In P. Ammar & D. Singermann (eds). Cairo Cosmopolitan: Politics, Culture, and Space in the New Middle East. Cairo: American University in Cairo Press, 2006
The paper explores the extent to which inhabitants of Abu Dhabi find ways to
circumvent official ... more The paper explores the extent to which inhabitants of Abu Dhabi find ways to circumvent official notions of order as it pertains to the use of open public spaces in the city. To that effect, the study focuses on informal modes of urbanity by examining and mapping various forms of informal activities that still persist in the city. The study relies on field research carried out in Abu Dhabi’s central area, content analysis of media reports, and interviews with officials and city residents. This will be contextualized and situated within the overall urban development of Abu Dhabi. These contemporary modes of informal urbanism will be mapped through a survey of the city’s public spaces. A series of vignettes offers a portrayal of the diverse ways in which residents have constructed an alternative order. The overall aim is to construct a ‘narrative of informality’ – a view from below offering a more substantive assessment of people’s interaction with, and relation to, the built environment. The paper begins with a theoretical framework aiming at situating the study within the overall discourse known as ‘informal urbanism’ and the study of the everyday which, while prevalent to various degrees within urban theory, has been receiving renewed emphasis. The overall value for mapping such activities both at the level of urban theory and for the urban development of Abu Dhabi is discussed in the conclusion.
In a recent installment of the Doha Debates hosted by the Qatar Foundation and moderated by BBC's... more In a recent installment of the Doha Debates hosted by the Qatar Foundation and moderated by BBC's Tim Sebastian, the following intriguingly worded motion was introduced: " Is Dubai a bad idea? " 1 This overly simplified question encapsulated what had up until this point been discussed in various media articles and among commentators , namely, that as a model, Dubai has failed to be sustainable and therefore cannot be taken seriously. To many, Dubai currently represents all that is wrong with capitalism and neoliberal urbanism. The city's growth has finally reached a dead end. 2 For the Middle East, Dubai's model of urbanism once offered a shining example of progressive urbanity that had eluded other urban centers in the region. Dubai's gleaming skyscrapers, elaborate shopping malls, and immaculate infrastructure contrasted the decaying and crumbling centers of Cairo, Damascus, Beirut, and others. These cities were mired in constant conflict ranging from the social to the military, stifling bureaucracies, and suffocating layers of history particularly as they relate to their colonial past. Thus they were characterized by many observers as being part of an " old Middle East, " which was being replaced by a " new Middle East. " Dubai was at the forefront of this new vision. Indicative of this, the phrase " Dubai Model " became an expression, connoting the exportability of this particular mode of urbanism. Dubai was portrayed as an example to be emulated and replicated. Following the 2008 financial crisis, this prophecy has been questioned and put into serious doubt. The events during the crisis seemingly exposed the frailty of the Dubai Model, crumbling the power of " spectacle " that the urbanity had held. Building sites
Using the premise of Code 46 — a science fiction film whose setting blends existing cities and lo... more Using the premise of Code 46 — a science fiction film whose setting blends existing cities and locales to envision a global metropolis — the article argues that the city of Dubai is emblematic of its imagined dystopian future. The movie is pertinent since it relies on existing locales in Shanghai, Dubai and Seattle, rather than stage sets, and thus evokes a future that is thoroughly grounded in the present. Following a discussion of the role of dystopia in urban studies and science fiction, the article shifts to an investigation of Dubai, focusing on its marginalized district of Satwa. Satwa is revealing because of its outsider status, its proximity to glamorous new developments, and the currently stalled effort to replace it according to a utopian urban renewal plan. The case of Satwa perfectly captures what can be termed the Dubai paradox, containing as it does both utopic and dystopic conditions, and as such, it evokes a poignant sense of realness and humanity, a recurring theme within the utopian discourse of science fiction. The article concludes with a discussion of the relevance of such analysis to our understanding of globalizing cities.
The evolving Arab city: tradition, modernity and …, Jun 24, 2008
... Some have described this as globalization from below, a transnational paradigmin short ... a... more ... Some have described this as globalization from below, a transnational paradigmin short ... an Arab city'and will continue its practice of measured growth, reflecting a sustainable economy. ... the rank of globalizing cities: The Central Market and the cultural district in Saadiyat Island. ...
The evolving Arab city: tradition, modernity and …, Jun 24, 2008
... Gulf because it was one of the first to benefit from an oil economy but also ... calls &#x2... more ... Gulf because it was one of the first to benefit from an oil economy but also ... calls 'the dying heart of the old city', new developmentsurbanism of globalization according to ... is the rather spectacular development of Saadiyat Islandwhich will house four museums and performance ...
Planning Middle Eastern cities: an urban …, Sep 1, 2004
REDRAWING BOUNDARIES: DUBAI, AN EMERGING GLOBAL CITY 169 Chapter 8 Redrawing Boundaries: Dubai, a... more REDRAWING BOUNDARIES: DUBAI, AN EMERGING GLOBAL CITY 169 Chapter 8 Redrawing Boundaries: Dubai, an Emerging Global City Yasser Elsheshtawy The desert on the other side was, most of the time, flat, hard and desolate; nothing and no one came from its depth ...
... place are framed within such an outlook, even in their interaction with'modern ... of do... more ... place are framed within such an outlook, even in their interaction with'modern ... of domination: whether political, social or cultural-since the relationship between developed/underdeveloped ... of hybridity, how did respec-tive cultures incorporate or integrate with foreign influences? ...
International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability
Yasser Elsheshtawy obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Cairo University in 1986, a Master De... more Yasser Elsheshtawy obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Cairo University in 1986, a Master Degree in Architecture from Pennsylvania State University in 1991 and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1996. His research has focused on environment-behavior studies, architectural theory as well as changing urban/architectural patterns of Middle Eastern cities. He has published in numerous international journals and attended conferences worldwide. He was recently awarded the JAE (Journal of Architectural Education) award ...
Cairo Cosmopolitan: Politics, Culture, and Urban Space in the Globalized Middle East, 2006
295 to its current state. This official was based in the Citadel in an office located next to the... more 295 to its current state. This official was based in the Citadel in an office located next to the military museum. Housed in a historic building, he occupied the position of general manager (mudir—no further details were offered to me at that time!). Entering his office I was struck by its immense size and by the fact that it contained only a single desk. Sitting opposite the manager I began by describing my study and enquiring about the architect. After verifying my credentials (and motives) and exchanging the usual pleasantries and how nice the ...
Yasser Elsheshtawy explores Dubai's history from its beginnings as a small fishing village t... more Yasser Elsheshtawy explores Dubai's history from its beginnings as a small fishing village to its place on the world stage today, using historical narratives, travel descriptions, novels and fictional accounts by local writers to bring colour to his history of the city's urban development. With the help of case studies and surveys this book explores the economic and political forces driving Dubai's urban growth, its changing urbanity and its place within the global city network. Uniquely, it looks beyond the glamour of Dubai's mega-projects, ...
'This volume provides a nonspecialist audience with a thorough overview of issues and approa... more 'This volume provides a nonspecialist audience with a thorough overview of issues and approaches to contemporary Middle Eastern urbanism.'-Sophia Shwayri, Traditional Dewlling and Settlements Review, Spring 2005'Will inspire further critical investigation on the sites and cities of the Middle East that have until now been marginalized in the debates regarding globalization and urban change.'-Journal of Architectural Education
In P. Ammar & D. Singermann (eds). Cairo Cosmopolitan: Politics, Culture, and Space in the New Middle East. Cairo: American University in Cairo Press, 2006
The paper explores the extent to which inhabitants of Abu Dhabi find ways to
circumvent official ... more The paper explores the extent to which inhabitants of Abu Dhabi find ways to circumvent official notions of order as it pertains to the use of open public spaces in the city. To that effect, the study focuses on informal modes of urbanity by examining and mapping various forms of informal activities that still persist in the city. The study relies on field research carried out in Abu Dhabi’s central area, content analysis of media reports, and interviews with officials and city residents. This will be contextualized and situated within the overall urban development of Abu Dhabi. These contemporary modes of informal urbanism will be mapped through a survey of the city’s public spaces. A series of vignettes offers a portrayal of the diverse ways in which residents have constructed an alternative order. The overall aim is to construct a ‘narrative of informality’ – a view from below offering a more substantive assessment of people’s interaction with, and relation to, the built environment. The paper begins with a theoretical framework aiming at situating the study within the overall discourse known as ‘informal urbanism’ and the study of the everyday which, while prevalent to various degrees within urban theory, has been receiving renewed emphasis. The overall value for mapping such activities both at the level of urban theory and for the urban development of Abu Dhabi is discussed in the conclusion.
In a recent installment of the Doha Debates hosted by the Qatar Foundation and moderated by BBC's... more In a recent installment of the Doha Debates hosted by the Qatar Foundation and moderated by BBC's Tim Sebastian, the following intriguingly worded motion was introduced: " Is Dubai a bad idea? " 1 This overly simplified question encapsulated what had up until this point been discussed in various media articles and among commentators , namely, that as a model, Dubai has failed to be sustainable and therefore cannot be taken seriously. To many, Dubai currently represents all that is wrong with capitalism and neoliberal urbanism. The city's growth has finally reached a dead end. 2 For the Middle East, Dubai's model of urbanism once offered a shining example of progressive urbanity that had eluded other urban centers in the region. Dubai's gleaming skyscrapers, elaborate shopping malls, and immaculate infrastructure contrasted the decaying and crumbling centers of Cairo, Damascus, Beirut, and others. These cities were mired in constant conflict ranging from the social to the military, stifling bureaucracies, and suffocating layers of history particularly as they relate to their colonial past. Thus they were characterized by many observers as being part of an " old Middle East, " which was being replaced by a " new Middle East. " Dubai was at the forefront of this new vision. Indicative of this, the phrase " Dubai Model " became an expression, connoting the exportability of this particular mode of urbanism. Dubai was portrayed as an example to be emulated and replicated. Following the 2008 financial crisis, this prophecy has been questioned and put into serious doubt. The events during the crisis seemingly exposed the frailty of the Dubai Model, crumbling the power of " spectacle " that the urbanity had held. Building sites
Using the premise of Code 46 — a science fiction film whose setting blends existing cities and lo... more Using the premise of Code 46 — a science fiction film whose setting blends existing cities and locales to envision a global metropolis — the article argues that the city of Dubai is emblematic of its imagined dystopian future. The movie is pertinent since it relies on existing locales in Shanghai, Dubai and Seattle, rather than stage sets, and thus evokes a future that is thoroughly grounded in the present. Following a discussion of the role of dystopia in urban studies and science fiction, the article shifts to an investigation of Dubai, focusing on its marginalized district of Satwa. Satwa is revealing because of its outsider status, its proximity to glamorous new developments, and the currently stalled effort to replace it according to a utopian urban renewal plan. The case of Satwa perfectly captures what can be termed the Dubai paradox, containing as it does both utopic and dystopic conditions, and as such, it evokes a poignant sense of realness and humanity, a recurring theme within the utopian discourse of science fiction. The article concludes with a discussion of the relevance of such analysis to our understanding of globalizing cities.
The evolving Arab city: tradition, modernity and …, Jun 24, 2008
... Some have described this as globalization from below, a transnational paradigmin short ... a... more ... Some have described this as globalization from below, a transnational paradigmin short ... an Arab city'and will continue its practice of measured growth, reflecting a sustainable economy. ... the rank of globalizing cities: The Central Market and the cultural district in Saadiyat Island. ...
The evolving Arab city: tradition, modernity and …, Jun 24, 2008
... Gulf because it was one of the first to benefit from an oil economy but also ... calls &#x2... more ... Gulf because it was one of the first to benefit from an oil economy but also ... calls 'the dying heart of the old city', new developmentsurbanism of globalization according to ... is the rather spectacular development of Saadiyat Islandwhich will house four museums and performance ...
Planning Middle Eastern cities: an urban …, Sep 1, 2004
REDRAWING BOUNDARIES: DUBAI, AN EMERGING GLOBAL CITY 169 Chapter 8 Redrawing Boundaries: Dubai, a... more REDRAWING BOUNDARIES: DUBAI, AN EMERGING GLOBAL CITY 169 Chapter 8 Redrawing Boundaries: Dubai, an Emerging Global City Yasser Elsheshtawy The desert on the other side was, most of the time, flat, hard and desolate; nothing and no one came from its depth ...
... place are framed within such an outlook, even in their interaction with'modern ... of do... more ... place are framed within such an outlook, even in their interaction with'modern ... of domination: whether political, social or cultural-since the relationship between developed/underdeveloped ... of hybridity, how did respec-tive cultures incorporate or integrate with foreign influences? ...
International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability
Yasser Elsheshtawy obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Cairo University in 1986, a Master De... more Yasser Elsheshtawy obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Cairo University in 1986, a Master Degree in Architecture from Pennsylvania State University in 1991 and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1996. His research has focused on environment-behavior studies, architectural theory as well as changing urban/architectural patterns of Middle Eastern cities. He has published in numerous international journals and attended conferences worldwide. He was recently awarded the JAE (Journal of Architectural Education) award ...
Cairo Cosmopolitan: Politics, Culture, and Urban Space in the Globalized Middle East, 2006
295 to its current state. This official was based in the Citadel in an office located next to the... more 295 to its current state. This official was based in the Citadel in an office located next to the military museum. Housed in a historic building, he occupied the position of general manager (mudir—no further details were offered to me at that time!). Entering his office I was struck by its immense size and by the fact that it contained only a single desk. Sitting opposite the manager I began by describing my study and enquiring about the architect. After verifying my credentials (and motives) and exchanging the usual pleasantries and how nice the ...
Yasser Elsheshtawy explores Dubai's history from its beginnings as a small fishing village t... more Yasser Elsheshtawy explores Dubai's history from its beginnings as a small fishing village to its place on the world stage today, using historical narratives, travel descriptions, novels and fictional accounts by local writers to bring colour to his history of the city's urban development. With the help of case studies and surveys this book explores the economic and political forces driving Dubai's urban growth, its changing urbanity and its place within the global city network. Uniquely, it looks beyond the glamour of Dubai's mega-projects, ...
'This volume provides a nonspecialist audience with a thorough overview of issues and approa... more 'This volume provides a nonspecialist audience with a thorough overview of issues and approaches to contemporary Middle Eastern urbanism.'-Sophia Shwayri, Traditional Dewlling and Settlements Review, Spring 2005'Will inspire further critical investigation on the sites and cities of the Middle East that have until now been marginalized in the debates regarding globalization and urban change.'-Journal of Architectural Education
Excerpt: "UAE and the Gulf: Architecture and Urbanism Now" may ultimately lead to the perpetuatio... more Excerpt: "UAE and the Gulf: Architecture and Urbanism Now" may ultimately lead to the perpetuation of stereotypes as it focuses for the most part on spectacular and iconic developments. The discussion is thin and offers no information that cannot be gleaned from a cursory look at online material. "Under Construction" however, entails a much more substantive discussion that truly enriches our understanding of urbanism in the region. Despite some shortcomings, it is an excellent read and a welcome addition to the urban and architectural scholarship in the Gulf."
Dubai seems to exemplify the modern urban condition of the spectacle. The city is defined by its ... more Dubai seems to exemplify the modern urban condition of the spectacle. The city is defined by its luxurious commercial character. Yet alternative spaces of consumption do exist, slipping between the cracks of the carefully maintained image of the city. This article uncovers these hidden spaces of consumption and contrasts them with the city's spectacular retail spaces. By juxtaposing the spectacular and the everyday I hope to offer a more balanced view of a globalizing city by arguing that citizens are not passive recipients of 'spectacular images' but that particular forms of circumvention do emerge. The increased emphasis on exclusive developments within Dubai, and its influence on the wider Middle East, suggests the potential danger of such spectacular modes of urbanism.
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Papers by yasser elsheshtawy
circumvent official notions of order as it pertains to the use of open public spaces
in the city. To that effect, the study focuses on informal modes of urbanity by
examining and mapping various forms of informal activities that still persist in
the city. The study relies on field research carried out in Abu Dhabi’s central area,
content analysis of media reports, and interviews with officials and city residents.
This will be contextualized and situated within the overall urban development of
Abu Dhabi. These contemporary modes of informal urbanism will be mapped
through a survey of the city’s public spaces. A series of vignettes offers a portrayal
of the diverse ways in which residents have constructed an alternative order.
The overall aim is to construct a ‘narrative of informality’ – a view from below
offering a more substantive assessment of people’s interaction with, and relation
to, the built environment. The paper begins with a theoretical framework aiming at
situating the study within the overall discourse known as ‘informal urbanism’ and
the study of the everyday which, while prevalent to various degrees within urban
theory, has been receiving renewed emphasis. The overall value for mapping such
activities both at the level of urban theory and for the urban development of Abu
Dhabi is discussed in the conclusion.
circumvent official notions of order as it pertains to the use of open public spaces
in the city. To that effect, the study focuses on informal modes of urbanity by
examining and mapping various forms of informal activities that still persist in
the city. The study relies on field research carried out in Abu Dhabi’s central area,
content analysis of media reports, and interviews with officials and city residents.
This will be contextualized and situated within the overall urban development of
Abu Dhabi. These contemporary modes of informal urbanism will be mapped
through a survey of the city’s public spaces. A series of vignettes offers a portrayal
of the diverse ways in which residents have constructed an alternative order.
The overall aim is to construct a ‘narrative of informality’ – a view from below
offering a more substantive assessment of people’s interaction with, and relation
to, the built environment. The paper begins with a theoretical framework aiming at
situating the study within the overall discourse known as ‘informal urbanism’ and
the study of the everyday which, while prevalent to various degrees within urban
theory, has been receiving renewed emphasis. The overall value for mapping such
activities both at the level of urban theory and for the urban development of Abu
Dhabi is discussed in the conclusion.