9 Coffee Table Books That Capture The Middle East’s Spirit

Abu Dhabi Bright is a luminous portrait of the UAE capital city, capturing its bold, striking blend of heritage, innovation, and coastal scenes. Through photography and immersive storytelling, the book moves between architectural landmarks, cultural institutions, desert landscapes and the city’s shimmering beachfronts, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s evolution into a global cultural hub. Balancing tradition with modern ambition, Assouline presents the emirate as a city grounded in its Emirati roots and boldly forward-looking. 

Available at TANAGRA.ME

Published by Assouline, Flower Men is a visually striking deep dive into one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most poetic cultural traditions – the ‘flower men’ of Saudi Arabia’s Asir Province, a tribe known for adorning their hair with fresh garlands of blooms and leaves. Written by Bruno Doucey and brought to life through bold photography by Laziz Hamani, Ibrahim Sarhan and Ziyad Alarfaj, the book blends anthropology with high-gloss imagery, spanning over 150 photographs across 224 pages. The book is a juxtaposition of raw heritage and aesthetic beauty, capturing a unique and stunning narrative in the region. 

Available at TANAGRA.ME

Modernist Beirut is a richly illustrated exploration of Lebanon’s mid-century architectural golden age, when Beirut became a laboratory for modernist and brutalist design. published by Norma Editions and created by photographer Matthieu Salvaing and gallerist Guillaume Excoffier, the book documents over 30 landmark buildings across Beirut and beyond. The book showcases architecture from Oscar Niemeyer’s Tripoli International Fair to private villas and cultural institutions, all captured through Salvaing’s cinematic lens. 

Available at VIRGINMEGASTORE.AE

Published by Assouline, Bahrain Crafts is a refined look at the kingdom’s artisanal heritage, from dhow-building and palm weaving to pottery and goldsmithing. Written by Mariam Hisham Al Khalifa, with photography by Harald Gottschalk, the book pairs rich imagery from the Gulf with thoughtful storytelling across themes of sea, land, tradition, and culture. 

Available at TANAGRA.ME

Zuhair Murad is a lavish monograph celebrating the world of the Lebanese couturier, known for his opulent, red-carpet-ready gowns and intricate craftsmanship. Through rich imagery, runway photography, and behind-the-scenes sketches, the stunning book traces Murad’s journey from Beirut atelier to global fashion houses, showcasing his signature language of embroidery, embellishment and sculptural silhouettes. 

Available at TANAGRA.ME

Works 1994–2017 by Lamia Joreige is a comprehensive monograph published by Kaph Books that spans over two decades of the Beirut-based artist’s multidisciplinary practice. Bringing together her video works, immersive installations, delicate drawings, photography and essay films, the book traces Joreige’s ongoing exploration of memory, history and the aftermath of the Lebanese wars through a deeply personal and archival lens. 

Available at THELIGHTHOUSE.AE