15 stunning photos that show how Dubai has become the 'Manhattan of the Middle East'

Just 15 years ago, Dubai was a sparse desert outpost. Today, it's home to the 2,716-foot Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world - the 1,358-foot Princess Tower, and more than 150 other towering skyscrapers. Multimillion-dollar apartments and a bustling tourist scene have put Dubai on the radar of the ultra-wealthy.

Some are even calling Dubai "the Manhattan of the Middle East," but its year-round sunshine and warm weather is an advantage that even New York City can't beat. Trendy restaurants and bars, water sports, and other attractions keep both the locals and foreigners happy, and its skyline is a new level of urban beauty.

Ahead, see 15 photos of what life is like in the United Arab Emirates' biggest city.