It was a cold January day in London in 1968 when the British prime minister, Harold Wilson, announced that his Labour government would end what he saw as his country’s security responsibilities east of the Suez canal, including the Arab Gulf states. The reaction of one Arab leader in particular to this remarkable news is instructive. Read more »
Archives for 2009
دبي إمارة سيئة؟!.. انظر إلى بلدك بريطانيا
فكّرت في الفترة الأخيرة في أنه إذا لم يقم الصحافيون البريطانيون الذين يأتون إلى دبي، كجوان هاري مثلاً (راجع مقالته في «الإندبندنت» بتاريخ 7 ابريل 2009)، بإرسال شيء مثير، فلن يُطبع ولن يدفع لهم أجرهم. ففي نهاية المطاف، الإثارة «بيّيعة».
A Silver Lining on Dubai’s Property Sector
Barring the short term property speculators, who have taken it upon themselves to flip apartments the same way as Italian pizza chefs flip pizza dough, the news of receding prices in the Dubai property market should be celebrated. Why it is really not all bad news for the real estate market in Dubai. Read more »
Al Waleed: From Saudi Prince to Lebanese Politician?
Prince Al Waleed bin Talal has long been seen as an important link between Arabs and the rest of the world, acting successfully like a bridge between the business worlds of the Middle East and the West. But are the financial foundations of this bridge starting to whither? Furthermore, are there other bridges that Al Waleed can cross? Read more »
Art’s Powerful Message for the Merchants of Death
This spring the UAE is hosting arguably the most prestigious art event in the Middle East. The 9th Sharjah Art Biennial features scores of artists from around the world as well as theatrical performances and a celebration of Jerusalem as the Unesco Arab Capital of Culture. But what does that have to do with what is usually a socio-political column? Quite a lot, in fact. Read more »
Why Irena should find her home in Abu Dhabi
Over the past few months a quiet effort has been underway in one of the most recognizable buildings in Abu Dhabi. A team has been carefully assembled under specialized leadership and their mission identified. Their target has been established: her name, Irena, born in Bonn in January 2009 and now in need of a home. Read more »