Medellin and the world’s tallest building

The world’s tallest building, the “Burj Dubai” opened today January 4th, 2010 in Dubai, the capitol of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The tower is massive and is about 60 stories taller than the world’s second tallest building.

Where does Medellin come in? As part of their arts program, the city of Dubai commissioned the world famous Medellin-born sculptor Fernando Botero to create a sculpture that pays homage to the UAE equestrian heritage. Botero accepted and there stands a classic Botero style horse sculpture in Dubai.

YOU CAN SEE THE BOTERO SCULPTURE IN THIS VIDEO

I thought I would make this post because I have noticed an uncanny fetishization of Dubai amongst Colombians. Like New York in the 20th century, Dubai seems to be the 21st century dream destination for would be Colombian emigrants, and it is the talk amongst many of my 20 something friends of upward mobility and access to jobs abroad. Take also for example, the lounge/bar in the wealthy and opulent Parque Lleras, also named Dubai. Take also, a prominent story about Dubai in the Colombian nightlife magazine Zoom.

Perhaps this buzz about the super-city in the desert is a worldwide phenomenon, but who’s got a statue right at the foot of the world’s tallest sky scrapper? Medellin!

For more on the sculpture, read this article from the Duabi Chronicle.