This paper investigates major issues relating to tourism development strategy in the UAE, especially Dubai, which is the best-known and the fastest-growing tourist area in the Middle East.
Abstract This paper explains that the UAE is endowed with an extensive coastline fringed by white sandy beaches and a varied landscape suitable for a wide variety of activities from powerboat races to sand skiing to golf . The author suggests that, to draw more tourists to stay longer, increase spending, and make repeat visits, efforts need to be intensified to represent Dubai and UAE as exotic places with year-round events filled with a carnival atmosphere. This requires a well-planned and widely publicized tourism calendar throughout the year and well in advance. The paper stresses that tourism must be placed high on the national agenda and be given the same status as expor-oriented and infrastructure industry.
Table of Content
Background to Research Study
An Overview
Research Area of Study
Recent Development
Research Aim and Objectives + Research Questions
Research Aim
Layout of the Dissertation
Tourism Planning and Development
The History of Tourism Planning and Development in the Gulf Region
Sustainability and Tourism Development in the Middle East
Tourism as National Income Provider in Gulf States
Case Study Dubai, UAE and Middle East
History of Dubai and UAE as Tourist Destinations
Changes in Tourism Development in Dubai, UAE and Middle East
Reason for the Increase In Tourism Development of Dubai Winning Combination
Quality of the Infrastructure
Increase in the number of Visitors
Better Partnership between Public And Private Sectors
Government Policy
Growth in Service Sectors
Germany as a Market
Expansion of Parking Bays at the Airports
Dubailand
Growth in the Non-Oil GDP
Oil Contribution
The Importance of Tourism for Dubai as a Secondary Source of Income
Obstacles to Future Tourism Development in Dubai and UAE
Changing Outlook
Transportation Network
Renovation of Tourism Product
Other Measures
From the Paper "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation, consisting of seven tribally based emirates that lead the southeastern portion of the Arabian Peninsula south of Bahrain and Qatar. The federation covers 83,600 square kilometers and geographically it is enclosed on the north by the Persian Gulf and Iran, on the east by Oman, and on the south and west by Saudi Arabia. Its geographical locations separate Oman from its territory on the Musandam peninsula and extend 90 kilometers along the Gulf of Oman, an area known as the al-Batinah coast. The curse of the nature in the form of arid desert and salt flats are visible everywhere. However, Arabs are not a frustrated lot due to arid climates and blessed in the form of oil reserves by the Mother Nature. They are blessed with mountains in the northeast that rise to 1,200 meters. Due to low rainfall, there are few fertile areas except in the north and among the oases."
A review of the debate surrounding Dubai Ports World running ports in New York and New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Miami, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Abstract This paper takes a look at the agreement between the USA and UAE to allow the Dubai Ports World to run key U.S. seaports. The paper reports that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), approved the deal on January 17, 2006 after DP World gave assurances that employee lists and other information would be made available.
Outline:
The Debate
The Fight for Ports
History and Background
The Role of Dubai Dubai Ports
What's The Problem
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
From the Paper "According to the US government Dubai is a major shipping hub with a large free-trade zone. What makes this place so interesting is its close proximity to countries of concern in the US; countries on the "weapons of mass destruction" side. Logistically Dubai is only 100 miles of he southern Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. The US has a vested interest in keeping commodities that can be used for nuclear triggers out of trade. Some of these dual use commodities are gas monitors and software. Traders of these products are able to mark up products by 40%, whether the sale is legal or not. When the US found out that American made spark gaps and high speed medical device switches that are used to break up kidney stones were being shipped to end users in Dubai, the commercial capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) , they knew an issue for debate was on the table. At the UAE, trading activity accounts for the biggest single chunk (16.5%) of a $20 billion economy and has become a favorite diversion point on the Persian Gulf for unlikely cargo. With no export controls and hardly any legislative bureaucracy this free zone presents an excellent cover for , airports and free smugglers hoping to bypass U.S. embargoes."
Tags: smuggling, trade, development, intelligence, agencies, al-Qaeda, terrorists, U.S., Navy
Abstract This paper discusses how Dubai is the acknowledged regional center for business and expatriate living and is unique in a region that is more familiar as a hardship world. It proposes a study for exporting Glen Sporran, a premium, single malt scotch whisky that can only be made within Scotland and therefore cannot be distilled in local joint ventures.
Outline
The Product
The Target Country
Major Features of the Country
Culture
Major Market Opportunities
Conventional Patterns of Physical Distribution
How does the British Exporter Ship to Dubai Cultural Factors in Negotiation
Implicit Barriers
Overall Recommendation
References
From the Paper "The economic modernization program implemented by Sheikh Rashid has furthered Dubai's history as "The City of Merchants, and secured its position as a meeting place where doing business is surprisingly easy. Dubai is a westernized, commercial hub supported by modern infrastructure: reliable communication and transportation networks@ (Chandler, 1996, 88). As Chandler suggests, ATrade in Dubai has changed significantly from the time when wooden dhows delivered cargo from Iran, India, and Africa."
Abstract This paper reviews the history of Dubai and discusses how the current architectural restructuring of Dubai fits the mold of the emerging global economy of the third millennium by possessing the capacity to generate substantial profit from its modern wonders of the world.
From the Paper "Economically, more gradual changes have been coming about since the mid-1900s: "In the 18th century, Dubai was a small fishing and trading village inhabited by members of the Bani Yas." Essentially, life had remained relatively unaltered for these people for over two millennia; this began to change when the Al Maktaum family settled the area in 1833 and put a number of coastal towns under their control. Only two years later the Al Maktaum's signed the "Perpetual Maritime Truce" with the United Kingdom, and two decades later it became an official protectorate of the imperialistic nation. During this period trade expanded primarily through the export of pearls, and the city became inhabited by a majority of Indian tradesmen. International trade increased significantly when oil reserves were discovered in 1966 and concessions were made to foreign investors. In the 1970's and 80's, "Dubai and its twin across the Dubai creek, Deira (independent at that time), became important ports of call for Western manufacturers. Most of the new city's banking and financial centers were headquartered in this area." Gold also became an intrinsic part of the economy in Dubai, since the city has a free trade in gold and the commodity is restricted in India. Overall, since the arrival of the Al Maktaum's, Dubai has become a largely foreign settlement for traders of virtually all kinds; its unprecedented growth is clearly the result of an expanding international economy."
Abstract This paper presents an exploration of the hotel industry in Dubai. The paper examines the industry as a whole, the changes that have taken place over the past decade and the effect of globalization on the hotel trade.
From the Paper "Social custom dictates that handshakes are an important part of greeting someone. In addition the Arab custom believes that one should not address a woman unless one has been properly introduced to that woman. The hotel industry has worked to accommodate both the Arab culture and the western culture within their guests. Offering alcohol to an Arab is considered offensive if one is not positive that the Arab drinks, however, in western civilization offering a drink is considered a mark of politeness. The Dubai hotel industry has had to incorporate ways to offer drinks without offending any guests.
Ramadan is the most revered holiday among Muslims and it is considered extremely offensive to eat, drink or smoke in front a Muslim from sunup to sun down during that time frame. The Dubai hotel industry has devised methods to allow non Muslim guests to partake in food and beverage without offending the Muslim locals and guests. "
Abstract This paper provides an in-depth look at Dubai, beginning with a description of its physical makeup and population. The paper also describes the businesses that have prospered there and the threats that exist.
Outline:
Population Boom and Its Effects
Living Conditions in the MENA Region
Major Environmental Threats
Adverse Political Impact
Effects on the Young and the Old
From the Paper "Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates composing the United Arab Emirates (WWF 2005). It is found in the Southern shore of the Arabian. Dubai has a land area of approximately 3,900 square kilometers. One of the richest of the Gulf States, the Emirate of Dubai has been enjoying unprecedented prosperity and prominence in tending to tourists in search of the sun and five-star hotel service (Airguide Online 2005). It has the most to offer as a tourist destination in comparison to the six severe Emirates. As it is, Dubai's population is projected to increase to 3 million or more than double in 12 years. It is fabulously wealthy and possesses all the essential characteristics of the first world yet altogether different. Its monarchy, which is headed by Abu Dhabi, still strictly controls expatriates, such as in the consumption of alcohol. Expatriates bring in large revenues and knowledge to Dubai and also constitute the largest part of its population. They patronize its beaches, world-class hotels and sports activities. A consequence of its enormous tourism level, oil was predicted to run dry in a few years (Airguide Online)..
One of the things, which keep getting bigger in this Emirate, is the very successful Dubai Duty Free business (Airguide Online 2005). It is now the largest in the world, growing at 32% a year and with sales reaching $500 million and projected to reach $1 billion in 2008. In 2003 alone, 18 million passengers used the Dubai International Airport. This figure was projected to reach 21.5 million and to rise to 60 million by 2010. Dubai has evolved into a pulsating and exciting city. It keeps on adding something new and more exciting list of attractions (Airguide Online)."
This paper examines the development of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and specifically as related to development stimulated with the Free Trade Zones in Dubai.
Abstract The paper explores Dubai's modern development, foreign direct investment and innovative, rapid and expansive growth in only a short period of time. The paper provides an extensive literature review that depicts Dubai as the new mega-city of the future. The paper concludes that the Free Tax Zones have been a strategic genius and successful tactic in driving the growth and development of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Outline:
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: The Study
From the Paper "The Jebel Ali port has doubled in size and a new international airport constructed. Dubai launched its stock market two years ago and is stated to be one of the "telling signs of Dubai's long-term goal of positioning itself as the central economic hubs between London and Singapore." (Zacks, 2007) Zack relates that the true "...genius of Dubai" is its beginnings as one of the Arabian Gulf states with the least resource base as the oil reserves of the 1960s were modest however, presently only approximately 5% of the GDP in Dubai is oil compared to over 50% in 1980. Dubai has five million tourists annually and has an economy growing by approximately 16 percent annually. Approximately sixty percent of the 1.4 million population in Dubai are guest workers from South Asia who earn approximately, "two to three times the average income in their home countries...growing by four percent every year." (Zacks, 2007) "
Abstract This paper contends that the changing economic climate has had various impacts on the process of urban development in the United Arab Emirates' cities. The paper presents a research proposal to assess urban development options through a case study of urban projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, such as Palm Island in Dubai and Lulua Island in Abu Dhabi. The conceptual framework is the regulation theory.
Outline
Introduction
Objective
Findings of Importance
Methodology
Literature Review
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Just twenty years ago Dubai was a small trading port. The nineteenth century witnessed growth in the village when the Bani Yas tribe, in the number of around 800 individuals settled in Dubai. By the first of the 20th century Dubai had begun to witness settlers coming from Baluchistan, Iran and India due to the fact that Dubai contained 350 shops and was gaining in prosperity by this time. Dubai was said to be a "natural haven" (History of Dubai Online) for those who left Lingah, on the Persian coast. The Indian population that had made Dubai their home were active merchants and the village gained a "cosmopolitan atmosphere as well as an air of tolerance" and this began to draw more foreigners to the region. During the 1930's approximately one-fourth of the population were not native citizens or the amount of 20,000 member of the population plus, 2,000 Persians and 1,000 Baluchis."
Abstract The paper explores the economic transformation of Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait and Israel. The paper shows how these leading examples are creating a new, major and positive economic influence, within the new order of the Middle East, that will influence the global economy. The paper reveals that the most challenging part of change needed to support the continued growth of the Middle East lies on the political front.
Outline:
Introduction and Overview
Oil Based Economies
Saudi Arabia's Rise
The Dubai Model
The Qatar Model
The Israeli Model
Competitive Edge
Tourism Strategy
Banking Development
Communication and Technological Developments
Media and Press
Critique of the Region
Conclusions
From the Paper "The Middle East attained its world economic importance due to the vast reserves of oil and natural gas in the region. The economies of most these countries were enhanced, either directly or indirectly, by the economic foundation of the vast oil resources in the region. However, with the passage of time and particularly since the late 1960s, the region has established its own peculiar identity in the global economy."
"The transformation of a region known for it natural resources and credited with providing energy for much of the world, has seen the emergence of an economic complex not totally dependent on oil. Saudi Arabia serves as good example of this economic diversification. While Saudi Arabia is well-known as the world's largest exporters of crude oil, however"...hydrocarbons are not the only significant part of the kingdom's fast expanding diversifying economy in which the non-oil industrial sector grew by an estimated 10 per cent in 2006." ( Saudi non-oil exports build new economy)."
Abstract The paper attempts to provide an environmental and competitive assessment of Rashid Hospital in Dubai. The paper's analysis includes an assessment of the external environment of Rashid Hospital, an analysis of the internal environment of the organization, an assessment of Rashid Hospital using Porter's five forces model, a checklist for linking strategic alternatives to situational analysis and finally a discussion of specific methods Rashid Hospital can use in evaluating alternative technologies. The paper explains that these five assessments will serve to accurately define the competitive position of today and potential strategies in the future for Rashid Hospital.
Outline:
Executive Summary
External Environment Assessment
Internal Environment
Porter's Five Forces Model Applied to Rashid Hospital
Linking Strategic Alternatives with the Situational Analysis
Discussion of the Specific Methods to Evaluate Strategies
From the Paper "Rashid Hospital is the premier medical facility for treating emergency, trauma, critical care and ambulatory needs of residents and non-residents of the Emirates of Dubai (UAE). The hospital has created a series of additional practices, all aimed at delivering greater service and value to the surrounding community. One of the greatest potentials for growth for Rashid Hospital is in creating programs that address the healthcare needs of international visitors. The breadth of service offerings from Rashid Hospital is a competitive strength and also an unrealized profit center in the context of serving the needs of tourists and expatriates visiting or living in the Emirate."
Abstract The paper analyzes the drivers of economic growth in Israel, Qatar, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and analyzes these strategies according to a set of indicators which indicate the future trajectory of these countries' growth rates and the sources for this economic growth. The paper argues that disparities in income between these countries and future prospects for growth depend more on human capital development, protection of private property and individual rights and development of appropriate infrastructure than the amount of natural wealth they have developed. The paper concludes that these countries will continue to enjoy significant growth rates excluding Saudi Arabia, that will continue to struggle despite high demand and high prices for its primary extractive resources.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Review of Literature
Literacy Men and Women
Unemployment Rate
Investment
GDP per Capita (PPP)
Demographic Factors
Economic Policies: Measuring the Factors for Growth
Saudi Arabia: Cautionary Example
Measurements of Growth
Conclusion
From the Paper "There is a good deal more literature about war and peace in the Middle East than there is about their economic underpinnings. The governments of Dubai and Israel have a fairly sophisticated government statistical service, which reports a good deal of financial information. This is not as true in the other three countries, perhaps as an offshoot of their focus on extractive industries, and partially due to the small size of those countries.
"A good place to start is with the fundamental economic and demographic statistics for each country. The Economist and the World Bank publish yearly updates on key measurements in these countries. Of particular interest are three measures today: literacy levels for men and women, and GDP per head (CIA, 2007)."
Abstract This paper looks at every aspect of the oil industry in the Persian Gulf, using United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the specific case study to examine the affects of oil production and its transportation on the environment in the UAE.
The Table of Contents:
Introduction
Nature of Drilling in the United Arab Emirates
The Political and Social Organization of the United Arab Emirates
History of the UAE as a Nation-State
The Geography of the Persian Gulf as a Whole
Temperature, Climate, and Topography of the Land
The Ecological History of the Persian Gulf
Pollution Related to Oil Production and Transportation
Strategies for Improvement
Steps Being Taken
Steps to Take
Conclusions
From the Paper "This does not mean that accidents are not of any concern of the UAE. There is a recognition significant future potential for oil-related accidents. The danger from oil spills is a worldwide problem and the Gulf presents a uniquely challenging environmental situation. There is a high level of traffic through the waters of the UAE by oil tankers and other shipping rigs. Since the Gulf War of 1991, the waters of the UAE have suffered from a number of significant oil spills within the country's recent historical, collective memory. Most of these spills were accidental but the intentional release of Kuwaiti oil by the Iraqis at the end of the War raised serious concerns within the borders of the UAE as to the potential for spilling oil as a war-related tactic. This act gained the attention of all of the Gulf States, convincing them that they should take immediate steps to prevent damage from oil spills in the future. In this case, the political instability of the region acted as a "wake up" call to all of the Gulf nations. (Zeitoun and Goudsouzian, 2001: 150) The most recent spill occurred when an Iraqi tanker called the Zainab, a container ship smuggling Iraqi crude, sank in April of 2001. It was carrying over one million gallons of Iraqi fuel and 300 tons of fuel oil when it sank off the port of Jebel Ali, south of Dubai. (Zeitoun and Goudsouzian, 2001: 150) The spill spread oil along the Sharjah, Dubai, and Ajam coast. Beaches were fouled, and local Ajmani authorities closed the emirate's main desalination water plant as a precaution against pollution. This caused significant water shortages. (Zeitoun and Goudsouzian, 2001: 150; "Gulf Tanker Spill Under Control": MSNBC.COM)"
Abstract Glen Sporran is a premium, single malt scotch whisky that can only be made within Scotland. Because of this, the liquor cannot be distilled in local joint ventures, and the product must be exported
From the Paper "Feasibility Analysis Of Exporting Glen Sporran into Dubai
1. The Product
Glen Sporran is a premium, single malt scotch whisky that can only be made within Scotland. Because of this, the liquor cannot be distilled in local joint ventures, and the product must be exported.
2. The Target Country
Dubai. and the other nation/states of the United Arab Emirates, is centrally located close to the mouth of the Persian Gulf and is a portal center for oil producers like Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia to the rest of..."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the variety of ways globalization has impacted the economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), its social systems, and its culture. The paper also explains how the impact of globalization has been both positive and negative and details how it has affected the role and position of women in UAE society.
The Economic Impact -- An Overview
Impact of Globalization on the Social System of the UAE
Role of Women in the Wake of Globalization and Liberalization
Cultural Impact of Globalization
From the Paper "The Arab world has long been the source of oil and natural gas to the entire world. In being so the emirate has thrived for long as a world leader and a conglomerate of oil rich nations. Globalization has on its part been a source of extensive influence in many different spheres; economically, socially, politically, culturally or militarily. Largely a desert dominated topography, the nations of the United Arab Emirates have thrived on oil and energy related foreign trade that has bolstered their economic and political status across the globe and has placed them on par with superpowers of the world as in the likes of the United States, The United Kingdom, and The European Union and so on. The vast and untapped potential hidden in the expanses of the desert hemisphere has long been the focal point of observation and interest of many a western nation who wanted to play a dominant role in exerting its presence in the region."
Abstract This paper discusses and compares the use of oil revenues in various oil-rich Middle Eastern countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, Bahrain and Abu Dhabai. The paper studies how the various countries fund -- or chose not to fund -- social welfare programs. The paper examines how the use of oil revenues impact issues of state ownership over social welfare programs, as well as political and religious tensions.
Tags: oil, rentier states, OPEC, Middle East, social welfare
