The changing morphology of the gulf cities in the age of globalisation: the case of Bahrain

Abstract

Cities in the Gulf region have been witnessing dramatic changes in their morphology and internal structures during the last three decades due to the successive shifts from endogenous to exogenous types of urban growth. In the past, the urban space was mainly shaped by the tribal structure and the economy of subsistence that is based on fishing, pearl trading and/or farming. After the discovery of oil, a first shift towards an exogenous form occurred. Due to the accumulation of wealth, the kingdom adopted a distributive and comprehensive welfare policy, and became a major and unique actor in shaping the city. At present, a second stage of “exogeneity” is occurring due to globalisation. The installation of large multi-national companies, the liberalisation of the economy and the integration with the world banking system are having a direct impact on the socio-economic, cultural and thus, urban morphology. Bahrain seems to reflect the three stages through the changing urban morphology of its two main cities; Muharraq and Manama. Analysed in the light of the endogenous–exogenous model, it opens a debate on the conditions for the survival of the old cities and defines a theoretical framework for the approach to management and planning to be adopted.