Reviving the Arabian Souk using Mobile Augmented Reality Technology: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis

Abstract

This article discusses the outcomes of a Focus Group thematic analysis that revolved around the topic of using mobile Augmented Reality (AR) technology to help revive the Arabian Souk. The Old Souk of the city of Abu Dhabi was utilized as a case study for revival, using AR for a new form of smart tourism for the city. Major themes revealed both intangible and tangible elements through a variety of shops, products and personal experiences from those who have visited the Old Souk. The themes were then turned into an AR experience, in the form of three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided models, to aid in experiencing the once existing Old Souk on its original site today. This article points to the potential of recreating the Arabian Souk using AR technology as part of the Arabian Gulf’s smart tourism experience.

Keywords:

• Abu Dhabi
• Arabian souk
• augmented reality
• focus group
• qualitative analysis
• smart tourism

Notes

1 HITLab NZ website, “CityViewAR” (2011–ongoing).

2 Elsheshtawy, “Remembrance of Market’s Past”, FIND: Forming Intersection and Dialogues, 17 January 2014.

3 Heard-Bey, From Trucial States to United Arab Emirates: A Society in Transition (1982).

4 Haider, “Abu Dhabi Souk to be Demolished”, Khaleej Times, 7 March 2004.

5 Menoret (ed.), Abu Dhabi Guide: Modern Architecture 1968–1992 (2014).

6 Azuma, “A Survey of Augmented Reality”, Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments 6.4 (1997), pp. 255–385.

7 Stein, “Has Pokémon Go Given Augmented Reality a Lift?”, AdAge, 2 November 2016.

8 Wong, “Data Analysis in Qualitative Research: A Brief Guide to Using Nvivo”, Malaysian Family Physician: The Official Journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia 3.1 (2008), pp. 14–20.

9 Keckes and Tomicic, “Augmented Reality in Tourism: Research and Applications Overview”, Interdisciplinary Description of Complex Systems 15.2 (2017), pp. 157–167.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hannah A. Allawi

Hannah A. Allawi is a PhD Graduate of the School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape from the University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, [email protected];

Thomas P. Keenan

Thomas P. Keenan is a Professor at the School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape at the University of Calgary, [email protected].