Institut Français d'Urbanisme (IFU)

This paper deals with the spread of prestige urban projects in Nouakchott and Khartoum, the capitals of Mauritania and Sudan respectively. We hypothesize that for these cities, located on the margins of the Arab world, prestige projects inspired by the Gulf model epitomize a new way of development based on hypermodernity.
They epitomize economic development, success and opulence thanks to oil exploitation. Undergoing discovery and exploitation of oil resources makes the Mauritanian and Sudanese governments hope to follow the same path. Moreover, the towers of Dubai represent a specific cultural model for two states where affiliation to the Arab world is a contested political issue. The comparative approach
brings out the importance of foreign investments in these urban transformations, characterized by privatization processes and real estate speculation. The emerging
urban model is in strong contrast to the citizens’ expectations and national political unrest.

Three recent publications share a common aim: to move beyond the dichotomies of Western vs Third-World cities, developed vs developing cities, North vs South. By examining the case of African cities in particular, they provide the reader with a vision and understanding of other urban trajectories and offer valuable tools for contemplating the future of cities.

Dépasser les oppositions villes occidentales/du tiers-monde, villes développées/en développement, Nord/Sud : tel est l’objectif de trois ouvrages récents. À travers le cas de villes africaines notamment, ils donnent à voir et à comprendre d’autres trajectoires urbaines, offrant de précieux outils pour penser l’avenir des métropoles.