Simply Abu Dhabi XXIX

play of matte and high polish on all sides. And the screw-down case back offers another visual treat nestled below a scratchproof sapphire crystal: a three-dimensional matte-and- polished falcon – Sheikh Zayed’s nickname was “the Desert Falcon” – designed by Alyousef to offer the calligraphic Arabic spelling of the words “Zayed Al Khair,” a loving representation meaning “Zayed the Benevolent.” The case’s off-center crown position matches the off-center dial design, making for a uniform and harmonious complete look. Calligraphy and type artist Alyousef, who lives in Dubai, has been practicing Arabic calligraphy for more than 25 years. His work is intricate but also contains some experimental composition, particularly in the stylization of the Arabic alphabet. As it was the Bauhaus school of design that has significantly influenced Alyousef’s work, it makes a great deal of sense for him to have contributed to this German co- production. His work addresses the intersection between language and the abstract. Red, green, white, and black are the colors of the United Arab Emirates, evidenced by the common flag adopted onDecember 2, 1971 to symbolize Arabian unity. Originally, each of the seven Emirates had a plain red flag representing allegiance to the Islamic prophet Muhammad; today the red also stands for bravery and strength. White stands for peace and honesty, while green embodies hope, joy, and love. Black indicates strength of mind. Therefore, the watch’s smooth black or white leather strap also features green and red stitching. It is outfitted with a sweat-resistant inner lining of the type that is also used by the high-end shoe industry. The mechanical heart of this timepiece reliably beats thanks to an elegant, modern Swiss movement that has been especially modified for this watch to position the time display in an off- center manner, thereby increasing the elegant overall design of the watch. This double subdial design, turned on its side about 30 degrees off center, also looks quite like an infinity sign, which aside from its mathematical meaning also symbolizes eternity and everlasting love. The special-edition watch dedicated to the father of the United Arab Emirates is rich with details relating to his life and the country he so thoughtfully built on a core belief system of tolerance and coexistence. "Sheikh Zayed has instilled in us the willpower and determination to challenge and achieve the impossible," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE’s armed forces, "This is why we are always convinced that we are capable of being pioneers and to become one of the best countries in the world. He inspired us to see his way to the future, to follow in his footsteps with confidence and insight, and to consolidate the gains and achievements. "He always emphasized that man is the most essential element of progress and that the most precious wealth of this country is its people, who we must take care of well. There is no use for money without men. This is the philosophy that drives the process of comprehensive and sustainable development of this country. The best way to celebrate the Year of Zayed would be by spreading Zayed's glorious human and cultural legacy via all the people of the UAE, to continue his inspirational and noble values, and introduce these ideals to new generations."