Since its founding in 1971, the country of the United Arab Emirates has transformed from desert oases and fishing villages into a vast, modern country.Among them, especiallyDubaiThe most representative.
After years of development, Dubai has undergone rapid changes, and its development speed can be called a miracle.As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, once said: "'Impossible' is the word of those who are afraid of dreaming big."
Now, use 15 authentic old photos to review the tremendous changes in Dubai.
Dubai Airport (photo taken in 1965)
Source: dubaiasitusedtobe.net
Dubai's first airport opened in 1959 at Al Ghusais.Previously, Dubai had no airport and travelers had to fly to Bahrain and then take a local flight to Sharjah Airport.Dubai Airport's original runway was paved with sand, which was upgraded in 1963 because powerful aircraft often "blown away" the runway.
Dubai Airport is now one of the busiest airports in the world
Courtyard Al Quoz (photo taken in 1997)
Source: Courtyard
For the past 25 years, the Courtyard has been the city's center for arts and culture.Nowadays, a wider art park has been formed around the Courtyard and Al Quoz, such as Alserkal Avenue, which has become the most successful art park in Dubai and can be called Dubai's version of "798".The Courtyard has also been preserved and still performs its cultural functions.
Today's Courtyard has a peaceful scene.
Derivative reading:The most artistic place in Dubai – The Courtyard
Jumeirah Beach Road (photographed in 1968)
Source: dubaiasitusedtobe.net
Dubai's famous seaside boulevard is also home to the Jumeirah open-air cinema known to the older generation. This cinema was built in the 20s, showing Western and Indian movies, and equipped with cafes and supermarkets.The theater was demolished in the 60s to make way for a shopping mall.
Nowadays, Jumeirah Road is a route that cannot be avoided when traveling.
Burj al Arab (photographed 1994-1999)
Source: dubaiasitusedtobe.net
When construction began in 1994, the Burj Al Arab ("Burj Al Arab") was actually named the Chicago Beach Hotel. In 1999, Sheikh Mohammed named it "Burj Al Arab", and the world's first "seven-star" hotel was built.When it first opened, the resort offered weekend specials from just Dh293 per night, but now a night's stay costs Dh5155.
Not much to say, Dubai’s most classic landmark
Dubai's first traffic light (photographed in 1971)
Source: dubaiasitusedtobe.net
Dubai's first set of traffic lights was located on Al Fahidi Street and was installed in 1971.This was once the territory of Iranian merchants and was once very prosperous.Traffic lights are switched off between 12am and 6am.Today, Al Fahidi Street has become an inconspicuous street in the old city, but the history and customs it carries are always talked about.
Today’s AL Fahidi Street is narrow and crowded, but full of old city flavor
Toyota building, Sheikh Zayed Road
Source: NRL Group and Getty
Dubai's iconic Nasser Rashid Lootah (also known as the Toyota Tower) has gone through some dramatic changes over the years but has still stood the test of time.The 15-storey tower was built in 1974 and was one of only three buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road at the time.It is considered one of the first residential buildings in the city.
The building still shines today
Deira Clock Tower
Picture source Ⓒ Glen Novinger (left)
and Dubai Municipality and Dubai Media Office (right)
The Deira Clock Tower was built in 1963. It is the most famous landmark in Deira, Dubai, and it is also the memory of many old Dubai.This iconic building was recently renovated with a new modern design.Wenchao WEMART flagship supermarket, which Chinese people especially love to go to, is right next to the clock tower.
The clock tower carousel is still very busy today
Dubai World Trade Center
Source: dubaiasitusedtobe.net
As a prominent symbol of Dubai, the Dubai World Trade Center was 39 stories tall, and with the height of the radio mast, it was once the tallest building in the UAE. In 1979, Queen Elizabeth II opened the building.
The World Trade Center in Dubai is still in good shape today
Jumeirah Mosque (photo taken in 1979)
Source: dubaiasitusedtobe.net
The Grand Jumeirah Mosque was first opened in 1979 and is the home of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current Ruler of Dubai and the father of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. A gift from Mom.This architectural gem is one of the emirate’s best-loved landmarks thanks to its interactive Open Doors.
Today, the Jumeirah Mosque is open to the public and has become a tourist attraction.
Camel racing competition (photographed in 1984)
Source: dubaiasitusedtobe.net
Before 1980, camel races were held in the desert, and later there were specially built tracks.Traditionally, little boys would ride on and steer the camels, but due to the dangerous nature of the sport, this has now been replaced by robot jockeys.
Today's camel racing is still very popular among locals
Deira Fish Market (Photo taken in 1965)
Source: dubaiasitusedtobe.net
Before supermarkets came to Dubai, residents bought their fruits, vegetables and fish at local markets.At that time, refrigeration facilities were also limited, so daily shopping at these markets was a habit for many people.The Dubai Fish Market once became a good place for many Chinese to buy food and save money. However, in 2017, this fish market, which holds many people’s memories, was demolished and moved to a location near Palm Deira, and was renamed Waterfront Market.
Although the environment is better, it doesn’t have the same smell as before.
Derivative reading:Passersby become fans of Dubai’s new fish (vegetable) market with a great shopping experience – Waterfront Market
Dubai Creek Rafting Race (photo taken in 1971)
Source: dubaiasitusedtobe.net
One of Dubai's oldest events is this annual rafting competition.People can compete in teams of two or more and build rafts from scratch using empty oil drums, wood and ropes and compete.
Nowadays, Dubai Creek has become a famous scenic spot. Naturally, such activities have also been cancelled.
Burj Khalifa (photo taken in 2006)
Source: Getty
It’s hard to believe that just 17 years ago, The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and even Business Bay didn’t exist.The Burj Khalifa, which took six years to build, was officially opened in 2010.It has 163 floors and is 828 meters high, making it the tallest building in the world.Originally it was supposed to be called "Burj Khalifa", but because Dubai received financial assistance from Abu Dhabi after the financial crisis, the Ruler of Dubai named it after the Ruler of Abu Dhabi to express his gratitude, and it became today's "Khalifa". tower".
The Burj Khalifa has become an unquestionable global landmark
