Dubai to build a replica of Taj Mahal called Taj Arabia by 2014

The Taj Arabia complex will be home to hotels, shops and restaurants and will be bigger than the original Taj Mahal in Agra – the UNESCO world heritage site. It will be called the “New City of Love”, according to the BBC.

In keeping with the love theme of the original Taj Mahal, it will feature several romantic features as well as the Mughal architecture and will be marketed as an ideal wedding destination.

The white marble mausoleum Taj Mahal took 21 years to build (between 1632 and 1683). It was built by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz and combines Ottoman and Indian architectural styles.

The Taj Mahal replica will be built by property developer Arun Mehra, the chairman of Link Global Group.

Taj Arabia will be built in Dubailand – an entertainment complex the size of Birmingham. Dubailand complex, still under construction, is divided into six zones -- attractions and experience zone, sports zone, eco-tourism World, leisure and holiday zone, retail and entertainment zone, and downtown. Some of its attractions such as the Global Village and the Dubai Motor City are open for tourists.

Taj Arabia will become part of the theme park with replicas of other wonders of the world such as the leaning tower of Pisa.