Burj Dubai

It seems like everyone is talking about Dubai these days, whether it is over ports or as an emerging hub of global commerce.

But today's riots at the construction site of what is to be the world's tallest tower could threaten Giorgio Armani's 172-room luxury hotel, which will be located in the building.

The strikes and riots by Al Naboodah workers marred what otherwise appeared to be smooth construction of the Burj Dubai, which is to be a spire-shaped, stainless-steel-skinned tower expected to soar far beyond 100 stories.

Here's what Mr. Armani told Haute Living in the magazine's cover story this month, regarding the ambitious project.

“Because Dubai is undoubtedly a new international crossroads for emerging trends, styles, cultures,” he says, “it is already changing the global scenario, giving a new reference point to the international public, alongside New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Milan, of course — my city.”

Already, there has reportedly been $1 million worth of damage. Hopefully, things will calm down for Mr. Armani.  read more »

- Michael Calderone