Although the desert kingdom didn't amount to much until recent decades, Dubai has wasted no time defining itself with world class architecture.
Some of that architecture is heavily influenced from other parts of the world.
The Mercato Shopping Center is one great example of this. Designed to look like an Italian Village from long ago, the Mercato describes itself as "a unique blend of Tuscan and Venetian architecture." Complete with fountains and cobblestone streets, the architectural elements appear to be spot on.