Knowledge is Key

Madar Research Group published this week a comprehensive study of the UAE Knowledge Economy. The study is focused primarily on technology and how the UAE can continue to develop a local knowledge base to facilitate the further growth of this sector of the economy. Visit the Madar Research web site to download the study.

The Israel-Lebanon Conflict

Following the current conflict in Lebanon I have been learning more about the UAE's foreign policy especially as it relates to sensitive regional issues like the Palestinian question, Hezbollah and Israeli military operations. The most consistent news item related to the UAE and Lebanon has been the UAE commitment of various forms of aid, directly through the government or via the UAE chapter of the Red Crescent. Today, however, UAE Interact reports on more direct statements by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on an official visit to Morocco.

Elle Middle East

Hachette Filipacchi Medias will publish a Middle East edition of Elle with editorial content that will "mix the East and the West in fashion" according to publisher Desiree Sadek. The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the launch and the overall climate for luxury brand development and advertising in the region.

UNESCO sites

The emirate of Dubai announced ambitious plans for restoring up to 320 historical buildings. Gulf News reports that in parallel to continued growth of new developments, the conservation efforts will "protect historical buildings and archeological sites in the country."

War and Markets

While the conflict in Lebanon weighs on global markets, the Dubai stock exchange has fared well over the past two weeks. The Wall Street Journal reports today that after a large correction earlier this year, the Dubai Financial Market has remained stable throughout the conflict, in part due to local support for higher oil prices, the inverse sentiment from that of Western investors.

Dallas Austin

Knowledge of and opinions about places often form through celebrity visits (think Angelina Jolie and Namibia). In the case of Dubai, the recent drama involving Dallas Austin and his arrest on cocaine possession at Dubai International Airport attracted attention to the emirate and the UAE legal system.

Poetry and Leadership

The poetry of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum provides a very interesting lens through which to relate to a more nuanced conception of Dubai. As much of his work deals with themes of nationalism, Arabism and state challenges like poverty, his work adds depth to the philosophy and world view of the ruling family of this prosperous emirate.

The Dubai Art Scene

In anticipation of my year in Dubai, I have often wondered what kind of "culture" I will discover there. While the Guggenheim just announced plans for a Gehry-designed museum in Abu Dhabi, Dubai appears to have a burgeoning art scene of its own. The Third Line, a converted warehouse in the city's industrial area, shows work from contemporary local artists.

New York skyline

While I am studying Dubai's skyline and more specifically, how Dubai has been "place branded" to attract investment from outside interests, I had to share an article from late last year in the New York Times. It reports on the royal family of Dubai purchasing 230 Park Avenue and the Essex House, two "crown jewels" of New York real estate. It strikes me as an interesting extention of the idea of place branding, as ultimately such a move only heightens the emirate's visibility, in this case among New York real estate circles.

Trump brands in Dubai

Donald Trump and the UAE development group Nakeel will partner to build up to 17 Trump "branded" towers, with the first developments slated to rise at The Palm, Jumeirah.

The Economist - Dubai does aid, too

In the 5/13/06 issue, The Economist presents an unexpected twist on Dubai's growing prominence as a regional economic hub. In addition to multi-national corporations, NGOs and other aid organizations are setting up headquarters in Dubai, in part due to its geographic proximity to Asia and Africa.

The New Yorker Art & Architecture Issue

In the 10/17/05 issue, Ian Parker writes that "Dubai is an advertisement for a city, as much as a city itself..." A very interesting perspective on how speculation fuels growth and intrigue from outsiders. Overall, the article provides insight to the cultural nuances underlying the construction of the Dubai skyline.

Doha as the next Dubai?

The capital city of Qatar was featured on the front page of the New York Times Travel section, adding to the intrigue in the USA about the luxury resorts in this part of the world. While one might assume that Doha and Dubai would have to differentiate themselves from one another to both succeed, Doha appears to be marching towards a similar identity to Dubai, which many Americans have already nicknamed the "Vegas of the Middle East."

Settling on a blog name

I struggled for a few weeks to decide on a name for my blog. I finally settled on Pearl of Dubai. I was reading about the history of pearling in and around Dubai and it made me think about the broader history of this section of the Persian Gulf coastline as an economic and trade center. Many people (including me) falsely assumed that Dubai just emerged one day from the desert sands. To the contrary, pearling and other forms of trade made this region a robust economic center even before the discovery of oil. One of my favorite reference sites UAE Interact can give more detail on this topic.