ABSTRACT
The small Arab states on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf, which gained their independence in the 1970s, have managed to turn themselves in their self-declared capacity as also post-oil economic giants into prime motors of the wider region that are emulated elsewhere and that are of salient impact on the global scale. Referring to a socio-economic project in its own right, the term Arab Gulf is not an established geographical entity but rather a political, programmatic, brandish and utopian one. The emirate Dubai, as the most prominent member of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), appeared to be leading the construction race, at least until the financial crisis. The construction of artificial islands, theme parks and prestige sport facilities has attracted considerable attention. The struggle for recognition is taking place on different levels and between various actors in the urban arena.
