DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — It's the latest word in Persian Gulf excess: a $1.5 billion resort boasting a $25,000-a-night suite and dolphins flown in from the South Pacific _ all atop an island built in the shape of a palm tree.
Environmentalists have long criticized both Palm Jumeirah island and some of the features of the Atlantis hotel, set to open Wednesday. And analysts wonder if global financial turmoil will crimp Dubai's big hopes for tourists.
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