Stars arrive at Dubai’s Palm extravaganza

A light display is illuminated during the grand opening of Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai. The $1.5 billion mega resort with 1,539 rooms is the first resort to open on Dubai's man-made Palm Jumeirah island. Reuters/Jumana El Heloue

Australian singer Kylie Minogue speaks to the media before her performance at the opening event of the hotel. Reuters/Jumana El Heloueh

While the rest of the world is tightening its belt, Dubai threw a $20 million party on Thursday complete with Hollywood celebrities like Robert DeNiro and a fireworks show that organizers said would be visible from outer space. Reuters/Jumana El Heloueh

South African billionnaire Sol Kerzner, Chairman of Kerzner International, stands with his wife Heather Kerzner and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Emirati company Nakheel, the joint developers of the Atlantis Hotel, at the official grand opening party for the hotel. AFP/Karim Sahib

The $1.5 billion marine-themed resort has been built off the Gulf coast on an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree. Reuters/Jumana El Heloueh

The world may be tightening its belt but mere money woes failed to thwart the star-studded opening of the hotel. The hotel's signature suite costs $25,000 a night, well beyond the reach of ordinary holidaymakers. AFP/Karim Sahib

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra poses at the red carpet event. Former Miss India World and later becoming Miss World 2000, Chopra made her acting debut in 2001. Reuters/Jumana El Heloueh

Members of the media look on as fireworks illuminate the resort. The firework display was seven times larger than the Olympic display in Beijing, according to the event organisers. Reuters/Jumana El Heloueh