When Dubai celebrated the UAE’s 51st National Day on December 2 it was as a global city with hundreds of skyscrapers, world-class airports and modern attractions that are the envy of the world.
But it wasn’t always that way. Just a few decades ago, construction projects were less ambitious, the city was much smaller and the vision was still taking shape.
Website Dubai As It Used To Be is a treasure trove of memories and photographs of the emirate in the mid to late 20th century.
Dubai As It Used To Be
From major events in the city’s history to memories of everyday life it paints a picture of life in the Emirates.
The photograph at the top of this page shows Sheikh Zayed Road in 1979. It shows camels crossing the road which, in 1979, connected with the Hatta Road. In the background the Wilson Building is under construction.
It was taken in the lifetime of many residents and UAE Nationals, but is beyond the imagination of more recent visitors to Dubai.
The Sheraton hotel by the Dubai Creek under construction in 1976.
Look familiar? This early construction would go on to be the world-famous Burj Al Arab hotel.
Dubai’s World Trade Centre was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth 2 during her state visit to Dubai in 1979. Here it is under construction.
There are now more than 250 cinema screens in the city, housed in huge multiplexes and glamorous shopping malls. The outdoor Al Wattan cinema screen at Al Nasr Square was the first.
The emirate is now a global financial hub attracting banking talent from around the world. This was the National Bank of Dubai building back in 1971.
The Creek area of the city still has something of a heritage feel and attracts tourists, residents and businesses looking to see a different side to the city. Back then the abras were powered by rowing.
Work began on emirate’s airport in 1969 and was completed in 1971. It is now one of the busiest in the world, transporting millions of passengers each year.
The unassuming headquarters of BP in the 1960s.
Some of the earliest traffic lights in the emirate were installed in Al Fahidi Street opposite VV and Sons.
Pictures supplied by Dubai As It Used To Be. Visit the website for more information and images showing the history of the UAE.
Follow us on
