The Rise of the Gulf
Since the 70s, the Persian Gulf States have known an unprecedented rise in the Arab world. For the first time, this documentary tells the incredible tale of the metamorphosis of the Gulf’s emirates over the course of the last century.
Type (Documentaire / Documentaire fiction / Série documentaire)DocumentaryGenre en anglaisHistory Written and directed byFrédéric CompainEditingAlexandre Auque MusicPierre Lemarchand In coproduction with Arte France / RTS / TV5Monde / 2M MarocSupported by Doha Film Institute, MEDIA (Slate)Broadcasted by ARTE France Distributed by ZEDFestival(s)Sélection au Festival International du Film d’Histoire de Pessac / Sélection par le Medimed pour le prix Ahmed AttiaYear2014Duration2x55min
Once villages, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai have quickly hoisted themselves into the highest ranks of international finance, culture, education and diplomacy, and have become the Middle East’s most dynamic centres. Their vision of the post-oil era has been shaped by a previous, difficult transition – the collapse of pearl trade, for centuries the main source of prosperity. But the discovery of oil opened up a whole new era, and with economic growth came political independence.
A new generation of rulers appeared, with a vision for the Gulf’s future. Their ambition is to achieve sustainable growth without relying only on hydrocarbon reserves – and they have considered the post-oil era more thoughtfully than most of their foreign customers.
- Episode 1: The Conquest of the Gulf
- Episode 2: The Conquest of the World
Press coverage
Fascinating mosaic of archives and testimonies.
Télérama
An incredible story recounted by Frédéric Compain in this fascinating documentary.
Libération
Avoiding the pitfalls of a tirade or hagiography, Frédéric Compain interviewed the architects of this ascent, told through beautiful archives and the voices from the Gulf.
Le Figaro
Frédéric Compain describes the remarkable adventure of the Gulf emirates. Voices of historians, entrepreneurs, politicians, and women from the Gulf follow one another, reflecting on the past, the present, and contemplating the future of their countries. Fascinating.
La Croix
A fascinating look back at these empires that emerged from the sands. An engaging film, featuring high-quality interviews and striking footage of these cities reaching for the skies.
La Vie
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