34: The Highway Built by Oil Markets and Political Intrigue

Urban Planning

The construction of the E11 highway in the UAE marked a significant shift in urban planning and societal dynamics. Matthew MacLean explains how cities like Dubai, originally built for walkability, transformed as cars became prevalent, leading to suburban expansion and a driving culture 1. This shift mirrors global patterns where highways disrupt urban cores, as seen in Detroit's history of white flight and subsequent suburbanization 1. The E11 highway also became a focal point of geopolitical tension, illustrating how infrastructure can influence political landscapes 2.

   

Driving Culture

The rise of a car-driven culture in the UAE reflects broader social changes. MacLean notes that the influx of expatriates and the rental of old homes by Emiratis have prevented a return to urban cores, maintaining suburban living patterns 3. This cultural shift is akin to changes seen in cities like Brooklyn, where traditional community interactions have diminished 3. The E11 highway, connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, symbolizes these changes and is a testament to the UAE's evolving infrastructure and market dynamics 4.