Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

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

Sarah JacobsMar 4, 2017, 20:57 IST

Kamran Jebreili/AP

Just 16 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 - as well as 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 17 photos of what life is like in the United Arab Emirates' biggest city.