Page 326 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT APRIL 2024

Then and now: 15 remarkable throwback pictures of

Dubai

From the city’s first set of traffic lights to the days before Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa…

Since its formation in 1971 – yes, the UAE is only 53 years old – the country has
transformed from a desert oasis and fishing village to a sprawling metropolitan hub.

Of course, none of this would have been made possible if it wasn’t for the strong and
inspiring vision of the UAE’s leaders. As HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai once said, “Impossible is a word used by

some people who fear to dream big.”

We reflect on the city’s dramatic transformation with 15 incredible throwback photos…

Dubai Airport (1965)

Image: dubaiasitusedtobe.net

Dubai’s first airport opened in Al Ghusais in 1959. Before that, Dubai didn’t have an
airport and travellers would have to fly into Bahrain and then take a local flight to

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