Author(s)

M.A. Haggag

Abstract

The western influence on traditional Arab cities: with particular reference to Dubai, UAE M. A. Haggag Department of Architectural Engineering, UAE University Abstract During the past few decades, Arab countries have been successful in gaining political independence. This independence has been accelerated by their economic strength and fast urban development. In the cultural domain, however, western concepts and ideologies have been adopted, which to some extent contradict the traditional way of life. There is a concern that in most modem Arabic societies, the conflicts arising from this situation have rarely been seriously debated. Many practical decisions, which ultimately affect the structure of society, education and administration systems, and the shaping of the physical environment, are taken largely according to western ideologies. In many cases, major planning policies, development strategies, and even legal codes follow western models. Moreover, large-scale projects have been imported

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