ABSTRACT
To a large extent recent, urbanization in the Gulf region has been shaped by the distinctive roles of local governance and extensive international migration. New models of governance, such as urban entrepreneurialism and various forms of public–private partnerships, are newly adopted approaches to face the conceived necessity to stimulate urban growth and to position Gulf cities within global markets. Gulf cities have turned overnight into some of the world’s largest building sites initiated by new visions to establish emerging hubs in global networks which are being put into reality by guest workers and foreign expertise.
Keywords: Urbanism; Gulf cities; migration; global networks; foreign expertise.
