‘ABU DHABI AND PEARLS - A STORY WITH A HISTORY’
Brand | DR FATIMA AL MUHAIRI OF AL HOSN RESEARCH AND STUDIES CENTER |
Product/Service | HISTORICAL BOOK |
Entrant | ORIGIN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES |
Category | PUBLICATIONS |
Entrant Company
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ORIGIN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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Advertising Agency
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ORIGIN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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Brief Explanation
The task of producing the two-volume book (each of 700 pages) was indeed challenging. It called for extensive research, covering historical information and photographs (old and recent) from archives around the world. Relevance and authenticity was central to this research.
The key objective was to produce a unique and invaluable historical book that would act as a perfect gift for His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A standard version would also be made available to scholars and people interested in the history of Abu Dhabi.
The Brief
Origin was briefed to design and produce an exclusive commemorative book on the history of the pearl industry in Abu Dhabi, covering socio-political, economic and cultural issues. Titled ‘Abu Dhabi and Pearls ¬¬– a Story with a History’, the book also had to communicate people’s relationship with pearls and the impact of Abu Dhabi’s pearls on the rest of the world.
The agency worked closely with Dr Fatima Al Muhairi of the Al Hosn Centre for Studies and Research and her team of researchers, scholars, international experts and jewellers. Dr Fatima was commissioned to compile and edit the book.
How the final design was conceived
In line with Origin’s standard design process, a team of designers began with exploring several creative routes in order to distill the real essence of the subject and do it full justice. The final design makes extensive use of photography and decorative calligraphy that bring out the Arabic flavour, beautifully enhancing the overall look and feel.
Key to the design theme was the choice of colours: green to represent the historical perspective, and red to symbolise the colour of the satin used by jewellers to present pearls. Both colours are part of the UAE flag.
Indication of how successful the outcome was in the market
The book was very well-received by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It was presented to by HRH Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, who remarked that the book illustrates the rich history and heritage of Abu Dhabi and thanked the team for producing an exceptional piece of work.
Credits
Tamer Gherbawi |
Al Hosn Research And Studies Center |
Administrative Assistant |
Lames Hassan |
Al Hosn Research And Studies Center |
Administrative Assistant |
Ibrahim Al Zaabi |
Al Hosn Research And Studies Center |
Photographer |
Hamad Al Mansoori |
Al Hosn Research And Studies Center |
Photographer |
Nikki Meyler |
Origin Communications Group |
Associate Director |
Swapan Mazumder |
Origin Communications Group |
Production Manager |
Fahad Hawandaji |
Origin Communications Group |
Graphic Designer/Associate Client Service |
Maria West |
Origin Communications Group |
Senior Graphic Designer |
Trevor Halton |
Origin Communications Group |
Design Director |
Dr. Fatima Al Muhairi |
Al Hosn Research And Studies Center |
Editor/Researcher |
John Harper Owen |
Origin Communications Group |
Creative Director |
Mark Sutherland |
Origin Communications Group |
Chairman And Ceo |