Some call it a concrete jungle, some call it a city of dreams. Whatever you think of Dubai, there are few rivals for the speed of its development. Indeed, commercial maps need constant updating to catch up with what seems to be new building projects every day. The city seems like a testament to the victory of man, in his timeless quest to assert himself over nature. Whatever is dreamt of is soon built; from a snow dome in the desert, to an archipelago of islands in the shape of the world. Adding to the city’s repertoire of iconic buildings – not least of which is the seven-star Burj Al Arab – the world tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, sits in the middle of new rising city centre of Dubai. The wildest imaginations of architects are borne out in a parade of unique skyscrapers that line Sheikh Zayed Road – a 12-lane motorway that acts as the main vein for the city. It’s hard to imagine most part of this city was vast desert with camels around just a decade ago. - Mamiko Kawakami