A Berkhamsted resident and debut author has endeavoured to capture the essence of a rapidly changing city in their new book, Barflies and Dubai (Stories of Skyscrapers and Sundowners).
The author, who goes by the pseudonym Echo, was in Dubai for business in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They would not leave the city for two years and spent much of their time soaking up the culture in bars and chatting to locals, expats and migrants.
The book is described by Game of Thrones actor Mark Addy as “an entertaining ride, exploring the seedier sides of Dubai and its nightlife”.
Echo was keen, however, to avoid judgement or preaching, and laments the oft-seen posturing of the West as world heroes.
Comprised of 13 short stories, the book presents itself as a snapshot of the city and culture in a series of “conversations and observations”, as the author seeks to capture the “vibrations and atmosphere”.
Echo marvels at the breakneck development of Dubai from an ancient port city to a vibrant tourist town and financial centre.
They said: “Some may hate it, but you have to look at what it was and what it’s become. All cities go through these growth spurts; New York, London, Glasgow, and now Dubai. It’s a privilege to see it.
“I thought who actually has made all this happen? There is no hero, but if there is one needed, it’s the seven million migrant workers who built the United Arab Emirates and keep it ticking along. It’s the little man coming over from Bangladesh and putting 25 years into this place, the whole prime of his life into someone else’s country.”
Paperback and e-book copies of the new book can be purchased here.
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