Since 9/11 the image of the Middle East changed a whole lot than anybody would have expected. But for once let’s leave the negative aspects behind and concentrate on the good stuff.
Countries from the Middle East like Turkey, Qatar and mostly the United Arab Emirates have been developing as fast as Iraq was destroyed.
With the government’s decision to move from an oil-trade-based economy the U.A.E. have changed to one which is service- and tourism-oriented. The result? From 2004 till 2007 Dubai has been growing at a pace no other country has yet managed to. The financial crisis though has forced real estate projects to slow and even some to be abandoned completely.
Other countries worked their way similarly and also by escaping the crisis as much as possible.
Here you have some photos that prove those places to be a little more than just vast empty spaces full of sand. Mostly from Dubai, but nevertheless some good inspiration.

Enjoy!