Dubai must grow up

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So there's going to be some green standards in Dubai. This followed news that the RIBA were planning to open up an office in the region in an attempt to bring some restraint in design. I'm tempted to laugh slightly wildly on both counts, given the task ahead. On the sustainable side, sure this this is tilting at windmills somewhat? After all, the region is selling itself off the back off a massive airport, has dwindling water supplies and seems to work on the following principle - develop first, think later.

There is a strong case the those behind the phenomenal growth of Dubai to grow up. The region has undoubted strengths and ambitions, but long term thinking and mature examination are not two of them. A thoughtful piece in yesterday's Times underlines the challenge for Dubai. It says that the expansion of Dubai proves that the Middle East is not "a basket case" but to be a model for the region and the world Dubai "must continue to invest in integrity". Couldn't agree more.

Comments

[Matthew]

This is a country made rich in the 60s by the West's thirst for oil. In the 80s the prince realised his country would run out of oil, so in order to secure some kind of prosperity in the future he embarked on the "millionaire's playground" tourism project.

Now we're suddenly so concerned over carbon emissions in the West, the prince's plans are immature and lack long term vision?

It is easy to accuse Dubai of "develop first, think later" but what would you do? What does "invest in integrity" mean in reality?

Are you so convinced that our response to climate change is mature and long term?

[Phil Clark]

Point taken Matthew. People in glass/solar panelled houses and all that. I suppose it's a similar issue to China, and probably a bit more mannered/subtle than I put it over as. But I do think Dubai has some fundamental issues it has to address in how or whether it should grow.

[Matthew]

Apologies if that comment came across hostile. Agree re: growth.

Thanks for the article on Benn / "green homes services" btw.

[Phil Clark]

They didn't sound hostile at all Matthew. Often you can put forward an opinion on stuff and a couple of hours later have a very different view on things, backed up by reaction by sharp readers. It's one of the strange things about doing a blog.