A Blog by the Editor of The Middle East Journal

Putting Middle Eastern Events in Cultural and Historical Context

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Symbolism Alert: Burj Khalifa Closed

This is the sort of story journalists can't resist because it is so easy to work heavy symbolism into it: the Burj Khalifa (ex-Burj Dubai) has been closed to the public only a month after opening. Something about unexpectedly high traffic (though I believe only the observation level was open so far, since no tenants have moved in). And electrical problems.

As a symbol of Dubai's troubles, the story writes itself. Let's count how many times "Tower of Babel" gets mentioned in editorials.

1 comment:

LJ Marczak said...

Down but not out is applicable.

The President of Turkmenistan became the first world leader to visit the BK.

Sheikh Rashid himself took Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov to the 126th Floor to see Dubai.

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/turkmenistan-president-visits-burj-khalifa-1.580967