In celebration of the UAE’s National Day, this month we highlight the book 50U. A publication which paints an intimate picture of life in the Emirates through the memories, hopes, and ambitions of its inhabitants. Factual accounts of the UAE’s history told alongside human stories that are the result of extensive interviews with the young nation’s residents and visitors.
A special panel discussion with publisher Khawla Bin Khediya and Future Labs Director Khalifa Al Qama, moderated by independent art critic, editor and researcher Nadine Khalil.
About the book:
Published in the year of the 50th anniversary of the confederation of the United Arab Emirates, ‘50U’ tells the story of the seven emirates in 50 portraits of people, plants, and places. The book isthe brainchild of local UAE entrepreneur and philanthropist Yasser Bin Khediya. Together with his daughters Roadha and Khawla, and Dutch graphic designer and specialist bookmaker Irma Boom, they have created a publication that celebrates the UAE’s extraordinary journey to become a global metropolitan city. Interviewees include: an astronaut, a female racing driver, a tailor, a fisherman and a former minister, among others. The Netherlands-based publishing team Archis, with a team of UAE editors led by Anna Seaman, Ahmed and Rashid bin Shabib, selected people from all walks of life to give a first-hand impression of what it has been like to grow up or settle in the region.
More about the book.