Arabic Capitalism
Interestingly the German weekly news magazine “Der Spiegel” ran a title story on Dubai beginning of February. Looks like the topic is hot. It was emphasizing the superlatives aspect of Dubai, the Emirates being the country in the world with the most mentions in the Guinness Book of records. But far more interesting it was looking at Dubai as an Arabic/Islamic model for the future, an element against Islamic conservatism, poverty, civil war and terrorism in other parts of the middle east and north Africa. Located between East and West, with a population of 1,5 Billion in a radius of 3 hours flight, being close to the growing markets of India/Pakistan, China not being far, as well as the European Union on the other side, Dubai has developed into a major very liberal trading place, somehow reviving the ancient silk road.
The Sheiks of the Emirates are positioning themselves and their country as the spearhead of a new Arabic/Islamic openness and tolerance. During a conference of Arabian states Dubai's Emir and Emirate's Prime Minister Sheik Mohammed Ibn Rashid Al Maktoum threw the following words to his fellow senior government leaders: “Change yourselves otherwise you will get changed.” He is not interested if someone is Sunnit or Shiit, those who are good to their neighbors and work hard are welcome. During his latest visit to the Emirates President Bush gave his blessing, stating that the Emirates are a model of an Islamic state tolerant against people of all religions. Dubai Marketing is advertising with slogans like: “Imagine a world in which no one is a stranger!” 150 nations live together in peace, there are 50 nations amongst the Palm investors.
So the summary really is that the Sheiks are learning very quickly from the West and getting a lot of acceptance. They are very well positioned in the global competition to attract investors as well as consumers and tourists from all cultures. The Egyptian author Jussuf Ibrahim is quoted at the end of the articel, that for decades (Muslim) people travelled to Saudi-Arabia, Irak and Iran importing into their countries the ideas of islamic fundamentalism and bringing black shawls for their wives. Today they go to the Gulf, bring Jeans for their wives and ideas how to make business. "Long live Arabic capitalism!"
Posted at
07:11PM Feb 26, 2008
by Volker Seubert in Europe & Beyond |
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