Introduction
Historically, the UAE used to have a variety of issues concerning housing projects. Othman (2008) stresses that numerous projects were unsustainable and inefficient. At present, the governments of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have announced that a number of initiatives will commence (Sheikh Zayed housing programme 2013).
For instance, the government is committed to provide each Emirati family with a proper house (Emirati housing programmes 2013). Eligible Emirati citizens will be able to get more than Dh3bn in loans (Malek 2013). It is also necessary to note that the construction will be held in terms of social, cultural and environmental sustainability (Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2013).
Admittedly, this is a positive initiative that will lead to development and sustainability in the society. For instance, a member of the FNC (Federal National Council), Dr Qubaisi claimed that the housing programme could provide “the society and people of the UAE and Abu Dhabi with stability” (Malek 2013).
It is also necessary to add that such projects as artificial islands reveal the existing trend, i.e. the desire to astonish and attract people. Of course, Emirati people welcome the new initiatives. However, there are certain concerns.
Issues and Concerns
For instance, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been changed considerably. The two emirates have become more modern and efficient. For instance, the city of Masdar can be regarded as an illustration of the government’s commitment. The city is the first carbon-free urban area and it is an example of sustainable development (Stilwell & Lindabury 2008).
Admittedly, such comprehensive projects can help solve numerous urban issues, e.g. energy shortage, overpopulation. Nonetheless, such projects are still being discussed as long-term effects of such cities are rather obscure. At the same time, they have been losing cultural heritage and roots as Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi are becoming similar to any other western city.
Lots of tourists are attracted and constructing companies tend to adopt western approaches. Apart from cultural heritage, the development of the two emirates has led to the increase in real estate prices (Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2013). Notably, the government of the UAE is trying to control the prices.
Importantly, the government has succeeded to slow down the rise of the prices, but the real estate costs are still very high (Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2013). Admittedly, a number of factors affect the rise of prices. However, it is important to consider the extent to which the housing development has affected the real-estate pricing.
To evaluate effectiveness of the housing development in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it can be fruitful to compare it with the similar projects held in Singapore. At present, Singapore is seen as one of the best places to live in Asia (Deng, Li & Quigley 2012). However, in the 1960s living standards were really low. Notably, the government of Singapore have developed urban infrastructure considerably since 1960s (Phang 2007).
Thousands of people were able to own their houses, which has positively affected the development of the society. Deng, Li and Quigley (2012) also note that urban development in Singapore has proved to be efficient due to sustainable policies introduced. Remarkably, there were concerns about cultural heritage in Singapore (Phang 2007). However, people have acknowledged the benefits of the programme held.
Therefore, it is important to compare the two housing programmes to detect certain flaws or limitations of housing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Thus, it will help diminish certain concerns as people will see the long-term benefits of the programs.
Research Ideas and Aims
The major aim of the present research is to consider the development of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It is necessary to note that the present research is relevant as the housing projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have not been explored in detail. The number of researches devoted to the development of housing is insufficient. There is certain analysis of separate projects.
For instance, Othman (2008) focuses on efficiency of several projects implemented in the region. Such projects as Masdar will also be considered in the present research. Nonetheless, development of Abu Dhabi and Dubai needs a holistic approach as it will ensure sustainability. It is crucial to evaluate the development in the region as it will understand whether an effective approach has been chosen.
As some projects have already been implemented, it is possible to evaluate their effectiveness. Those developments which have been inefficient should be improved, so that the government could employ more effective and comprehensive approaches.
More so, it is crucial to facilitate the discussion of the issues related to the housing projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The present research will address the major advantages and shortcomings of the housing development, which can encourage researchers as well as officials to focus on the existing issues.
Research Strategies
For the present research, secondary research techniques will be employed. In the first place, the present research will include an account of the history of housing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This will help estimate effectiveness of housing projects and opportunities for further development.
The research will focus on the numerous effects the development in the region has made throughout decades. The present research will be based on an in-depth analysis of existing literature on the matter. Books, scholarly journals, newspapers articles, governmental reports will be exploited. Apart from providing the necessary data on the matter, this approach will help identify the gaps in the study.
The present research will also include analysis of statistical data. Importantly, the statistical data will help identify the effectiveness of the development strategies exploited in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Thus, it will be clear whether the development can make the difference and positively affect the Emirati society.
Qualitative data will help understand the public opinion on the effectiveness of the development in the region. Admittedly, public opinion has certain impact and the government takes into account the standpoint of the Emirati people.
Data Collection
As has been mentioned above secondary research methods will be employed. Quantitative research will be based on analysis of statistical data. The statistical data will be extracted from SCAD (Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi) and National Bureau of Statistics. The rest of information will be taken from a variety of academic sources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to note that the present research will evaluate the efficiency of the development in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The research will highlight such aspects as history, impact on environment and cultural heritage, social and economic effects of the development. More importantly, it will reveal major gaps in the study and will also facilitate further research on the matter.
Timeline
Reference List
Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2013, ‘Building a sustainable future’. Web.
Deng, Y., Li, Z. & Quigley, J. M. 2012, ‘Economic returns to energy-efficient investments in the housing market: evidence from Singapore’, Regional Science and Urban Economics, vol. 42. no. 1, pp. 506-515.
Emirati housing programmes 2013. Web.
Malek, C. 2013, ‘Abu Dhabi development: executive council approves Dh15.8bn on housing and infrastructure projects‘, The National.
Othman, A. A. E. 2008, ‘Incorporating value and risk management concepts in developing low cost housing projects’, Emirates Journal of Engineering Research, vol. 13. no. 1, pp. 45-52.
Phang, S. Y. 2007, ‘The Singapore model of housing and the welfare state’, Research Collection of Economics, vol. 596, pp. 15-46.
Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme. 2013. Web.
Stilwell, B. & Lindabury, S. 2008, Evaluating the world’s most sustainable city. Web.