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Abroad in Japan · Thursday, July 9, 2026

Discussion on Dubai's past architectural ambitions and ethical concerns

The hosts discuss Dubai's development, recalling its ambitious architectural projects in 2008, likening it to the "final piece of the death star." They also touch upon the ethical concerns regarding the labor used to construct these buildings, with one host stating they won't be returning.

The tape

3 quotes
Dubai back in 2008. Was the first really I I'll never forget how I felt going to Dubai 2008, you know, when they were like, cranes on the top, sticking it on like the final piece of the death star.
Chris
And then it was like, who's building all the buildings? Oh dear. Oh no. And, yeah, it's a dark side to the place.
Pete Donaldson
But, uh, yeah, I won't be going back there.
Pete Donaldson
Heard on Abroad in Japan — “Why This Japanese Whisky Sold For An Astonishing $1,050,000!, published Thursday, July 9, 2026. Heardvine summarizes and quotes with attribution and timestamps, and links to the original everywhere.
Transcribed via Gemini audio transcription · $0.05