Mapping Urban Expansion Due to Special Economic Zones in the United Arab Emirates Using Landsat Archival Data (Case Study Dubai)

Abstract

There are presently about 40 special economic zones (SEZs) across the seven federating emirates of the United Arab Emirates. These SEZs include businesses technology hubs, science cities, recreational parks, and media parks. This study aims to document how the SEZs change or affect the transformation of urban expansion and land use practices in the UAE. The study aims to show the new industrial growth and expansion related with land use that emerge around the SEZs compared to before their establishment. The research is based on sequential analysis of temporal geospatial digital maps generated from archival Landsat TM in 2000 and Landsat 8 OLI of 2015. The study area is located around Alqouz and Albarsha localities situated in the western side of the city of Dubai with a vibrant SEZs. The analysis results show remarkable expansion of 23.6% of industrial and warehouse infrastructure coupled with major residential expansion of 18.6%. The findings of this research would help local authorities and corporation in planning for the future of these global businesses and local sustainability in the context of environmental planning and sustainability.