Tower and glory

• Last Updated: November 30. 2009 8:06PM UAE / November 30. 2009 4:06PM GMT

When the former US secretary of state Colin Powell spoke at the American University in Dubai last May, he had this to say about the emirate: “Not long ago, Americans had trouble finding Dubai on a map. But suddenly your skyline became as famous as London’s, New York’s, Paris’s. You have arrived.”

Indeed, despite Dubai’s recent turmoil, its architectural achievements stand as testament to its unprecedented rise. The most iconic is of course the Burj al Arab – 10 years old today – which eclipses other design wonders in its simplicity, modernity and innovation. Set apart from the shoreline by a man-made island, Dubai’s global landmark will take on new significance as the emirate weathers the current financial storm. When the sun rises upon a calm sea once again, Dubai’s sail will still be there, standing as a monument to endurance.