Portuguese Heritage in the UAE: Authenticity in Archaeology and Tourism

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The relatively short-lived, early modern Portuguese military presence along the Omani coast, but also that of the nowadays United Arab Emirates, has left few physical remains. Some forts have been partially excavated, whilst others seem to have been so heavily reconstructed that their original layout remains invisible. As a result, they have little impact on the visitor experience. This paper seeks to provide a framework that renders these forts, and the narratives around them, pertinent in terms of authenticity. A second step deals with their integration as a potentially distinctive heritage resource. Both approaches need to ponder whether such structures are to become major tourist attractions, which seems unfeasible in the near future, yet destinations may still capitalize on them as part of an integrated marketing strategy. As an exercise, the following text can build on comparable examples, ranging from certain prehistoric sites to forms of intangible heritage, as their commodification faces, to some extent at least, similar challenges. In any case, in the heavily Dubai-centered tourism industry of the UAE, the sustainable use of cultural niche areas along the coast does fit well the national design for diversification.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInnovative Approaches to Tourism and Leisure - 4th International Conference, IACuDiT 2017
EditorsVicky Katsoni, Kathy Velander
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media B.V.
Pages3-15
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9783319676029
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Event4th International Conference of the International Association of Cultural and Digital Tourism, IACuDiT 2017 - Athens, Greece
Duration: May 25 2017May 27 2017

Publication series

NameSpringer Proceedings in Business and Economics
ISSN (Print)2198-7246
ISSN (Electronic)2198-7254

Conference

Conference4th International Conference of the International Association of Cultural and Digital Tourism, IACuDiT 2017
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityAthens
Period5/25/175/27/17

Keywords

  • Authenticity
  • Branding
  • Forts
  • Heritage management
  • UAE tourism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business, Management and Accounting(all)
  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance(all)

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