This week, tremors were felt in Dubai as demolition work began on an unfinished real estate project known as The Pearl.
Contractors using diggers and a wrecking ball have been pulling down half a dozen buildings in the area since November.
The Pearl is located on highly valuable land adjacent to Palm Jumeirah — which has seen a dramatic boom in property prices since the end of the pandemic.
Despite the time, effort and money poured into buildings, sometimes imposing structures become damaged, outlive their original purpose, or just become outdated.
Here, The National has put together a list looking back on a few memorable demolitions from around the world.
Mina Plaza, Abu Dhabi
On November 27, 2020, the abandoned Mina Plaza in Abu Dhabi went out with a bang as demolition teams razed it to the ground to make way for a new development.
The four towers came down in 10 seconds using 6,000kg of explosives and 18,000 individually programmed detonators.
The towers, with a total of 144 floors, were fitted out with controlled explosives that turned them to rubble seconds after detonation.
The end result was a Guinness World Record for the “tallest building demolished using explosives (in a controlled demolition)”, which was 165 metres.
Residents near Port Zayed were able to see the demolition from afar, while the sound of the controlled explosion reverberated throughout the city.
At the time, Abu Dhabi Media Office said the unfinished buildings would make way for a new three million-square-metre, multi-purpose complex that will transform Mina Zayed into a tourism, commercial and residential hub.
Dunes Hotel, Las Vegas, US
On October 27, 1993, fireworks ripped through the night sky above the Dunes Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, US. Celebratory music echoed throughout the air and several cannon blasts were let off from the English ship HMS Britannia, located at the nearby Treasure Island Casino.
The evening had all the markings of an elaborate opening ceremony, but what followed was just the opposite. More than 200,000 people watched on as controlled explosives were detonated to bring down the 38-year-old building.
It had closed its doors to the public earlier that same year due to a host of financial problems. Today, the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, famed for its dancing water fountains, stands where the Dunes once was.
Cockenzie Power Station, Scotland, UK
In 1967, the Cockenzie Power Station was opened in a small town in East Lothian in Scotland, UK.
Two 149-metre twin chimney stacks were the most recognisable feature of the coal-fired station. During its 45 years of operation, it powered electricity into more than one million homes annually, but local residents were not a fan of the site, claiming it was unsafe due to pollution.
After several protests, the residents finally got their wish and the curtains closed on the power station in 2015.
The demolition was a treat to watch as both chimneys fell sideways, crashing into each other, before falling to the ground.
Genoa Bridge, Italy
One of the most recent controlled demolitions on the list is that of the Morandi bridge in the Italian city of Genoa.
The eerie structure stood as a sobering reminder of a tragedy that took place less than a year before when the bridge collapsed during rainstorms as cars travelled across it. Forty-three people were killed when a 210-metre stretch of the structure fell 45 metres in August 2018. Thousands of people were evacuated from the nearby area ahead of explosions to bring down two large towers consisting of about 4,500 tonnes of concrete and steel in 2019.
The bridge was constructed between 1963 and 1967 along Italy's A10 motorway.
Landmark Tower, Texas, US
Construction on this 30-storey building was completed in 1957. Less than five decades later it became rubble again.
The imposing structure, located in Fort Worth, Texas, was noted as the tallest building in the city until the completion of the Fort Worth Tower in 1974.
It was originally used as the headquarters for a large bank but was later abandoned in 1990 as newer buildings sprouted up around the city.
The Landmark Tower stood vacant for more than 15 years and was badly damaged by a tornado in 2000, which eventually led to the structure being deemed unsafe.
The tower was demolished by controlled explosive implosion on March 18, 2006.
Kingdome, Seattle, US
On March 26, 2000, the Kingdome sports complex in Seattle, US, was demolished to make way for a brand new multi-purpose sports arena.
More than 32km of detonation cord was placed throughout the stadium before the dynamite was sparked. The 22,000-tonne roof, which curved downwards like a mushroom, collapsed into a billowing dust cloud as thousands watched on to see the iconic building in its last moments.
The structure was first completed in 1976 at a cost of $67 million and was home to the Seattle Seahawks football team and baseball's Seattle Mariners.
Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka, Tokyo
The Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka in Tokyo, Japan consisted of 39 floors and stood 141 metres tall. The upscale hotel was noted for its distinctive sawtooth facade of aluminium and glass.
After just 29 years in operation, the hotel closed in 2011 to make way for a mix development community.
It was eventually demolished in 2013. The New York Times said the hotel was a victim of the commercial real estate in Tokyo, “where high property values, changing design standards and other factors have conspired to create a bull market for demolition.”
This demolition project was carried out a little different to the usual way in that it didn’t involve a wrecking ball or explosives. Instead, a crane was used to painstakingly take out all the beams, concrete and panelling from inside.
A version of this story was first published on November 11, 2020
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
RACE CARD
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 1,000m
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Al Ain Mile Group 3 (PA) Dh350,000 1,600m
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Amith's selections:
5pm: AF Sail
5.30pm: Dahawi
6pm: Taajer
6.30pm: Pharitz Oubai
7pm: Winked
7.30pm: Shahm
8pm: Raniah
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In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Manchester City transfers:
OUTS
Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Willy Caballero and Jesus Navas (all released)
INS
Ederson (Benfica) £34.7m, Bernardo Silva (Monaco) £43m
ON THEIR WAY OUT?
Joe Hart, Eliaquim Mangala, Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony, Fabian Delph, Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho
ON THEIR WAY IN?
Dani Alves (Juventus), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,200m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,900m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 2,000m
8.15pm: Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,600m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
UAE rugby season
FIXTURES
West Asia Premiership
Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Knights Eagles
Dubai Tigers v Bahrain
Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Division 1
Dubai Sharks v Dubai Hurricanes II
Al Ain Amblers v Dubai Knights Eagles II
Dubai Tigers II v Abu Dhabi Saracens
Jebel Ali Dragons II v Abu Dhabi Harlequins II
Sharjah Wanderers v Dubai Exiles II
LAST SEASON
West Asia Premiership
Winners – Bahrain
Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership
Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners – Dubai Hurricanes
Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference
Winners – Dubai Tigers
Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
Sting & Shaggy
44/876
(Interscope)
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Result
UAE (S. Tagliabue 90 1') 1-2 Uzbekistan (Shokhruz Norkhonov 48', 86')
