In the heart of the Gulf, a quiet revolution is underway, one that is reshaping the very essence of historic cities and sending ripples through the energy sector. As the world grapples with the challenges of globalization, these cities are at a crossroads, torn between the allure of modern urban development and the imperative to preserve their rich cultural heritage. A recent study, published in the *Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering* (translated from Japanese as 亜細亜建築学会論文集), sheds light on this complex dynamic, coining a new term that encapsulates the phenomenon: “Gulf’orification.”
Led by Saad Hanif, an associate professor at Eastern Mediterranean University, the research delves into the urban regeneration initiatives of three historic Gulf cities: the Pearling Path in Muharraq, Bahrain; Msheireb in Doha, Qatar; and Al Mureijah in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Hanif and his team adopted an inductive comparative case study approach, analyzing documents, synthesizing literature, and scrutinizing promotional campaigns to understand the impact of international recognition on urban regeneration.
The study reveals a strong correlation between the pursuit of international nominations, such as those from the Creative City Network, Aga Khan Awards, and ISESCO, and urban regeneration initiatives that prioritize heritage spectacle over conservation. “We found that the drive for urban branding often leads to a ‘Gulf’orification’ process,” Hanif explains. “This is a branding-led urban regeneration where historic cities are not just revived aesthetically but are also valorized using international recognition to produce a symbolic elevation of heritage.”
This elevation, however, comes at a cost. The quest for UNESCO designation and inter-city economic competition often overshadows the need for genuine heritage conservation. The implications for the energy sector are significant. As these cities transform, they attract investment and tourism, diversifying their economies away from oil and gas. This shift could potentially mitigate the impact of energy sector volatility on these regional economies.
The study’s findings suggest that future urban regeneration projects in the Gulf should strike a balance between commercial interests and cultural preservation. “The goal should be to create a sustainable model that respects the past while embracing the future,” Hanif asserts. This could involve integrating renewable energy solutions into heritage sites, creating a unique selling point that appeals to both investors and tourists.
As the Gulf region continues to evolve, the concept of “Gulf’orification” offers a lens through which to view the complex interplay between urban branding, heritage conservation, and economic diversification. The study’s insights could shape future developments, ensuring that the region’s historic cities continue to thrive, both culturally and commercially.