From the characteristic gridlock of mirrored buildings that lend a unique style and reflective angle to the city's skyline, to the avenues of acacia trees, graceful fountains and a shimmering tide lapping against the Corniche, Abu Dhabi's serene island blends a pulsating infrastructure with quiet elegance. The beautiful Islamic architecture at Al Ain; the fascinating Hili settlement; the spectacular Jebel Hafit - all offer charming glimpses of the emirate's landscape. With the aid of 140 superb images, the book takes the reader on a visual journey throughout this emirate, capturing the essence of its mystery, and offering a fascinating insight into its myriad features. It brings together the talents of some of the region's best photographers in a visual discovery. Their obvious affection of the land and its people has resulted in some wonderful photographs that bring this beautiful emirate to life. The 140 keenly observed images reveal a sense of continuity and reflect the harmonious atmosphere of the emirate. Even on Abu Dhabi Island, with it's ultra-modern architecture, traditions prevail. The reader is accompanied on this photographic journey by Chris Berry's lively and informative text. We are taken from majestic landmarks on the Corniche to the vibrancy of the souq ; form challenging tracks in the Liwa Oasis to eager fans at a home football game, to finally gain an insight in to this intriguing blend of the traditional and the modern.
Chris Berry is the Professor of Film and Television Studies in the Department of Media and Communication at Goldsmiths, University of London. In the 1980s, he worked for China Film Import and Export Corporation in Beijing, and his academic research is grounded in work on Chinese cinema and other Chinese screen-based media, as well as neighboring countries. He is especially interested in queer screen cultures in East Asia; mediatized public space in East Asian cities; and national and transnational screen cultures in East Asia.