2013 Winners & Shortlists

‘ABU DHABI AND PEARLS - A STORY WITH A HISTORY’

BrandDR FATIMA AL MUHAIRI OF AL HOSN RESEARCH AND STUDIES CENTER
Product/ServiceHISTORICAL BOOK
EntrantORIGIN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
CategoryPUBLICATIONS
Entrant Company ORIGIN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Advertising Agency ORIGIN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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

Name Company Role
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