Urban Fieldwork: Urban change in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and Business Bay
Hypothesis
“Over time, central urban areas in Dubai, such as Al Fahidi and Business Bay, have experienced shifts in land
use, indicating changes in their primary functions and activities”
Equipment needed
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Map of Dubai – to plan the route and identify any possible hazards to ensure safety
Camera- to take photos to document findings
Questionnaires- to distribute to members of the public
Pen, pencil, paper, clipboard– for field sketches
Risk assessment
These are 3 example risks, there are several others you may wish to consider
Risk
Description
Extreme Heat
Traffic Congestion
Construction Hazards
Dubai experiences high
temperatures, especially
during summer months,
which can lead to heat
exhaustion or
heatstroke.
The CBD is known for
heavy traffic congestion,
posing risks to students
crossing roads or
navigating crowded
streets.
Dubai's CBD often
undergoes extensive
construction activities,
exposing students to
potential hazards such
as falling objects or
uneven terrain.
Mitigation Measures
1. Conduct fieldwork early in the morning or
late in the afternoon to avoid peak
temperatures.
2. Ensure students stay hydrated by carrying
water bottles at all times.
3. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and
hats to protect from the sun.
1. Plan fieldwork routes in advance, avoiding
high-traffic areas during peak hours.
2. Emphasize pedestrian safety and
awareness when crossing roads.
3. Use designated pedestrian crossings
where available.
1. Stay away from active construction sites
and fenced-off areas during fieldwork.
2. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to protect
against sharp objects or debris.
3. Follow safety signage and instructions
Methodology – How did you collect your data?
Primary data – data YOU collected
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Quantitative method: Land use survey
Qualitative methods: Photos, field sketches, questionnaires
Secondary data – data SOMEONE ELSE has collected previously
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Historical maps
Historical photographs
Data presentation
Method
Side by side historical
photo/map (secondary
data) and current
photo/map (primary
data)
Description
To compare historical
records to present day
(qualitative)
Advantage
Provides clear visual
evidence of changes over
time
Disadvantage
Requires access to
historical records,
which may be hard to
access
Annotations of the field
sketch (Primary)
To provide specific details
and context of the
contents of the photo
(qualitative)
To show the results of
your land use survey
(quantitative)
Offers detailed insights
into features observed
during fieldwork on the
day
Easily illustrates the
proportional distribution
of land use categories.
Subjective
interpretation of
annotations may vary
To show the results of the
questionnaire
(quantitative)
The shape allows us to
easily identify patterns
and trends of
questionnaire answers
Pie chart (Primary)
Radar diagram (primary)
May become cluttered
or difficult to interpret
with too many
categories
Not as precise as
scatter graphs
Analysis
Historical/current photographs and maps
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Comparing current photographs/maps with historical photographs/maps revealed significant changes
in the built environment and land use patterns over time.
In Al Fahidi, historical photographs depicted traditional markets, cultural sites, and low-rise buildings,
while current photographs showed a mix of traditional and modern architecture, suggesting
adaptation to contemporary needs including developing the area as a tourism site
Business Bay's transformation was evident in the shift from desert to high-rise office buildings, luxury
apartments, reflecting its evolution into a modern business district.
Land use survey/data
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Al Fahidi had mostly cultural and heritage sites, traditional markets, and tourist amenities, emphasizing
its change from residential to tourism
Business Bay's land use was characterized by commercial, residential, and recreational facilities,
reflecting its transformation into a modern business and lifestyle hub.
Questionnaire data
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Respondents expressed a strong attachment to Al Fahidi's historical charm, traditional markets, and
cultural landmarks, indicating a sustained focus on heritage and tourism.
Respondents indicated a surge in the number of high-rise office buildings, luxury apartments, and
commercial complexes (with malls, restaurants etc) in Business Bay, reflecting its evolution into a
modern business and lifestyle hub.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the analysis revealed clear evidence of shifts in land use within Al Fahidi and Business Bay over
time. Al Fahidi maintained its cultural heritage while adapting to modern tourism needs, whereas Business Bay
evolved from industrial areas to a vibrant commercial and residential district.
Evaluation
WWW- I collected a wide range of primary and secondary data from different sources which allowed
comparison of the areas change through time
EBI – Next time I will try to conduct interviews with people who knew the areas before the change to get a
personal account
Fig 1: Business bay then
Fig 2: Business bay now
Fig 4: The Enquiry process
Fig 3: Al Fahidi