Detailed Specific Example: Dubai, UAE (Cambridge International IGCSE Geography)

Specification link

This page covers section 9.2.6 of the CIE IGCSE specification.

• 9.2.6- One detailed specific example of a named country or area, to include:

  • The impacts of globalisation.
  • The impacts of a named TNC which is located in the country or area.

Detailed Specific Example: Dubai, UAE

Spec point — One detailed specific example of a named country or area, to include: • the impacts of globalisation • the impacts of a named TNC which is located in the country or area.

Detailed Specific Example: Dubai, UAE

• Dubai shows how globalisation can transform a city from a fishing village to a global metropolis in a short space of time
• Dubai took the opportunities of a connected world and faced complex social, environmental, and economic challenges
• Dubai's growth highlights the advantages and disadvantages of rapid global interaction

Dubai’s rise as a global metropolis

• Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has experienced one of the most remarkable transformations of any city in the world over the last 50 years

• Originally a small fishing village and trading port on the Arabian Gulf, Dubai’s early economy relied heavily on pearling, fishing, and small-scale trading

• The discovery of oil in 1966 dramatically altered the city’s fortunes

• While oil revenues initially financed much of Dubai’s early development, the ruling Al Maktoum family made a strategic decision to diversify the economy to avoid over-dependence on oil

• Major investments were made in infrastructure, tourism, real estate, and finance

• Today, Dubai is renowned for:

  • Its towering skyscrapers, such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building
  • World-class shopping malls
  • Luxury hotels
  • Man-made islands (Palm Jumeirah)
  • Vast transport networks

• These amenities serve both the 3.5 million residents and more than 17 million international visitors annually, positioning Dubai as a key node in the global economy

How Dubai’s job sectors have changed over 50 years

1. Primary sector (reduced dramatically)

• Before 1975, Dubai’s workforce was dominated by primary sector activities — especially pearling, fishing, and limited agriculture
• The decline of the pearling industry (due to the invention of cultured pearls) and the strategic decision to focus on urban and service-based growth led to a major reduction in this sector

2. Secondary sector (increased steadily)

• The secondary sector — including construction and manufacturing — has grown enormously
• The demand for construction workers has been driven by continuous mega-projects: skyscrapers, artificial islands, airports, and transport systems
• Dubai also invested in free zones such as Jebel Ali Free Zone, which supports light manufacturing and re-export businesses

3. Tertiary sector (dominant today)

• The tertiary sector (services) is now the backbone of Dubai’s economy

• Key industries include:

  • Tourism: Hotels, restaurants, entertainment
  • Finance: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
  • Retail: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates
  • Transport: Ports, logistics, and aviation

4. Quaternary sector (emerging strongly)

• Dubai is increasingly fostering a quaternary sector, focusing on:

  • Information technology: Dubai Internet City
  • Research and development: Dubai Science Park
  • Innovation and media: Dubai Media City This is part of the UAE’s Vision 2030 to create a knowledge-based economy

Impacts of globalisation on Dubai

Cultural shift

• Positive: Dubai has become a truly multicultural city, with immigrants making up around 85–90% of the population
• The city hosts global festivals, art shows, and diverse culinary experiences
• Negative: Some argue that rapid globalisation has led to the erosion of traditional Emirati culture and identity, as modern lifestyles and Western influences have become dominate

Environmental impacts

• Positive: There is increasing investment in renewable energy and green building initiatives

• Negative: Dubai’s development has had significant environmental costs

  • High carbon footprint due to air conditioning and car use
  • Destruction of marine habitats linked to artificial islands
  • Water scarcity issues, with reliance on desalination plants

Cost of living

• Positive: High-end services and amenities have improved quality of life for many residents
• Negative: The cost of living has soared, particularly in housing and schooling, making life challenging for lower-income workers

Regulating the rights of foreign workers

• Positive: International attention has led to some labour reforms, such as the easing of restrictions on workers changing jobs Negative: Many foreign workers, particularly in construction, continue to face poor working conditions, long hours, and limited legal protections — a major human rights concern

Tourism and business

• Positive: Globalisation has transformed Dubai into a world-leading tourism and business hub
• It hosts major international conferences, sports events, and millions of tourists annually
• Negative: The economy remains somewhat vulnerable to global events (like COVID-19), which can severely impact the tourism and service sectors

Worked Example Describe how Dubai’s employment structure has changed in the past 50 years. [4 marks]

Over the past 50 years, Dubai’s employment structure has shifted significantly. The primary sector (fishing, pearling, agriculture) has declined due to industrialisation and the collapse of the pearl industry. [1] The secondary sector has grown, especially in construction and manufacturing, to support the building of skyscrapers and infrastructure. [1] The tertiary sector now dominates, with employment in finance, tourism, retail, and transport. [1] Recently, the quaternary sector has begun to expand, focusing on technology, media, and research, supporting Dubai’s aim for a knowledge-based economy. [1]

Impact of Emirates Airlines on Dubai

Spec point — One detailed specific example of a named country or area, to include: • the impacts of globalisation • the impacts of a named TNC which is located in the country or area.

Impact of Emirates Airlines on Dubai

• Emirates Airlines is a key driver of Dubai’s globalisation and economic success

  • It also creates social and environmental challenges that the city must manage

• Emirates Airlines is a transnational corporation (TNC) based in Dubai

• It began operating in 1985 with two leased planes and now runs over 3,600 flights a week from Dubai International Airport

• The airline, together with its sister company Dnata, plays a major role in the local economy

  • Aviation contributed over 30% of Dubai’s GDP in 2020.

• Positive impacts include:

  • Creation of direct employment, particularly in aviation and ground services
  • Support for tourism and commerce, helping Dubai become a global hub for visitors and business
  • Sustainability initiatives such as using biofuels in staff transport and co-funding the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to protect local habitats
  • Connecting Dubai to over 150 destinations worldwide
  • Creating tens of thousands of jobs

• Negative impacts include:

  • The rapid growth of aviation contributes to carbon emissions impacting the environment

    • Although Emirates has taken some steps to address this, emissions from flights remain a major concern

  • Only 3% of Emirates staff are Emiratis; the airline relies heavily on immigrant workers, which affects Dubai’s demographics and increases pressure on housing and the cost of living

  • There are also concerns about maintaining profitability in an increasingly competitive global airline market

Worked Example **Explain how Emirates Airline has contributed to Dubai's globalisation. [4 marks]

Answer:

Emirates Airways has contributed to Dubai's globalisation by connecting the city with more than 150 destinations across six continents. [1] This network has made Dubai a hub for business and tourism, attracting over 17 million international visitors annually. [1] Emirates' strong branding and direct flights stimulate demand for Dubai's hotels, shopping malls, and attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. [1] The airline also supports Dubai's business links by facilitating global conferences, trade fairs, and business travel, which contributes to the city's development as a finance and commerce centre in the Middle East. [1] Dubai's global success is a result of a combination of factors, including business-friendly policies, tax-free status, and investment in iconic infrastructure. [1]

Marking guidance

Mark allocation

-** 1 mark for each developed statement with a clear explanation, up to a maximum total of 4 marks.

• There must be clear links to Dubai.
• Generic answers will not receive any credit.

The command word is 'explain', and answers should be:

• Well-structured.
• Detailed, with accurate explanations.
• Have a good use of geographical terms.