Dirhams & Dollars

Just this year, Dubai has already added a slew of accolades to its trophy cabinet: Tallest hotel in the world (again), largest Mickey Mouse floral arrangement in the world, and as the clock struck midnight to usher in 2018, the Burj Khalifa (already the tallest building in the world) established a new Guinness world record for the largest laser light and sound show on one single structure. Phew. With that in mind, on today's podcast we explore Dubai's obsession with breaking records, and what has driven this strategy historically. Dubai has made a name for itself through a mixture of marketing, self-promotion, and attention-grabbing stunts, but does it still need such stunts? Or, as we debate here, is it already well established enough that it should now switch its attention to the quieter, more subtle, and more sustainable pursuits, that will ultimately benefit Dubai more greatly?