Introduction

Ben Simpfendorfer

A chapter in The New Silk Road, 2009, pp 1-6 from Palgrave Macmillan

Abstract: Abstract The Arab world was once a global commercial hub lying at the intersection of three continents. Arab traders shipped goods between Asia, Africa, and Europe crossing vast expanses of land and sea. However, the world’s center of gravity subsequently shifted toward the West and the Arab world’s fortunes faded. The caravans traveling the Silk Road, linking Asia to Europe, all but disappeared. It spelt the end of a remarkable period of commerce. But the center of gravity is shifting once again. The Arab world is rising. Dubai’s skyline is jammed with gleaming skyscrapers. Foreign banks are opening branches in Syria’s business districts. Cairo’s five-star hotels are filled by Arab holiday-makers. The Gulf countries are building a mighty fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft to ship goods and people around the world as their ancestors once did.

Keywords: Chinese City; Arab World; Silk Road; Gulf Country; Arab Government (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-23365-2_1

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DOI: 10.1057/9780230233652_1

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