Dubai resort The Atlantis expensive launch party was expensive for the environment too.

From Hollywood celebrities to billionaire business moguls all attended the opening of Dubai's latest luxury resort- The Atlantis, on Thursday night. More than 2,000 guests attended the event on the man-made Palm Jumeirah Island in the Persian Gulf. Stars like Robert De Niro, Janet Jackson, Denzel Washington and Lindsay Lohan were among them, while the British contingent included the Duchess of York, Sir Richard Branson, Dame Shirley Bassey, retail boss Sir Philip Green, television presenter Trinny Woodall and the singer Lily Allen. The £15 million extravaganza was the most expensive - launch party in history.

I was appalled by three statements:

Statement 1: Sol Kerzner, the South African billionaire hotelier and casino tycoon said "We built something that's quite extraordinary. We've got to tell the world about it. (World definitely listens in an expensive manner….I guess)
Statement 2: Colin Cowie, the party planner said: "People say, 'How do you have a party like this in these economic times?' But the funds were allocated a year ago, and you have to dream big to get a big result
Statement 3: This is yet another proud moment for us at Nakheel and in Dubai, where our friends from the world over join us to celebrate the launch of this extraordinary resort on this iconic island.This partnership between Nakheel and Kerzner is testimony to our belief in Dubai having become one of the world's top destinations.

It’s a matter of concern that at this juncture of economic recession,when the whole world is struggling with the Food and Environmental Crisis, such events are talking place in this part of the world. Groups like Nakheel who claim to be environment friendly, need to answer for the gigantic energy consumption during the event. In one night (rather few hours), enormous energy was consumed. There were Fireworks, lining 520km of the Palm, with ten times the size of fireworks used during Olympics earlier this year. It pains me to hear announcements made with pride that: it was visible from the outer space!

Such shallow display of wealth can invite extreme reactions by the have nots' .In a region with socio-political and economical unrest, this is the last thing which people would ask for. Its high time we change the defination of luxury, grandness and entertainment or else ...... we will for sure- reach the point of no return. Much earlier than we anticipate.

By the way Media Coverage was -
News 1(Top headline) Stars, fireworks dazzle at Atlantis launch


News at the bottom of the page: Children dying in Haiti, victims of food crisis. The 5-year-old teetered on broomstick legs — he weighed less than 20 pounds, even after days of drinking enriched milk. Nearby, a 4-year-old girl hung from a strap attached to a scale, her wide eyes lifeless, her emaciated arms dangling weakly.

May good sense prevail…..Amen!