Modernity Meets Identity: Urban and Social Transformation in Gulf Cities

Abstract

This study examines the transformative role of urban structures in Gulf cities as agents of social change, aiming to understand how globalization and oil-driven urbanization have shaped their socio-cultural dynamics and built environments. Using Appadurai’s theoretical framework of “scapes,” the research explores key aspects such as architectural evolution, governance, and the integration of tradition and modernity. Methodologically, it employs a comparative analysis of Gulf cities, utilizing urban planning documents, historical analysis, and socio-spatial theories to investigate the reciprocal relationship between physical urban forms and social processes. The results highlight challenges such as socio-economic disparities, cultural negotiation, and environmental sustainability, while showcasing the diverse urban trajectories of Gulf cities shaped by global and local influences. The study concludes that Gulf cities exemplify the complexities of modern urbanization, contributing to the field by providing insights into the dynamic interplay of global forces and local identities in urban development.