Thousands of South Asian construction workers went on strike Sunday over harsh working conditions in the latest threat to a spectacular building boom already endangered by a falling currency and labor shortage.
While laborers have long complained about working conditions in this Gulf city known for its avant-garde skyscrapers, luxury dwellings and archipelagoes of artificial islands, [...]

It seems as if Buddha is watching from lots of places these days. Gold, stone, clay and even porcelain renderings of the spiritual symbol can be seen peering from bookcases, anchoring gardens and offering peace to dining rooms.
The prevalence of Buddha is one example of the steady influence of Asian interior design. With styles [...]