Does Middle East architecture lack Arab influence?

Dubai Skyline

One look at the Dubai skyline and it's easy to forget your in the Middle East. The same goes for Abu Dhabi. Two cities with cityscapes heavily influenced by the high reaching architecture of the modern West and Asia, and both would not look out of place in either.

Dubai is a perfect example of how such architecture is indicative of the economic ambitions in the region, but should the people of the Middle East be concerned that their future will lack an Arab identity?

About 13 of the world's 100 tallest skyscrapers are located in Dubai, which also hosts 53 skyscrapers that have exceeded 180 metres in height, according to available statistics. When all the announced 100-plus-storey towers are completed, Dubai will host more than half of the world's total "super-tall skyscrapers." The centre-piece of all this construction activity will be the 818-metre-tall, 160 floor Burj Dubai.

But there is a distinct lack of Arab culture and heritage, and there is a real danger these cities will one day lose their Arabic identity all together - as far as the outside is concerned.

The problem comes with some Middle Eastern government's obsession with rapid growth as they try and catch up with the rest of the world's financial hubs.

"Because Dubai grew so quickly, the historical aspects of the city got missed out," said Zinon Marinakos, director of DSA Architects International - the company which tried to retain some of Dubai's Arabic culture and heritage in designing Madinat Jumeirah, The Old Town in Burj Dubai Downtown and the Royal Mirage Hotel and Resort.

"If Dubai or Abu Dhabi wants to retain or regain the Arabic heritage and culture, the authorities should impose such regulations or identify districts where Arabic-inspired architecture would thrive and that will re-balance the city's landscape and strengthen the Arabic design elements."

However, it remains a matter of opinion. Places of Arabic heritage are present throughout the Middle East, and many see no harm in reflecting the modern world in the region's most important architecture - architecture built for the future.

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