<a href="http://vimeo.com/11046031">Al Manakh: Gulf Continued</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3599775">OMA</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>. <b><a href="http://almanakh.org/">Al Manakh</a> 2</b> , one of the few publications that will give you some theoretical background to what's been going on in architecture and urban design in the region, is about to hit the stands. The book is the second part of what I hope they will make into a series of books about the Gulf. <b>Rem Koolhaas</b> , who oversees the project with funding from the Urban Planning Council, is probably one of the few internationally known starchitects who really appreciates Dubai as a great experiment in city-making. The first book was more of a collection of the visions, a "photographic documentary, in text and images" of Dubai and other capitals of the Gulf. The sequel is about how these countries are faring after the financial crisis cut some of the dreams short. Read . Here is an excerpt from the introduction from Mr Koolhaas: If that kind of talk gets you thinking, then come to the Paris Sorbonne in Abu Dhabi on Reem Island this Thursday at 6 p.m. to hear him speak in person.