Construction of artificial islands

CONSTRUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS

Construction of artificial islands

Author: Shashi Kadapa

Construction of artificial islands

CONSTRUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS

The idea that the artificial islands in the Persian Gulf would aspire for freedom from
UAE is without any base and goes against all logic. The man made islands of the Middle East
such as the Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Jumeirah, and the Palm Deira demonstrate the extent to which
technology has advanced. However, these islands have been built mainly as residences, offices
and relaxations areas for the super rich (Nakheel). Money has been invested in these structures as
an investment for the future. It is true that there have been instances in the past where people in
other nations such as Malaysia, East Timor and Moluccas have ceded from the parent country
and formed their own nation (Hellebrand, 4). However, in the case of the Middle East, the issues
behind construction of the artificial islands are different.

The differences are that the Palm Islands are extensions of the mainland and are firmly
connected to the mainland. Arab people who have bought residences on these islands are rich and
well to do people with businesses that operate from the mainland. Many businesspersons are in
the oil business while others import food material, automobiles, and grocery supplies, run
construction and shipping ventures and so on. Their future and fortunes are inextricably linked
with the rest of the Middle East. By ceding from the mainland, they have everything to lose and
nothing to gain. The only foreigners are western business leaders and film stars. This group
would not have any territorial ambitions. Thus the demographic pattern of the islands is not
changed (Herb, 383).

Another issue is that being a part of the UAE fraternity affords them safety from the
neighboring warring states of Iran, Iraq, Israel and also from terrorist activity. The protection

Construction of artificial islands

from USA ensures that Iran, Iraq and other nations in the region keep away from UAE and the
invaluable oil fields. This protection would not be available from a miffed UAE in case the
islands attempted to cede. Besides, residents of the islands are loyal Arabs who love their nation
state. Rebellion and mutiny would be unthinkable for them (Mohammed, 127).

Considering all these arguments, it is thus clear that the idea of the artificial islands in the
Middle East is not supported. Hence, the statement is found to be false and unsupported whereas
the counter statement will hold true.

Construction of artificial islands

REFERENCES
Hellebrand, S., "Case Study: Design of Palm Island No. 1 Dubai". September 2004. Terra et
Aqua. 96. pp. 1-7
Herb, M., "A nation of Bureaucrats: Political participation and economic diversification in
Kuwait and the UAE". 2009. International Journal of Middle East Studies. 41. pp. 375395
Mohammed, I., "Hofstede's cultural dimensions in the GCC countries: An empirical
investigation". 1996. International Journal of Value Based Management. 9(2), pp. 121131
Nakheel., "The Palm Trilogy". 2007. Nakheel PVT JSC. 25 June 2011 <http://www.thepalm.ae/>