City Love Companions

Only a couple of years ago almost no one knew a lot about Dubai. “Dubai what? You mean that dump in the middle of the desert? Been there once, it was horrible.” Now it’s one of the most famous, attractive and innovative places in the world. It’s no secret that the biggest city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the modern Eldorado for the worlds’ financial and intellectual elite. Or should we say: they think they belong to the last category. To me it sometimes looks a bit sad and desperate how the UAE and its wealthy inhabitants do everything to acquire credibility and assure the rest of the world will take them serious. They are investing huge amounts of money in contemporary arts nowadays. Leading art fairs like Art, prestigious museums and galleries should attract art-lovers...

It never ceases to amaze and worry me at the same time how dependent we are on natural resources. How the discovery of oil can elevate a good part of a continent from fishermen villages to riches and skyscrapers. But the mindset shaped by religion and tradition still remains. It reminds me of the time I got my paws on inheritance money. I immediately started thinking about all the stupid shit I could spend it on. I did that, without any regard for the future when the money dries out. That’s what Abu Dhabi does. What happens when there is no more oil? Do they capitalize on tourism? Will they save up enough to maintain the infrastructure? Let’s hope they will because the city is nothing short of remarkable. Especially if you consider its humble beginnings. Scientists discovered recently ...