In the Game

Posted by Michael on Apr 24, '08 2:50 AM for everyone

The Burj Al Arab in Dubai is one of the most opulent hotels in the world. It is rated seven stars and guests have the choice of being picked up at the airport by either a Rolls Royce or a helicopter (I choose the Rolls). Bathroom fixtures are said to be gold and rooms cost anywhere from $7,000 to 10,000 a night. It has the tallest atrium in the world and has an underwater restaurant. Roger Federer and Andre Agassi even once played tennis on its helipad. It is widely considered today as Dubai's most recognizable landmark.

However, it is becoming more known for a not so small controversy. Right or wrong, many hyper Christians and upset Muslim residents insist that it is the largest cross in the world (the hotel stands 321 meters). The facade certainly forms a cross but it is debatable whether it was intentional or not. Its British designer has remained silent on the subject furthering suspici

ons. During the design phase, the architect explained that the structure represents a sail (the hotel looks over the Persian Gulf). Those unconvinced refer to a story that the designer is a Christian who had a dream to somehow exert Christian influence over the Muslim country and so devised a way to construct the world's biggest cross under his clients noses. It allegedly faces Mecca.

True or not, the Dubai authorities issued a license plate in 2001 bearing the image of the hotel. After all the conspiracy theories started circulating, the license plate wa

s hastily withdrawn in 2004 without any explanation. Some even claim that cars with the old license plates are not allowed into Saudi Arabia.

Urban legend or fact?

Wild imagination or truth?

Believe it or not.

Tags: michael paderes, dubai, missions, muslims, cross

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9 CommentsChronological Reverse Threaded

coneyrn wrote on Apr 27

Hmmm... very interesting! And intriguing!

mikewatkins wrote on Apr 27

First of all, I will take the helicopter...

joeybonifacio wrote on Apr 27

heard about this before but reading it like this is very interesting.

chefdhebz wrote on Apr 27

I like the helicopter...and the underwater restaurant. :-) Galing lang pastor Michael, I believe it was not an accident that the hotel structure looks like a big cross nga...no wonder that someday, they will be a Christianize nation. But this is interesting to know :-)

disciple wrote on Apr 27

With it facing Makkah, may it signal the start of the opening of the Kingdom.

rmondoy wrote on Apr 27

hmmmm... made me curious there... what was the real story anyway?... Hope I could visit it once in my lifetime. My sister is in Dubai, hope to see her there this year... Thanks..

joviegalaraga wrote on Apr 27

michaelpaderes said

facade certainly forms a cross

Intentional or not, Christian (the designer, that is) or not, the lesson stands out clear and powerful: the gospel transcends (and demolishes) all man-made barriers, restrictions, laws, etc. None can mistake it - it's the empty CROSS! of course! - standing far above all anti-gospel rule and authority, power and dominion, proclaiming to the world the risen Lord! I hear Paul and all martyrs of the faith laughing with the "The One in heaven..." (Ps 2:4). I reserve my laugh when finally, I get to laze for a month in that "most opulent hotel," enjoy daily its underwater restaurant and join a great EN service at the top floor. Hallelujah!