The space-lifts, he reckoned, would become reality a few decades after people stopped laughing at the idea.

ECONOMIST: Sir Arthur C. Clarke, visionary, died on March 18th, aged 90

He has suggested a steel frame and a stone outer shell, leaving enough space for stairways, lifts and service ducts leading to the space in the pediment above, and a basement - possibly a nightclub - linking the arch with the existing stone lodges on either side.

BBC: 'Romantic' attempt to save lost arch

Apartments nearby were purchased and demolished to create a far larger area, and this now includes extra rehearsal and scene-shifting space, offices, lifts, and a large central foyer which will also serve as a performance area.

ECONOMIST: More gaudy than Gaudi

We choose to explore space because doing so improves our lives and lifts our national spirit.

CNN: Bush: 'It is time for America to take the next steps' in space

Will Whitehorn, Virgin Galactic's president, said that one of the things which attracted Aabar was the fact that White Knight (an aircraft which lifts to high altitude a rocket that can then take either passengers or satellites onwards into space) could be flown from Abu Dhabi.

ECONOMIST: Space