The rapid pace of Dubai’s development is to be celebrated, yet its urban history needs to be documented. 

‘Spaces That Remain’ was a photography exhibition that showcased Jalal Abuthina’s recent works, curated by Rashed Almulla, on the now-vanished neighbourhoods of Shabiyyat Al-Shorta and Al-Defa'a, built in the late 1970s. Held at the Mosque of Reflection (2022) and Bayt AlMamarat (2023), the exhibition captured these neighbourhoods' human and architectural elements. 

The following publication, produced by SWALIF x MABNAI, and supported by the UAE MCY National Grant, provides a sociological analysis of the historical context as well as architectural insights into the neighbourhoods, while simultaneously documenting both exhibitions. City Walk Dubai has since replaced these neighbourhoods.

Inserted within the slips of the cover is a fully translated Arabic manuscript of the text, as well as a catalogue of the exhibited artworks.

Alongside the publication, SWALIF and MABNAI have designed limited-edition merchandise, including postcards, key chains, and a tote. This merchandise is available for sale individually or as a discounted bundle with the publication!

Spaces that Remain ©️ 2024

ISBN: 978-1-0687933-0-1

To be cited as: Almulla, R. (2024). Spaces that Remain. Photographs by J. Abuthina. SWALIF Publishing House.

Author: Rashed Almulla  
Photographer: Jalal Abuthina  
Managing Editor: Salem AlSuwaidi  
Book Designer: Salman Dabwan

Design Support: Khaled Esguerra
Copyediting: TheQuietEditor, i.e. Deena Rashid  
Publishing Advisor: Ahmed Makia   

Published by SWALIF Publishing House

info@swalif.store  
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates  

First paperback printing edition, 2024.

Supporter Acknowledgement:

This book was made possible through the generous grant provided by the UAE Ministry of Culture, National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity, Cycle 2, 2024. We extend our deepest gratitude for their support and contribution to the development and production of this work.