shoji Mori.

Over look the Dubai Fountain as you dine on delicious cuisine. And the best bit? You can order as much as you like! Book a table on the terrace, for fab views of the Burj Khalifa!

The Right Honourable Lord Peter Mandelson, UK’s First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Lord President of the Council, toured At the Top, Burj Khalifa the world’s highest observatory deck with an outdoor terrace on Level 124 of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The Rt Hon Lord Mandelson was accompanied on the tour by Mr Abdulla Lahej, Executive Director, Dubai Project Management, Emaar Properties, the developer of Burj Khalifa.

Visitors should again be able to scale the world’s tallest tower from tomorrow when it is due to reopen after a ten-day closure. Burj Khalifa’s 124th floor observation deck has been undergoing mainten-ance after passengers were left trapped when lifts jammed last week. The ticket office of the ‘At the Top’ experience said it was expected to reopen but advised visitors to call ahead to confirm.