ABSTRACT
Since the mid-1950s, Arab nations have taken increasing control over not only their own destiny and sovereignty but also their culture. The mid2000s in particular witnessed an unprecedented pace of development that transformed the urban scene in contemporary Gulf cities. Economic growth in the Gulf States of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia is happening at extreme speed, with results both familiar and spectacular: ultra-modern cities, spectacular new tourism destinations and unprecedented global economic engagement through huge independent wealth funds invested globally. Mirroring this development, the 2010s have also witnessed extensive and rapid growth in museum activity, with the regeneration of existing museums, the founding of major new ones and the creation of international satellites as Pamela Erskine-Loftus (2013) argues. Regular participation in world-class cultural events and exhibitions is becoming an annual activity for Arab states. In the case of the Venice Biennale,1 two Arab countries won the golden lion prizes. Egypt (1995) and Bahrain (2010) used unique interpretations of their local traditional architecture and related forms of art to engage visitors in unique spatial experiences. Egypt’s installation integrated architectural experience with sculpture and authentic music, while Bahrain’s installed authentic shermen’s huts transported from Bahrain. The local and regional impacts of such prizes were tremendous. Such world recognition paved the way for a serious discussion in the Arab world and the Gulf about the value of heritage and how it can be seen as an inspirational catalyst and essential component of a dynamic cultural identity.
