Identity Challenge and the impact of modernity in Urban Tourism:

Case of Dubai

Research Aim:
The research intends to study the mental image formed in tourists’ minds when they see such a dramatic contrast in architectural styles, as well as to solicit public opinions and feedback from Emiratis and residents on how they “receive” and “perceive” these significant architectural changes.

Research Questions:
1. Was Dubai capable of forging a strong and distinct identity?
2. Is modernity jeopardizing the Emirati identity?
3. What was the first-time visitor’s impression of the UAE’s identity?
4. What is the mental image formed in their minds; the moment they saw this
massive difference of architectural style?
5. Were they able to say that these buildings represent Dubai’s heritage?
6. What policies and procedures could be put in place to improve the efficiency of applying the heritage architectural components in the country?