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One Emirate, Two Emirates, Three Emirates, Four
November 20, 2008
I recently traveled to Abu Dhabi to assist an international architectural firm create a concept and a program for a boutique, luxury resort. I was particularly struck by the differences between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, to which I had traveled four or five years ago.
Dubai, as we all know, is always in the (industry) news, for its grand scale of new hotel developments, including those on the Palm and the World and Bawadi, Burj Al Arab, etc. It is the Middle East’s version of the Las Vegas Strip: faux, over-the-top and always adding something new and more grandiose.
In the United States, except for the rare few, when we hear of the United Arab Emirates, we think of the excesses of Dubai. It is little known that Dubai has relatively small oil reserves, that the Sheiks of the Makhtoum family have been beneficiaries of the oil wealth in the Emirates and have used that wealth to develop Dubai into the destination it has become. What we don’t know – generally – and don’t realize at all is that the most oil in the Emirates is produced in the largest emirate, Abu Dhabi, that the Al Nahyan dynasty has both overseen the growth of Abu Dhabi and was a principal mover in the creation of the UAE. Its Ruler, Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, is the president of the UAE, and is known for far-sighted and progressive leadership.
Abu Dhabi itself is a modern city; it has none of the excess of Dubai (well, maybe, one). It is well planned, the streets are clean, the citizens and residents (approximately two-thirds of the population in Abu Dhabi is comprised of expatriates) are industrious. Except for the new Emirates Palace, there is little over-the-top development (and, I suppose the ungodly rich are entitled to one playground!).
Just as the states that make up the United States have different characteristics, so, too, the Emirates.
In more ways than one, we – as individuals, as an industry and as a country – would be well-served to learn, understand and respect those differences. President-elect Obama, I (and the Emirates, from what I can tell in the newspapers there) hope you are reading.
Posted by Michael Shindler on November 20, 2008 | Comments (3)
In response to: One Emirate, Two Emirates, Three Emirates, Four
Nomad commented:
Having had lived & worked in the Gulf for 7 years primarily in Dubai I can also add the Emirates is quite a diverse mix of cultures, over 60 % of the entire population are Expats with the majority from the Sub Continent, there are in effect TWO economies in my opinion, one the shows the glitz, development & glamour & the other the Sub Continent expatriate driven economy. Within our Industry it is extremely competitive & to match very vibrant (not without it failures of course). The Gulf is an environment NOT for the faint hearted in a number of ways, HOT as Hell during the summer month with a killer humidity. For business I would say you can categorise the Attitude & mind set as a TRADING MENTALITY....here enlies a HUGE difference from the way in which many of us undertake business, happy to add more on experiences
In response to: One Emirate, Two Emirates, Three Emirates, Four
Nomad commented:
for those who are intersted there are in fact 7 Emirates....Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Ulquain.......
In response to: One Emirate, Two Emirates, Three Emirates, Four
Bruce Woolner commented:
Bare in mind Abu Dhabi may give you the impression of being "far-sighted with progressive leadership with great plans” but their true reluctance to implement goes far deeper into the realms of politics! People look at Dubai’s infrastructure of roads and lack of public transport system but Abu Dhabi is facing a far worst situation. A further draw back is the severe lack of housing at all levels with no real signs of being improved. So do not expect to see Abu Dhabi up there for quiet sometime yet.