Something huge is growing in the desert

In last year's November/December issue, FP looked at the global boom in office space (sub. req'd) and the race to build the world's tallest office tower. There are some insanely high buildings going up these days. Just today, workers placed the last steel beam atop the Shanghai World Financial Center, the world's third-tallest building. Sure, it doesn't soar quite as high as Taipei 101. But at 492 meters, it's pretty darn tall.

For sheer absurdity, though, nothing tops Burj Dubai, already the world's tallest building at an estimated 545.7 meters. Check out this photo, which was taken last Friday:

KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images