Businessman hits back at 'jealous' Taj Dubai critics
The backer behind a project to build a replica Taj Mahal in Dubai has refused to scrap the project despite vehement protests from disgusted Indians - who he says are just jealous of his Taj Arabia.
Arun Mehra, director at finance firm Link Global, announced the $1 billion (Dhs3.6 billion) project earlier this month.
However, Taj Mahal heritage groups in his native India reacted with fury to the news of the copycat build - branding it “wrong and absurd” and pleading with backers to cancel construction. They insist it would “belittle” the sacredness of the 460-year-old marble mausoleum masterpiece.
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The backer behind a project to build a replica Taj Mahal in Dubai has refused to scrap the project despite vehement protests from disgusted Indians
But Indian businessman Mehra has blasted back, insisting it’s “just a monument” - and the only Indians up in arms are those envious of his plans and worried of losing tourism to it.
“They’re jealous,” said Mehra. “Of course they are. Obviously.
“I’ve observed the comments that came out from the ex-mayor of Agra (the home of the Taj Mahal) saying tourism is going to drop - (but) once people come and see ours, they’ll go and see theirs.”
Taj Arabia, which Mehra confirmed will be finished by the end of 2014 and will be four times bigger than the Taj Mahal, will be primarily a hotel - with the ability to host wedding parties for up to 3,000 guests.
Mehra said: “They’re saying ‘we need to compensate them for loss’ - but their business is going to go up.
“They have nothing to fear - there are other pyramids and people don’t stop visiting the pyramids in Egypt.”
Mehra believes Taj Arabia will add to Dubai’s list of spectacular, world-famous designs.
“There’s so much apprehension with these things,” he said.
“When the Palm was being created, some work was stopped there. Today, I live at the Palm - it’s a reality. Our project is also going to be a reality.”
duncan.hare@7days.ae
Comments
by Rocks
Thursday, November 08 2012, 8:40AM
“Great try Mr Mehra.... Why don't you try to build great wall of china, people will never remember you, Taj Mahal still it belongs to Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, you are just a pirate. Do some thing unique of your own so people will remember, Yes this is done by Mr Mehra.”
by star_lite2004
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 11:41PM
“It is another one of Dubai's creations which only the rich can afford to stay at. What else is new?”
by dxbgal
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 7:21PM
“Jealous? Puh leez Arun Mehra not everything in life is about money, we're not jealous we just think this idea is in bad taste why would you create a replica can you not think of a creative project no one has done before instead of wasting money trying to build a replica which can never be outdone?”
by Jamal
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 7:00AM
“People, it is a man with a lot of money who wants even more money and we can't stop it from being realized. After all, i personally see nothing wrong in it. Let it get build and see how many years it will survive. Taj Mahal was built 460 years ago and it still looks as good as new and that's what makes it a wonder of the world. Also, do assume that the person has done nothing to help others till you get your facts right.”
by NewCrunch
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 3:42PM
“No idea what this whole fuss is about. It's private money going into a private project and 'Dubai' has nothing to do with it. This has nothing to do with building hospitals or feeding the hungry.I believe it is tacky however weddings in Dubai are a big business particularly for middle and upper class indians living in India, and this is the segment that he is targeting. Will this see the light?? To be honest, I couldn't care less.”
by Gavtek
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 2:23PM
“I wish people would stop talking about this as if it will actually happen. We all know the script, they'll collect all the deposits and 1st installments, stick a couple of labourers and a crane on the site, then put the project on hold until everyone forgets about it.”
by JMath
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 12:26PM
“The Height of foolishnes......Arun Mehra. Just boasting about his wealth...he should spend money to build hospitals or improve healthcare for the poor countries.
Then he can say that i have done something great...”
by djoanes1
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 10:49AM
“The critics are not jealous, they are simply appalled at this horrific waste of money to create a tacky eyesore.”
by ExpatEddie
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 8:29AM
“Ah, the famous 'they are jealous' response whenever anyone questions anything happening in Dubai ...”