Cultivating the Desert (2007)

Cultivating the Desert: Instant culture in an Arabian wonderland looks at the remarkable emergence of an art scene in Dubai. How can such a phenomenon exist in a state driven by profit, in a region besieged by war and repression? Nestled snugly between Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Dubai has become a capitalist dreamworld where full-option Hummers cruise down streets lined with some of the most outrageous architecture in the world. In 2007 Dubai's leader introduced a plan for promoting cultural life in the emirate. Christie's has set up camp here, Sotheby's is on its way. The question remains though: While you may be able to put culture on the agenda, and even create an infrastructure for it, will it take root?