Reviews (10)

Historically Unreliable
Davidson's book may appear to be a useful guide to those unacquainted with the region. But, for those who are from the Gulf and know enough to question his information and assertions we find names that are mispelled or confused with others, we find events relating to the succession of rulers made up, quotes misinterpreted, vagueness in describing time periods and the text riddled with gossip. This is not unique to his book, as similar errors can be found in his article on the politics of succession that was published in the Middle East Policy Council Journal. Two examples readily available from his article that was published this summer (2006) are 1) his description of Sheikh Abdullah as the Minister of Information & Culture, when as of January 2006 he has been Minister of Foreign Affairs. 2) Where he explains that the `best informed locals and veteran expatriates' predicted a succession that bypassed the two eldest sons of Sheikh Zayed.
The UAE
This is easy to follow and has some very good diagrams.It shows that independent research can be done in countries like the UAE which most people seem to assume are still far too sensitive.There is a huge list of sources including interviews and government documents, and at the end is probably the most extensive bibliography (in English and Arabic) on this part of the world.Saudi Arabia could use a similar book.

Why no democracy?
This is a very well put together book, and after reading it all the way through I realised it's the first time I have been able to fully understand why democracy has not taken root and, in the western sense at least, is unlikely to take root in the near future.The book is also very useful for showing how the rulers have desperately tried to diversify their economic base, and although most of the statistics only go up to 2004, this is easily the best book I have seen of the development of a Gulf state. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1971-    2. Civil society    3. Globalization    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: American    7. Middle East - General    8. Political History    9. Politics and government    10. United Arab Emirates    11. United States - General    12. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Subjects:  1. History    2. History: World    3. Middle East - General    4. Subjects & Themes - Travel - General    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Photographs: collections    7. Places & peoples: general interest    8. Travel / Middle East / General    9. United Arab Emirates   

Reviews (1)

The first book published solely on Dubai's architecture and design
Dubai is the hub of the modern Middle East: a growing city sporting the world's largest luxury hotel and more, but it's important to note that DUBAI: ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN is the first book published solely on its architecture and design. Any interested in Middle Eastern culture and arts should have this, from college-level art libraries to specialty collection on the Mid East: it charts the roots of modern Middle Eastern design, pairing full-page color photos with insights on architectural achievement and history. While it's a specialty item, its importance is unsurpassed for such holdings.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Design    2. Architecture    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Design - General    5. General    6. History - General    7. Islamic Architecture    8. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    9. Architectural structure & design    10. United Arab Emirates   

Reviews (3)

Guide UAE
It is a very good guide for those who have never visit the UAE.

Little Bits of Everything
Although a fine overall introduction to the U.A.E., the work understandably bogs down in the more traditional tourist centers of Dubai and Abu Dabhi. Since the city of Al Ain has grown so substantially so quickly, perhaps the lack of current information is forgiveable. Compared to other guides, this is still among the best. Fine photos and maps.

Wonderful photography and useful information
This is a terrific book for the tourist.The photography was excellent and the information was logically organized. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Middle East - General    2. Middle East - History    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides   

Subjects:  1. Anthropology    2. Asian / Middle Eastern history: from c 1900 -    3. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    4. Economic history    5. Social history    6. Sociology & social issues    7. United Arab Emirates   

Subjects:  1. Asian / Middle Eastern history: from c 1900 -    2. Social history    3. United Arab Emirates    4. c 1945 to c 1960   

Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. Middle East - General    3. Photographs: collections    4. Places & peoples: general interest    5. United Arab Emirates   

Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. Middle East - General    3. Ancient World    4. Asian / Middle Eastern history: BCE to c 500 CE    5. Middle & Near Eastern archaeology    6. United Arab Emirates   

Reviews (2)

The Best Introduction Available
This is the best introduction available on the Gulf states, examining such critical themes as the British imperial legacy and the relationship between state, economy, and social classes. It certainly offers a non-Orientalist treatment and avoids the condescending and often bigoted discourse adopted by such colonial-minded writers as J.B. Kelly. The late Said-Zahlan had a full mastery of the British archives and extensive knowledge of the region. This is reflected in this valuable and concise introductory work.
A dry and uncritical introduction
Zahlan covers the history of the Gulf states with special emphasis on the history of the various monarchical families. Sadly, her attitude is unflinchingly fawning; she seems afraid to say one negative thing aboutthese countries and their economic and political challenges. As well, thewriting style is very dry and wooden. Her bias is symbolized by one of themaps showing the UAE as extending westward all the way to Dawhat as Salwa,at the southwest base of Qatar. This reflects absurdly ambitiousterritorial claims of the UAE at a time when the Saudis have claimed thecoast in the vicinity of Khawr Duwayhin, southeast of Qatar. This map isemblematic of the book's flaws. A much better book despite its age (1980)is 'Arabia, the Gulf, & the West' by J.B. Kelly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Current Affairs    2. Economic Conditions    3. International Relations - General    4. Middle East - General    5. Political    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Arabian peninsula    9. Asian / Middle Eastern history    10. Middle East   

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Middle East - General   

Subjects:  1. Arabian peninsula    2. Asian / Middle Eastern history    3. Social history    4. United Arab Emirates   

Subjects:  1. 1971-    2. 20th century    3. Business & Economics / Economic Conditions    4. Congresses    5. Economic conditions    6. Foreign relations    7. History: World    8. Political Science / International Relations    9. Politics and government    10. United Arab Emirates    11. Business    12. Zayid ibn Suloan al Nahayyan    13. Zayid ibn Sultan Al Nahayyan   

Subjects:  1. 1918-    2. 20th century    3. Biography    4. Government - International    5. Political Science    6. Politics - Current Events    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics and government    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Presidents    11. United Arab Emirates    12. Zåayid ibn Sulòtåan åAl Nahayyåan,    13. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    14. Political leaders & leadership   

Subjects:  1. Arabian peninsula    2. Asian / Middle Eastern history    3. Places & peoples: general interest    4. Reference works    5. United Arab Emirates   

Reviews (3)

this book
i have to admit thatthe pictures in this book are some of the most stunning i have ever seen off dubai.but unfortunatly the books narritive was poorly done.The writer is undescriptive and does not show dubai as a glorious city.its almost as if she was forced to write this book.such a dissapointment compared to the pictures!!!

Now & Then Dubai
Excellent Series.Book has a good comparison of pictures (NOW &THEN ).Loved it...

Stunning
A splendid look at the magnificent Dubai. I am a major fan of this family of photographers and authors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Middle East - Egypt    2. Travel    3. Asian / Middle Eastern history    4. United Arab Emirates   

Subjects:  1. History    2. History: American    3. Middle East - History    4. United Arab Emirates   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Middle East    3. Middle East - History    4. Religion - General    5. United Arab Emirates   

Subjects:  1. Abu Musa    2. Boundaries    3. Boundaries And Frontiers    4. Europe - Great Britain - General    5. History - General History    6. International Relations - General    7. International status    8. Iran    9. Middle East - Iran    10. Political Science    11. Reference    12. Tunb Islands    13. United Arab Emirates    14. Non-Classifiable    15. Sociology, Social Studies   

Subjects:  1. Asian / Middle Eastern history    2. Photographs: collections    3. Social history    4. United Arab Emirates   

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: American    5. Political Process - Elections    6. Political Process - Political Parties    7. United States - Civil War    8. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    9. Political Science / Political Parties    10. Political parties    11. REPUBLICAN PARTY (U.S. : 1854-)    12. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES_POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT    13. USA    14. c 1800 to c 1900