Dubai is going to open on February a new cruise terminal which can handle four ships simultaneously.
What impressed me the most is that next to the most advanced and modern facilities (money exchange, ATMs, post office, duty free shop, souvenir shops, gift shops, business centre with internet access and Wi-Fi) this cruise terminal associate the tradition and the heritage of this country as a maritime center.
In fact, the major architectural elements of the exterior facades show traditional domes, arches and carvings, which best represent the Oriental culture.
I like the way this new modern countries are able to develop an equilibrium point between Western modernity and Oriental heritage.
We can see this kind of loyalty and pride in all the new masterpieces of the Eastern countries like the Petronas twin tower in Malaysia and many others.
In my personal opinion Europeans have a lot to learn from this culture, which try to keep their real originality and diversity. I think that we have too easily abandoned our personal style because we think that to be modern you need to use iron, glass, unusual forms and colors.
I think that Europe not only focuses on modern architecture and materials but use both modernity, design and its rich history that is a great part of the patrimony that interest visitors. When considering Dubaï's ambitions to become the first toursim destination in the world, it seems pretty obvious that although their touristic products, and services offers are really technology advanced, that they combine and reflect their cultural heritage and know-how. They are really good when its about having extravagent and futuristic projects, however, they should be carefull in their strategy to implement it, and for travellers not to consider the artificial aspect only.
RispondiElimina