Dubai, known for its sheer opulence and some of the most impressive buildings in the world, is planning to have a replica of Taj Mahal, which would be over four times bigger than the world heritage site.
The $1 billion project, which will be a part the Falconcity of Wonders (FCW) – a multi-purpose project being developed in Dubai, is set to be completed by 2014.
The Taj Arabia complex, as it is called, would include a 300-room hotel, shops and commercial buildings.
According to its developers, the Taj Arabia would be symbolic of ‘love and romance’ just like the original monument and would celebrate the union of couples by serving as the world’s grandest wedding destination.The Taj Mahal, situated in Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Delhi. The monument was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. Majestic and magnificent, the Taj Mahal took 22 years in its making. Around 20,000 people worked, day and night, to complete the enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna. The whole monument is built is a delicate symmetry consisting of domes and arches, minarets, pillars and calligraphic frames and friezes. As per a rough estimate, around 25,000 to 42,000 people visit the place on a daily basis which in a peak season crosses 50,000 mark.
Just like Taj, the developers said the Taj Arabia would also be surrounded by lush green landscaping including the famous Mughal Gardens and architecturally themed landmark buildings.
“Events like marriage need to be announced and glorified. Currently Dubai is not regarded as a wedding destination. People go to Bali and other exotic places to marry. Now they will come to Taj Arabia,” Gulf News quoted Arun Mehra, Chairman of the Link Global Group, sub-developers of the mega project, as saying.
However, it is not only Taj, the complex will also house other structures such as the Eiffel Tower, Pyramids and the Great Wall of China.
——Courtesy: India TV