Requiem for Satwa: Postmodern reconstructions of urban spaces of modern authenticity When in early 2008 the mega project Jumeirah Gardens was announced, it seemed to be just another ambitious realty project to support the city of Dubai a postmodern appearance. However, at a second glance, this time the consequences are reaching much further: To make room for the new development (an extension of the Dubai Financial Centre, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Business Bay) parts of already established quarters (Satwa, Al Wasl, Jumeirah) need to be destroyed while its former inhabitants are to be displaced. The approach of reconstructing urban spaces of modern authenticity is therefore the first of its kind in Dubai?s postmodern urban development history. Especially Satwa, being one of the earliest developed quarters during the 1960ss modernization process, is perceived as one of Dubais most authentic and lively districts with a multitude of nationalities (due to cheap rents mainly lower and middle class inhabitants of Arabian and Asian origin) living and working close by. The announcement of the new project was followed by an unexpected and widespread outrage and ,,grief over the loss of Satwa [as] a symptom of the emotions that an urban public feels at not being engaged in transitional initiatives, or finding a place in history for their fading neighbourhoods" (Kaabour 2008). The accusation that a massive cultural heritage - domestic and commercial - will not be preserved for future generations, found its expression in various action groups headed by independent journalists, movie-makers and artists. Due to the recent bank and financial crisis the ongoing economic development leading to a delay of construction projects in Dubai, not much has been heard of the Jumeirah Gardens project. Nevertheless, the first demolishing works already took place in September 2008 and have destroyed dwellings irrevocably. This paper focuses on the very micro level of a city, namely the quarter with its specific identity and inner relationships by the example of Satwa/Dubai. First, I aim to analyze the quarters structure, spaces of urban identity and (ethnic) interactions of its inhabitants. Second, I mean to interpret the postmodern reconstruction of urban spaces by taking urban development processes (e.g. gentrification) into account. Third, I will address in what manner unprecedented active participation occurs as a bottom-up call against progressing urban amnesia from new post-oil-citieso societies in the Arab Gulf region by exploiting communication mediums.