Now is Your Chance to Own The World

Now is your chance to own Africa-or at least a shrunk down man made version of the picturesque country. The development known as "The World" started in 2003 by Sheikh Mohammed, the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. The recreation of the world map is coming to shape off the coast of Dubai in the Arabian Gulf and features private, resort, and commercial islands-the ultimate being the estate plots, each offering private beaches and marinas.

Photo Credit: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Digital Vision)

Only in Dubai: The Most Luxurious Luxury

Much ado has been made of this fantasy metropolis in the heart of Middle Eastern oil country. It is a futuristic, remarkable yet controversial construct –built by fortunes we can't fathom and, some say, destined to crumble since even its founders can't sustain it. For now, though, this tiny chunk of land is on everyone's must-see list for good reason. Its skyscrapers are among the highest, its hotels the most lavish, its shopping the most expensive... and many of its main attractions are simply one-of-a-kind.

The malls of Dubai are impressive in their size, though-according to many Westerners—not in their diversity of selection. Size matters, though. Especially when you've got a mall so vast it can fit its own indoor ski area. The Mall of the Emirates has one of those, and it's possibly the most remarked-upon attraction in Dubai, though it's actually not unique in the world. The "mountain" peaks at just under 280 feet, features five runs including a black-diamond, and has an adjacent snow play area for non-skiers.