Having grown up in Dubai before moving to London for university, I have witnessed the city's transformation into a global metropolis. Dubai's rapid growth, from a fishing village to a futuristic skyline, raises questions about the role of vernacular architecture in its urban identity. While tourists often view Dubai as a luxury hub, this perception overlooks its cultural heritage and the impact of unsustainable building practices. The city's modern architecture, dominated by glass and steel, is ill-suited to its climate and has contributed to high energy consumption, as highlighted by the World Wildlife Fund's 2006 report on the UAE's ecological footprint.

My dissertation examines the tension between modernization and cultural preservation in Dubai's architecture, exploring how the westernized approach following the oil boom neglected the region's sustainable vernacular practices. Traditional elements like wind towers, thick walls, and narrow walkways once provided natural cooling without modern technology, but have been largely forgotten. Using Kenneth Frampton’s concept of "Critical Regionalism" and Fernando Lara’s “Beyond Regionalism,” I analyze Dubai's architectural trajectory and critique contemporary attempts at sustainability, such as Masdar City.

This research advocates for a future where Dubai’s architecture integrates its cultural heritage with sustainable design, contributing to global discussions on the importance of site-sensitive, conscious urban development.