Hello to the Arabian Taj!

In 1653, Shah Jahan’s ambitious monument Taj Mahal was built in Agra. Since then, this UNESCO world heritage site has been visited by millions. Now, come 2014, be ready for Taj Arabia, a replica of the original which would be three times bigger. 

Arun Mehra, chairman of the UAE based Link Global Group has just started work on this billion dollar project. This duplicate wonder which is being uilt in Dubai is at the heart of the mega purpose built tourist city called ‘Falcon city of Wonders.’ This city plans to replicate the biggest wonders of the world including the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, Eiffel Tower, Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Leaning tower of Pisa.  Obviously, the city will house a 300 key five star hotel, a 3000 seater banquet hall and apartments. It aims to be a one stop venue for weddings and celebrations, with a wedding boutique, housing clothes from India, Pakistan and worldwide; and of course, a gold souq!

While Mehra believes that the symbol of love shouldn’t be limited to Agra any more, does the world really need a replica of any of these epic monuments? Well, Dubai and the Arabs are known for their ostentatious ways of living and making of the Falcon City of Wonders is just one more mindless display of that wealth, power and fortune.