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The Ultimate Collection

Abu Dhabi Before 1971

$1,200 USD

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Abu Dhabi Before 1971 is a rare and compelling visual record of an emirate on the cusp of profound transformation. Featuring extraordinary vintage photography, the book captures everyday life in Abu Dhabi before unification, before the discovery of oil reshaped its destiny, and before modernity a...
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Jonathan Gornall is a British freelance journalist and author. Formerly with The Times of London, he has lived and worked in the Middle East and is now based in the U.K. He specializes in the history, heritage, politics, and culture of the Middle East, with a particular focus on the six states of the Gulf Cooperation Council: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

This French concept embodies the art of knowing exactly what to do and when to do it. At Assouline, savoir-faire defines every creation: from the artistry of our covers to the meticulous detailing of our Ultimate Collection and the precision of every page. Each title is a journey of craftsmanship, from concept to creation, guided by our creative team and brought to life with the highest standards of design, photography, and production. Every book reflects the dedication, care, and expertise that turn an idea into a lasting work of art.

  • Handle with Clean, Dry Hands: Always use clean, dry hands when handling your book to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the pages and cover. 
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading or discoloration of the cover and pages. 
  • Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Humidity and moisture can damage both the paper and binding. Store books upright on a flat surface, away from heat sources. 
  • Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster to gently remove dust from the cover and page edges. 
  • Use Caution When Opening: Do not force the spine flat, especially on new books, as this may damage the binding. 
  • Keep Away from Liquids and Food: Avoid placing books near food or beverages to prevent spills and stains.
If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact Customer Service as soon as possible. For damaged items, kindly email us your order number, a description of the issue, and photos of the damage. If you wish to return your order for any other reason, we allow exchanges for merchandise credit within 14 days of delivery. We do not allow refunds and the customer is responsible for the cost of return shipping. Please note that items must be returned in the same condition in which they were received, with all the original packaging. Exchanges and credit are applicable only at the original point of purchase. The Ultimate Tower, The Allure Bookstand, headphones, and vintage or third-party objects are final sale and not eligible for return or exchange. Please email us at customerservice@assouline.com with your order number to begin the return process for an online order.

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The Ultimate Collection

Abu Dhabi Before 1971

$1,200
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Page count

231 pages

Number of illustrations

143

Language

English

Released on

April 2026

Dimensions

W 16 x L 19 x D 3.5 in

Cover materials

Handcrafted Volume in a Luxury Clamshell Case

ISBN

9781649806116

Weight

22.93 lb

Author

Jonathan Gornall, foreword by His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Ultimate Gift Wrapping

Assouline signature gift wrapping is available. When this option is selected, books are wrapped in a special white matte gift wrapping paper – sourced specifically by the Assouline family for an authentic approach and sealed with the brand’s signature red wax seal for the final touch of luxury.