A $1.5 billion Atlantis hotel will open tomorrow on Dubai's palm tree-shaped island. The lavish digs include: dolphins flown 30 hours from the South Pacific, a $25,000 a night suite, an open-air tank with 65,000 fish, stingrays, and other sea creatures, and 16 restaurants.
Compared to the rest of the Arab world, where Islamic faith is gaining significance in the lives of youth, residents of Dubai can choose to worship more modern wonders like nightclubs and casual girlfriends. Religion has become a personal choice, rather than a collective identity, according to a recent New York Times profile.
Young workers explain that Dubai, an Islamic state, allows Muslims to embrace a religious life if they choose, while also achieving career advancement and lifestyle comforts. Still others are confused, saying that the contradicting culture — "you can have prostitutes, but don't get caught with a woman" — takes time to get used to.
Perhaps economic growth could mean a new way of life in the Middle East.
why does it all have to be decorated so tacky?
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