The National

In the 23 months since it opened, the world's tallest building has been a magnet for base jumpers and free climbers. Now, an extreme balancing artist wants to perform a death-defying handstand on its summit. Eskil Ronningsbakken, a former circus performer from Norway, has asked the owners of the Burj Khalifa for permission to perform the stunt, which he hopes to be "contrary to all physical laws".

Armani is focusing on its plans to open resorts in Egypt and Morocco before expanding its joint venture with Emaar further. Upheaval has forced developers to reassess plans throughout the region, while many projects have been shelved until there are signs of stability.

Emaar plans to swap penthouses for affordable housing as the developer of the Burj Khalifa looks to capitalise on the need for 3.5 million affordable homes in the Middle East. Known for its luxury master-planned developments, Emaar has launched a division to focus on building low-cost homes in the region.

A man contacted Dubai Police headquarters and threatened to blow up the Burj Khalifa unless US$1 million (Dh3.7m) was paid to him, a court heard this morning. The 38-year-old Indian businessman JF sent a text to a Dubai Police major on February 5 saying, "tomoro burj kaleefa blast arange no arrange 1oooooo dollar take", prosecution records show.

Whether the problem is declining profits or potential political trouble overseas, investors in Emaar Properties have had little to shout about recently. Even the Burj Khalifa, the developer's most famous project, is facing a looming challenge from Jeddah's Kingdom Tower for the title of the world's tallest building.

Thanks to a minimum spend request of Dh450 per person, I knew, even before I had stepped into the sleek, high-speed lift, ready to be whooshed up to the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, that dinner at At.mosphere Grill, the world's highest restaurant, was going to be expensive. What I'd also expected, though, was that it would impress.

Emaar owns and manages a portfolio of assets such as the Address hotel brands, serviced residences, golf resorts and the Dubai Marina and yacht club. It also has an agreement with Armani to own and run its branded hotels.

The Infinity Tower in Dubai Marina stands out among the more creative buildings across the Emirates with a new twist to architecture. When completed, the high-rise will be the world's tallest twisted tower, at 73 storeys and 307 metres. It may come as no surprise to learn that Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (Som), the architectural firm behind the Burj Khalifa, designed the striking tower.

Dubai home prices were down 8.2 per cent from March last year, the property firm reported. But prices have increased 2.1 per cent since October, including a slight 0.6 per cent bump in the first three months of the year, the property firm reported.

Last week, Research In Motion (RIM), the Canadian maker of the popular smartphone, said the PlayBook was scheduled to go on sale here on June 12. The product was showcased during a glitzy function at the Privé nightclub in the Armani hotel at the Burj Khalifa