DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 03:  A man and a woman ride an escalator in the huge shopping complex 'Mall of the Emirates' on December 3, 2009 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Stock markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi fell sharply this week after state owned company Dubai World asked for more time to pay off debts amounting to £35 billion. The Dubai economy which has enjoyed years of rapid growth has seen a sharp decline recently as world markets reacted to the global economic crisis.  (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)