Form an orderly queue to brand the UAE

Form an orderly queue to brand the UAE

The Ruler of Dubai has launched a new competition to design the “National Brand.”

October 4, 2010 3:14 by shafeer

According to Emirates 24-7, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced on Sunday the launch of a country-wide contest to design the “Nation Brand.”

It’s a visual identity contest, apparently, under the motto: “The Nation Brand Contest: Be part of the UAE history.” The idea is that the brand will depict the country’s values, characteristics and culture to help promote the UAE across the globe. Sheikh Mohammed has urged participants to send entries to his website, from which the best design will be selected to be used on promotional materials here and abroad.

Firstly, let’s breathe a sigh of relief that they didn’t ask us to brand just Dubai. Kipp is sure there will be a fair few disgruntled former (and current) residents who would jump at the chance to paint a visual picture of the emirate. The results would probably be unsuitable for use on promotional materials, we’re guessing. Although you’d have to be a bit dim to send something like that direct to Sheikh Mohammed.

But there is still a little fun to be had, in pointing out that the creativity of the UAE population may not be the best thing to call upon. For evidence we give you: The Dubai Fountain. Located at the Dubai Mall, named under the shadow of the Burj Dubai (in the Downtown Dubai area), it got its name after a competition across the emirate that only proved what a colossally unimaginative bunch we are.

Kipp is laying down its money now: The winner will be an outline of the country, with the colours of the flag inside.