Dubai: Shaping the Future: The Visionary Perspective from 1960 to 2000

The first publication devoted to the remarkable history of Dubai and how the leadership of its people steered its forward-looking vision of the future.

This book delves into the urban history of Dubai, showcasing a remarkable journey of resilience, determination, and vision. This narrative is passed down through generations and is enriched by firsthand accounts of those who have witnessed the city’s transformation. Within its pages, readers will discover significant historical events that have played a pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s future, supported by newspaper clippings, maps, and drawings that provide a comprehensive understanding of the city’s growth and infrastructural development.

This volume serves as a roadmap, illustrating how vision, leadership, and unwavering determination can reshape the world. It underscores the idea that the future is not a mere occurrence; it is the result of collective vision and hard work. This book meticulously documents the step-by-step realization of Dubai’s ambitious future vision, unveiling untold stories from the past, celebrating the vibrancy of the present, and presenting exciting possibilities for the future.

Ahmed and Rashid bin Shabib are urbanists and researchers of cities across the Middle East and North Africa. They are the founders of Brownbook, a magazine that focuses on cities across the region. They have also curated several exhibitions and collaborations including the Domaine De Boisbuchet (2022), National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (2021), AA Gallery (2018), Vitra Design Museum (2017/2023), Serpentine Gallery (2016), Archizoom EPFL (2015), and Lars Müller Publishing (2019). They are the recipients of the 2021 Golden Lion (Architecture) for the National Pavilion, UAE, and have been nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2010, 2019).