Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Qaiwain. The less geographically astute amongst us may be unfamiliar with many of these regions individually, as the United Arab Emirates.

Each governed by a hereditary emir, they make up the Supreme Council of Rulers who then appoint the prime minister and cabinet that preside over the seventh-largest proved reserves of both crude oil and natural gas in the world¹.

As ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE at its inception in 1971, the late Sheikh Zayed was quick to seize on the potential of the oil industry, overseeing the development of all the emirates and the flow of oil revenues into healthcare, education and the national infrastructure. Such financial and politcal independence was in 2011 described as the setting of the sun for British Empire by The National writer Jonathan Gornall.

Nevertheless, such hyperbole seems to have struck a chord with the Daily Mail, who in a article examining increased levels of Qatari investment in British infrastructure projects – or ‘How Qatar bought Britain’ – referred to the expansion of Qatar’s capital Doha as ‘the equivalent of Britain’s Industrial Age.’

As these symbols dominate both skylines and headlines in equal measure, LBB favourite Matthias Heiderich frames the UAE’s striking statements of industrial expansionism in manner that has become unique to the Berlin-based photographer.

The Ampersand has never been adverse to the odd makeover. As a typographer’s favourite, its history is cited to date back to 63 BC and was actually the 27th letter of the English alphabet up until the 19th century.

Photographer Emily Blincoe adds to this graphic symbols interesting lineage. Blincoe creates a series of visual puns that help to keep the ampersand young & beautiful. Visit Emily’s suitably titled This & That blog for more.

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Originally published on LBB

Today we’ll be getting all experiential with Sci-Fi London founder Louis Savy, Book Slam’s Elliot Jack and Alex Daw of Spin London. Needless to say, it’s gonna be eventful.

Join us between 1-2pm on NTS.

There’s a lot to celebrate on April 20, 2013, as NTS turns 2. And my hasn’t she grown. Femi, Fergus and the whole family have worked tirelessly to provide a vision of truly independent radio. Thoughtful, eclectic and ready to kick your arse, the station now packs more DJ than a years worth of winter fuel credits.

Come celebrate with the family at 7-9 Crucifix Lane, London Bridge, where Dobie, Moxie, Martelo, Charlie Bones and more will no doubt emphasise my previous point. Early bird tickets are now £13.50, so you know what to do. It’s gonna be a cracker.

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NTS 2 | Jamie 3:26 // Max D // Jon Rust // Dobie // Moxie // Martelo // Charlie Bones // Judah // Nic Takser // Brian Morrison

20/04/2013 | 10pm-6am | 7-9 Crucifix Lane | London Bridge, SE1 3JW | Early birds tickets £13.50 | £15 thereafter

“The first step – especially for young people with energy and drive and talent, but not money – the first step to controlling your world is to control your culture. To model and demonstrate the kind of world you demand to live in. To write the books. Make the music. Shoot the films. Paint the art.” Chuck Palahniuk

This month’s special guests are Susan Supercharged former model turned artist / filmmaker and recognised as the last ever Warhol Superstar and Chantal Miller from ChantiMedia, who recently produced her first documentary feature: ‘What the Times Cover Girl Did Next’.

We’ll be discussing life in front and behind the lens, defining ‘culture’, and of course, what Andy Warhol was really like.

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LBB on NTS | 1-2pm | Saturday 16th March 2013

With our Let’s Be Brief hat on we’ve teamed up with street art specialist Jester Jacques Gallery and their Pop-Up at Boxpark this February for Carfumes: The After School Club for Creative Types workshop.

Working with LBB’s very own ‘The Keen Eye’ illustrator Sky Nash, you can give loved and not so loved brands a tongue-in-cheek makeover.

Through illustration and witty copywriting turn well-known brands and straplines upside down / inside out and help create a Zine made from the nights work – all in the name of silly.

Have a break, have a quick crap; make some wonderful Carfumes.

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FREE EVENT | 20th February 2013 | 6pm – 9pm | Boxpark Shoreditch, 2-4 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6G

LBB is on your stereo. Yep that’s right. Today was the first of a once a month Saturday slot on NTS from 1pm – 2pm.

The new Let’s Be Brief Show on NTS Radio. Design, music and culture collide on a Saturday.