While some cities in the Middle East are seeking to emulate the emirate's success, its unsustainable pattern of growth make Dubai a poor model for urban development.
"It seems every major city in the region wants to become another Dubai. This is not surprising considering the success and international prominence the city-emirate has achieved. In less than three decades, it has evolved from a little-known backwater (my only recollection of Dubai as a child was of an emirate that produced nice postage stamps) into the undisputed commercial centre of the region and a truly global city. Many multi-national companies have established regional offices in this efficiently run emirate. Its airport and seaport are amongst the busiest in the world. It receives about eight million tourists every year from all over the world, who come to shop in its malls, stay in its hotels, and visit its attractions. Foreigners recently have also been flocking to Dubai to buy property now that they are increasingly allowed to do so."
"Whatever one may think of Dubai, whether an example of marketing ingenuity or of conspicuous consumption with no cultural depth, what it has achieved is impressive by any account. However, following Dubai as a model to emulate, at least on the urban level, is something to be avoided."
FULL STORY: The Dubai Model
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