A reader looks at the pages of UAE Pavilion — Land of Dreamers Who Do book.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

The UAE Pavilion at Expo has announced the release of two new publications - Dreamers: Where Land Meets Sea, an imaginative storybook that takes young readers on a journey through inspiring and lighthearted stories of six real-life “Dreamers,” innovators, and academics from across the UAE that are dedicated to nurturing UAE’s natural environment, and UAE Pavilion: Land of Dreamers Who Do, a hand-sewn book by world-renowned publisher Assouline, highlighting the immersive guest experience presented at Expo 2020 Dubai and the story of the Pavilion’s development. It honours creatives from across the UAE and around the world, and commemorates the UAE’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai and Expo Floriade 2022.

The publications project human-centric storytelling and relevant stories of the UAE, to elevate a collective sense of humanity and ambition and foster a sense of community, narrating experiences that connect and inspire. Dreamers: Where Land Meets Sea’s illustrations and easy-to-read text bring to life the treasures found in the UAE’s environment, from land to sea, and attempts to spark curiosity and awareness for sustainability and develop environmental consciousness.

The book takes young readers on a journey through inspiring stories of six real-life ‘Dreamers’: Noura Al Mansoori, NYUAD; Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, ICBA; Yazen Al Kodmani, Emirates Biofarm; Ramie Murray, Dibba Bay; Manea Al Kaabi, Hatta Honey; and Arabella Willing, Emirates Nature-WWF. Their innovative work spans diverse fields, and inspires an appreciation for sustainability, environmental conservation and the UAE’s rich natural heritage.

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It is written for young readers aged 6 - 9 years, with English and Arabic languages available in the same physical publication. It also includes an activity page for children to imagine their future in protecting the environment, and encourages them to take an active role in creating a more resilient future. The book is written by Maryam Al Dabbagh, writer and cultural consultant born and raised in the UAE, and is illustrated by Emirati artist and illustrator Aysha Al Hamrani, also known as Mnawra. It is printed in the UAE.  

UAE Pavilion: Land of Dreamers Who Do offers a unique and remarkable record of the UAE Pavilion experience in Expo 2020 Dubai, allowing readers to relive and immerse themselves in the beauty and natural diversity of the UAE. The publication brings to life the guest experience at Expo 2020 Dubai and tells the story of those who contributed to the UAE’s rapid transformation through the journeys of its Dreamers, from the country’s founding to the present day. It also pays homage to the stunning architectural design by Santiago Calatrava, whose iconic building was inspired by the flight of the falcon.

  Aysha Al Hamrani, Emirati artist and illustrator (left) and Maryam Al Dabbagh is a writer based in the UAE.

UAE Pavilion: Land of Dreamers Who Do is the first Assouline publication to be scented. The book is imbued with the bespoke “Desert of Dreams” perfume that was specially created for the UAE Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai guest experience. The Assouline Art Book is available for sale at Dukkan 421 in Abu Dhabi and also in Assouline shops worldwide, and online. The children’s storybook Dreamers: Where Land Meets Sea is also available for sale at Dukkan 421 and in public libraries across Abu Dhabi, including the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library at Cultural Foundation, Al Hosn.

Maryam Al Dabbagh obtained her BA in Journalism from the American University of Sharjah and her MA in Global Media and Postnational Communications from SOAS, London. Her articles and essays have been published in journals in the UAE and the region. British Apollo magazine selected her in 2019/2020 as one of the 40 most influential cultural figures in the Middle East 40 under 40. Expo Floriade 2022 was a Dutch horticultural exposition held in Netherlands. Its theme was Growing Green Cities, which focused on the need to combine nature and cities.

Assouline Publishing is a book publisher and luxury lifestyle company founded in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline. It has published over a thousand five hundred titles on subjects including architecture, art, design, fashion, gastronomy, lifestyle, photography, and travel. Beginning in the 2010s the company branched out to designing, producing, and selling furniture, accessories, and luxury gifts, and to creating bespoke furnished and accessorised libraries for individuals and hotels.

Santiago Calatrava is a Spanish architect, structural engineer, sculptor and painter, particularly known for his bridges supported by single leaning pylons, and his railway stations, stadiums, and museums, whose sculptural forms often resemble living organisms. His architectural firm has offices in New York City, Doha, and Zurich. Dukkan 421, the design store at 421, Abu Dhabi, is located in 421, an independent, anti-disciplinary platform dedicated to emerging artists and creative practitioners in the UAE and across the region and a site for research, learning and experimentation.

Dukkan 421 is inspired by the architectural themes of 421 and Mina Zayed, where it is located. The store features products that reflect 421’s commitment to fostering local and regional talent, including a wide selection of publications, homeware, stationary, and other one of a kind products. “It is a dynamic store that fosters learning, engagement, and cultural understanding,” says the store. The UAE’s participation at the UAE Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai (Land of Dreamers Who Do) and at Expo Floriade 2022 (Salt Water Cities: Where Land Meets Sea) were administered by the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, in creative collaboration with the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation.