Post-suburbia Arabia

الملخص EN

This paper explores the growing influence of Western design in the Persian Gulf country of the United Arab Emirates.

It focuses on how American design and ideology have transformed the landscape of the desert kingdom of the UAE and how these “American” ideals have been transformed through a unique Arab interpretation.

From the macro-scale of the city to the micro scale of the single-family home, the built environment of the UAE is probably the closest example of an American design ideology outside North America.

While many in the Arab community are opposed to American foreign policy, they often embrace many aspects of American culture and lifestyle.

The discovery of oil in the mid-twentieth century created the region’s wealth and brought an influx of capital and foreign workers who, together with the nationals, have created a diverse and dynamic society with global aspirations.