DUBAI Exhibition Explores How Residents Create Meaningful Social Lives in the City
At Dubai’s Kutubna Cultural Center, a captivating exhibition is currently on display until July 4. Featuring images from Rana Al-Mutawa’s book “Making Home in Dubai,” the exhibition delves into the concept of ‘flanerie’ in the city.
Uncovering Urban Ethnography
Described as an urban ethnography, the exhibition sheds light on how middle-class citizens and long-time residents of Dubai navigate the city’s superficial spaces to forge meaningful social connections.
Transforming Spaces
Al-Mutawa’s book challenges the perception of Dubai’s grand buildings as soulless and superficial. She argues that these structures actually cater to residents’ evolving social needs, becoming culturally significant sites that foster a sense of belonging.
Redefining Stereotypes
In a bold statement, Al-Mutawa aims to debunk stereotypes that label Dubai’s developments as alienating. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing these supposedly superficial places as vital cultural hubs where social and gender norms are observed and negotiated.
Through her work, Al-Mutawa hopes to spark a debate on understanding Gulf cities without falling into the trap of perpetuating clichés about inauthenticity. The exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of Dubai and explore the city’s hidden layers of cultural richness.