Economic and Institutional Reforms in the Arab Gulf Countries

Over the last decades, Dubai has applied an economic developmental model which is strongly pro-business, emphasizes market liberalism and economic openness, and embraces globalization, while at the same time refraining from challenging the traditional neo-patrimonial leadership structure in the country. As such, the “Dubai model” has so far been distinctly different from economic models applied in the other GCC countries. However, judging from official statements, development projects under implementation, and the effort currently expended in creating economic assets in the other GCC states, these states seem to be embracing the “Dubai model” of development. This article will analyze the claim that the “Dubai model” is displacing the rentier state model as the general developmental model among the Gulf countries.