Dubai

Who in the right mental frame would simply park an exotic sports car like a Ferrari Enzo and simply walk away? Could it be someone with something to hide? I mean, if they lacked the commitment it takes to own a supercar, they could have just indulged in an exotic car rental like a Ferrari rental rather than treating a rare Ferrari in such a disgraceful manner!

Ferrari Enzo abandoned in Dubai

The Bawadi mall, part of the Bawadi project in Dubailand, Dubai, will be the world’s most expensive shopping mall if completed.  So what is the hold up?  I wonder if investors are sweating puddles in their luxury cars and exotic rental cars waiting for the verdict.

Designed to dazzle as the ultimate luxury property possession, Dubai Islands ‘The World’ are gradually sinking back into the sea, according to some.  This is not stellar news to the many who have sunk considerable collateral into the fantasy world.   Yes, shockingly, evidence has been presented to a property tribunal that the man-made islands fashioned like the countries of the world are surrendering the sea, due to deterioration and erosion.

In a shocking move, Abu Dhabi’s biggest commercial and real estate developer, Aldar Properties, is set to sell Ferrari World, the luxurious car-themed amusement park, less than three months after its grand opening.  Rumors are circulating that Ferrari World will be sold to the government in efforts to pay down debts.

While most of us are aware that a million dollar bill fails to exist in U.S. currency, a woman in the United Arab Emirates is now painfully aware of the fact.  Sure, there are novelty million dollar bills.   Sadly, I am not joking.

A man from the Ivory Coast is now in police custody after attempting a completely ridiculous monetary scam at UAE’s central bank.  According to reports, the man successfully persuaded a woman to exchange two phony $1 million dollar bills, a task he offered her a 30% cut to complete. 

Light bulb lady, when someone offers you money to do things they could logically do themselves, it is a fat scam.  Perhaps the lady was momentarily seduced by visions of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and that overdue pedicure to realize that she would never see a penny of that imaginary money.  Well, she can still indulge in a Ferrari rental, for far less. 

Not sure what is more ridiculous, that he attempted it, or that someone fell victim to it!  It is unclear whether the bills were to be traded for U.S. bills or UAE dirham.  Both phony million-dollar bills boast the portrait of George Washington from the $1 dollar bill (at least they got the 1 part correct) and are predominantly black and white on the front.  Can you imagine the audacity of the creator of these bills, not only are they unrealistic, but crudely manufactured!  Inevitably, the teller tipped off the proper authorities and the situation was dissolved, along with the perp’s dreams of wealth.

The National newspaper quotes Col. Rashid Mohammed Bursheed, head of organized crime, as stating that the suspect claimed he thought the bills were authentic.   Right.  And that was certainly not Paris Hilton’s purse. 

Well, that draws a close to that fiscal fiasco, but check out our fleet of luxury rental cars and other cool stuff on your way out!

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

It is said to be the current largest private yacht in existence, and she is near completion.  Her name is ‘Eclipse’, and she certainly seems to eclipse all other mega yacht favorites.  But does size really matter?  For a rumored $1.2 billion, it may!  You be the judge, she emerges from Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany any moment.

It seems that the world’s mega yacht owners are in a never-ending battle to outdo one another, perpetually ordering larger and more lavish yachts.  I will say one thing, it does make for a wonderful form of entertainment for the rest of the world, and I love seeing what mega yacht is coming out next and what its outstanding features are!

The second largest yacht in the world goes by the name “Dubai”, which is fitting, as it is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who happens to be the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.  This luxury mega yacht stretches to an incredible 557 feet, and took an outlandish 10 years to build!

Mega yacht Dubai was built by German construction company Blohm & Voss and finished by Lurssen Company.  I wonder if Blohm & Voss dropped the ball, or if after 10 years they forgot what they were doing.

Ferrari has been busy raising pulses, releasing its 599XX racecar last month (derived from the 599) while simultaneously debuting the 599 GTO as the brand’s fastest production car.  This is a luxury car company that is difficult to keep up with this year!  But wait, last week they also unleashed the Formula Rossa roller coaster.  Yes, a Ferrari roller coaster!  My adrenaline is already pumping.

Move over Mickey Mouse, the world’s fastest theme park is set to make history in 2010, in the form of “Ferrari World”.  We even like the way the words feel rolling off of our tongues…Ferrari World. 

The only unfortunate thing about Ferrari World so far is that it is so far…away.   Ferrari World is located in Abu Dhabi, which is no problem save the fact that it is on the opposite side of the planet. 

 There will soon be a fresh new way to cool off in the Middle East-via an $1 billion dollar ski resort.  Yes, the government and private sector partnership in Dubai has announced its plans to bring the winter sport experience to Dubai.  Dubai is famous for its excess-luxury hotels, exotic rental cars, exquisite cuisine, and now it is about to add even more indulgence.

Plans include an oversized ski dome set to rise from Dubai’s mega tourism development project-Dubailand.  The project is called “Dubai Sunny Mountain Ski Dome”, and it is the first of its kind in the Middle East.

In addition to the Gumball and the Arab Run, exotic and luxury car fans can now relish the Royal Drive.  This exotic racing event will feature up to 60 of the best exotic cars, including big boys Ferrari 458 Italia, Mercedes SLR 722S, Lamborghini LP670-4 SV, Gemballa Porsche Carrera GT Mirage lapping the Yas Marina Circuit. 

How the tables have turned on Dubai. At one point Dubai was boasting a $37 billion-something economy and was touted as the luxury capital of the world. Due to rapid real estate expansion and declining oil prices, Dubai finds itself in debt just a few months later. Yet from the looks of it, no one would know Dubai is suffering or borrowing money.

In October we brought you the outrageous, fully chrome Mercedes-Benz SLR.  The shiny sports car was just sitting outside the Emirates mall in Dubai. Well, here we go again. This time its a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and this time its fully gold plated not chrome silver. This way intense gold Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sits right where its silver counterpart used to, out front of the Emirates mall in Dubai. The flashy, borderline trashy, gold-mirror finish was, of course, an aftermarket decision. The cost of adding this gold plated precious metal finish is unknown, but what we would rather know is why someone felt the need to ruin a perfectly good Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG? The silver chromed Benz was enough bling to last a lifetime, the second time around its just dull.

If you can't build the World's tallest building then how do you get into the record books? You pick another less contested category just as the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) have done in Abu Dhabi, Dubai. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the country's largest emirate with over 1.6 million residents, an abundance of wealth and prestige.  ADNEC is working on a building project called Capital Gate, this building will enter the Guiness Book of World Records as the "World's most inclined tower."

Capital Gate will put the naturally inclined Tower of Pisa to shame by leaning four times as far, at an 18 degree angle. The intentional lean will require extra steel reinforcements to counteract the gravitational, wind and seismic pressures. The top of the building will be a dense mesh of reinforced steel, which will sit on top of 490 piles, drilled about 32 yards deep into the ground. Plus, Capital Gate will feature 728 custom-made diamond-shaped glass panels, each one fitted in a slightly different angle to adjust with the lean.  "Capital Gate will be one of a kind," added David Pringle, CEO, RMJM Asia and the Middle East. "Its graceful, asymmetric diagonal structure, known as a ‘diagrid', supports the tilting external load of the building and we believe that this is the first building in the world to use a pre-cambered core."

The leaning Capital Gate Tower is part of a $2.2 billion business and residential project that will be part of an entire micro city. Capital Gate will be host to a five-star Hyatt Hotel fittingly named, "Hyatt at Capital Centre." Plus, some of the most coveted office space in all of Abu Dhabi. The concept is kind of stellar  and the engineering ingenious but, honestly, staying in a building that leans 18 degrees would probably make us vomit. Vulgar but true, check it out for yourself, though, if that sort of record breaking excites you.

Dubai is the luxury capital of the World right now, boasting a $37 billion, plus economy. We will continue to bring you outrageous and exclusive must-see and must-have luxuries from the Persian Gulf city.

If you love the Mercedes-Benz SLR and you love glam, now you can have and overabundance of both. A fully chromed SLR sits outside the Emirates mall in Dubai. You may say to yourself, a mall? Number one it's probably the most high end designer mall on the globe. Number two, high class custom cars in Dubai are as common as flowing water.

The shiny SLR sits alongside a Lamborghini Gallardo, Bentley Flying Spur, Porsche 911 Turbo, Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe, plus some other exotics. The collection is like an art exhibit and the SLR has attracted enormous crowds. Put on your Tom Ford stunner shades and go enjoy the good life.

If you don't own a plane but still want to travel in true international Jet set style, then you need to know about the Emirates Airline and their new Airbus A-380. Emirates is based out of Dubai and is the seventh-largest passenger airline in the world, but Emirates luxury experience is an unrivaled first.

If you think you know what flying first class feels like, you have no idea until you experience an Emirates flight because they are bringing luxury to an all new high. The Airbus A-380 is both a lavish and futuristic airplane built for the wealthiest people of the world. When flying First Class with Emirates you will be an elite member of the best kind of mile high club.

Your First Class private suite awaits you with electronically operated sliding doors, a mini-bar, adjustable ambient lighting, and a vanity table with mirror and wardrobe. Each seat has an adjustable massage system which can be converted into a full flat bed and if you are traveling with a lover, just lower the center privacy divider and enjoy each other's company. We don't recommend sleeping through the entire flight because you will be missing out on heaven. Play on the Emirates high-speed, in-flight wireless Internet while browsing through 1,200 On Demand channels, on your private 23" flat screen. In flight passengers are able to use mobile phones to call or text people on the ground and now there is a docking station for your iPod. The docking capability allows you to play your own iPod music, television shows and movies through the In-Flight Entertainment system, while simultaneously charging your battery.

The award-winning multilingual crew will serve you a la carte with selections made by world renown chefs. After your meal, take a walk over to the exclusive bar and lounge area where you'll rub elbows with high society and sip world-class wines, selected by Emirates sommeliers. If your thirst for luxury still hasn't been quenched, then indulge in the Airbus A-380's Shower Spas. For the first time in history you can take a refreshing shower 43,000 feet above ground. Choose from the Spa Revive kit or Spa Relax kit, both made from the finest natural ingredients by Emirates. By the time the Emirates Airbus lands you will feel as if you had just walked out of a 5 star hotel.

The A-380 Airbus development program has grown to be more then an $11 billion operation, so in the scheme of things what's $15,000 for a roundtrip flight? We say it's a bargain. Inaugural flights between New York's JFK and Dubai began on August 1st, 2008, international destinations are being added..