2015 Winners & Shortlists

Brief Explanation

We strive to strike a balance between local and global topics of interest. To appeal to our readers who reside in the UAE, across the GCC and Arab World while also capturing the attention of our global readers with timeless pieces. Visually, every issue is tricky because as a bilingual publication you have the additional challenge of maintaining the integrity of two languages instead of just one, which limits your options to experiment with the design. We strive to preserve our ‘local heritage’ while embracing the ideals of global mindedness; thus creating an authentic Emirate set amid a modern world.

The Brief

Shawati’ magazine’s an Abu Dhabi based quarterly magazine. Shawati’ is the official, independent-voiced culture and arts quarterly magazine published under the patronage of the government of Abu Dhabi. Shawati’s mission focuses on reflecting the Emirati Nation, its Capital and the world at large with distinctive coverage, stunning photography and design while offering a unique perspective on current events and evolving and timeless stories. It’s our aim to offer those outside of our country insight into our culture and the threads of our identity; thus bridging the gap or ‘shores’ of diversity that unite us together under one global village.

How the final design was conceived

We go through many stages until we reach a point where we feel we’ve visualized each article in a way that both balances the text and best illustrates the story. We work and rework until we’ve achieved optimal harmony across all fronts. We meticulously evaluate every detail until we’ve reached that point. We treat every issue we produce as though it were our last, this thought forces us to push harder to reach our own idea of ‘perfection’. We commission various artists for the cover and section breakers, we provide them with a concept and allow them to visualize it.

Indication of how successful the outcome was in the market

The latest issue was very well received by many of our international and local clients and subscribers. The overall feedback for issue 29 is that it’s our best issue to date, both editorially and design-wise. Thus far, we’ve been selling the issue out in many of the outlet stores we distribute with throughout the UAE, GCC, Europe and the United States. Additionally, Etihad, a leading Arabic newspaper wrote a glowing review praising the latest issue and said it’s a great achievement for the UAE and said every one of the 240 pages is luxuriously designed with many noteworthy articles.

Shawati’ magazine is striking, sumptuous and thought provoking in equal measure, Shawati’ serves as a cultural bridge between the rich traditions and brave modernity that define this unique city. Distributed to the Royal families, VVIP dignitaries, government ministries and departments, UAE Embassies and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority offices worldwide, plus exclusive distribution within the country, GCC, Lebanon, Europe and America. Shawati’s blend of incisive interviews, quality reporting and stunning photojournalism presented in a unique Arabic-English format - provides local residents, expatriates and visitors a unique view of the UAE as it establishes itself as a global cultural centre.