Urban and landscape design in the Arabian Gulf region: A new paradigm for sustainability

Abstract

Globally humans consume 150% of naturally replenished assets, which is unsustainable, but in parts of the Arabian Gulf region the figure is up to 2000%. Furthermore, the population of the region's cities is set to increase dramatically. As discussed in this paper, the growth will have an impact on urban buildings, spaces and surrounding environments as well as on the areas used to fuel and feed these populations and the products they employ. While this can never be truly 'sustainable' in the traditional sense, there is significant scope for inherent reduction in demands, massive efficiency gains and deployment of non-consumptive renewable resources. A new paradigm for sustainable design in the Gulf is proposed.