From a desert ski resort and consumer paradise to a financial hub with perfect feng shui, Dubai's developers are throwing their vast wealth at some of the world's most hedonistic projects. We find British firms joining in the fun

Dubai is desperately short of waterfront for its new residents and tourists, so why not create some more? Palm Jumeirah, a series of artificial islands that will be home to 5000 villas and 49 hotels, is visible on the left. Just inland is the Dubai Marina, planned as the focal point for more than 100 residential towers.