The 2nd annual Magnum Photography Awards took place this week, recognising the work of photographers from around the world. But one photo essay caught our eye in particular, Belgium’s Nick Hannes’ series, Bread and Circuses, which is about life in Dubai.
The UK’s The Guardian was first to comment on the photo essay, calling it a is a “revealing look at the luxurious, consumer-based lifestyles of ‘Las Vegas in the Gulf’.”
The series includes images from Global Village
© Nick Hannes
The now-iconic Floating Seahouses
Emirati boys at Hub Zero
Fireworks over an unfinished Bluewater Island
Full moon yoga at the Fairmon The Palm
A pool party Friday brunch
A dead-end desert road
Inside Chillout Ice Lounge
Shopping at Oasis Mall
According to Nick Hannes’ website, the Dubai series is a work in progress, which will be finished with a book, set to be released in 2018.
“The rapid transformation of Dubai from a dusty fishing town in the sixties to the ultramodern metropolis of today, fascinates both supporters and critics. With its artificial islands and iconic skyscrapers, the little emirate is a world player when it comes to tourism and business,” Hannes says of his interest in the Emirate. “Dubai’s entertainment industry and its luxury lifestyle based on consumerism have a big impact on the urbanisation of the Emirate. Ruler [His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai], acting as the CEO of the ‘Dubai-brand’, spares no cost nor effort to promote his city worldwide as a place of complete economical freedom, unlimited possibilities and big fun.”
What do you think of the series? Let us know @CosmoMiddleEast