Petro-dollars are fueling the tiny emirate's ambitions to become one of the world's top commercial and tourist destinations. Experts wonder if Dubai's blazing growth is sustainable.
"With ambitions to become a hub of global commerce, a top tourist destination and a shopping mecca --- a New York/Las Vegas/Miami rolled into one --- Dubai has spent tens of billions of dollars to build an astonishing modern city nearly from scratch in a mere 15 years. Some $45 billion worth of real estate under construction continues the boom."
"This tiny emirate is currently building the tallest skyscraper, the largest shopping mall and the biggest theme park in the world. And that's just on land. Immense formations of man-made islands shaped like palm trees and world continents are rising out of the turquoise waters of the gulf."
"In using its strategic location and oil revenues as springboards to modernize, diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, Dubai's leaders see their Rhode Island-sized nation as a role model for development in the Arab world."
FULL STORY: Dubai: Big Dreams in the Desert
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.
San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.
Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.
Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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