Content area
Full text
Introduction
Traveller behaviour research has been extensively investigated and analysed in western countries and numerous papers have been published on the issue. However, there has been a distinct lack of research into this issue in developing countries. It is hoped that through this paper, a certain level of traveller behaviour shall be analysed, which will prove to be a starting point for further, more extensive analysis in the future. One of the main factors which affects the travel behaviour of individuals is the land uses adopted within the urban environment. In his 2010 paper, N.I. Mohareb carried out an analysis of the different factors affecting land use in Arab cities and the effect which these various land uses have on the methods of transportation used to access these areas. It put forward the argument that throughout history, Arab cities have developed in a completely different manner when compared to those of western cities. Prior to the colonisation of these cities, they were allowed to develop whereby daily socio-cultural activities were located within walking distance of residential zones. However, due to the influx of western ethos into these cities, there has been a change in the methods adopted in urban development and over time, this has led to a zoning of activities that depends heavily on vehicles for transportation ([3] Mohareb, 2010). This change in general design of cities along with the rapid expansion of Gulf cities has led to an increased need for motorised transportation for residents to move between their required zones. An increase in population amongst Gulf countries can be clearly seen over the last ten years, where the population of countries in the region such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates have seen urban population growths at rates of 3.60 and 2.06 per cent, 6.81 and 15.48 per cent, 12.69 and 2.52 per cent, respectively, for the periods 2000-2005 and 2005-2010. When compared to rates of increase for Western countries such as the UK and the USA, with rates of 0.73 and 0.76 per cent, and 1.40 and 1.24 per cent, respectively, over the same time periods, this is a significant change in the population over a short period of time ([4] Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division,...





