This is kind of in response to Nadia’s post, "Money, Money, Money..." I recently came across a very interesting article from the New York Times that discusses how Abu Dhabi and Qatar are using architecture and art to reshape their identities. Both Abu Dhabi and Qatar have sponsored the building of art museums and cultural centers. “Their goal is not only to build a more positive image of the Middle East at a time when anti-Islamic sentiment continues to build across Europe and the United States, but also to create a kind of latter-day Silk Road, one on which their countries are powerful cultural and economic hinges between the West and rising powers like India and China.” By focusing on art and culture, both countries are putting their wealth to good use for the advancement of their national identities. This social transformation is happening very quickly; however, some Arabs see fault with the plans.
As Nadia discussed (and I commented), there is a huge amount of excess in these oil-rich countries. However, while some of the things in Abu Dhabi may be excessive, this is a good use of the state’s wealth. These countries have lots of money to spend; it's good that they are using this money to make social and cultural changes. By trying to strike a balance between modernization and Islamism, these countries are doing themselves a favor. Their strides towards “redeem[ing] the tarnished image of Arabs abroad while showing the way toward a modern society within the boundaries of Islam” really helps to make these countries more accessible.
Here's the article if you're interested in reading it!! http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/27/arts/design/27museums.html?pagewanted=1&ref=middleeast
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