UAE landmarks: A look into the past that paved the way for the future

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1967. Maktoum Bridge nearing completion, with the outskirts of Deira at left and the thick trees of a palace complex in Bur Dubai at right Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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1982. Abu Dhabi International Airport concourse. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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Repairs to the 'volcano fountain' under way on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The underpass on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi looking towards the Corniche with the white buildings of the Cultural Centre on the right. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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Late 1970s. Dhows moored in the Creek, close to the large mosque in Bur Dubai Image Credit: Gulf News

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1981. Al Ain clock tower roundabout - a landmark on one of the main thoroughfares of Al Ain city. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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1994. Ajman clock tower roundabout undergoing expansion. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The Abu Dhabi Clock Tower where the Airport Road meets the corniche. This picture shows the sea coming up on the beach running beside the Corniche, which many years later was filled in and the gardens expanded on reclaimed land. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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In 1979 Safa Park in Dubai was still largely without trees and the grass was only just starting to cover all the ground. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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A view of the Flame Roundabout in Deira, Dubai, with the creek in the background, being crossed by the Garhoud (top left-hand corner). The first mega mall, Deira City Centre, would later come up on the land in the left of this picture, and to the right of the roundabout is the start of Al Maktoum Street Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The Strand Cinema in Bur Dubai. Once a popular hang-out for film buffs, the cinema was later demolished to make way for future developments in the area. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The Metropolitan Hotel in the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway. The buildings on the background are on the site where Al Qouz is in 2009. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The main entrance to the old Dubai Court building. Established in 1980, the Dubai Courts remained on the same site for many decades. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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1981. From the Trade Centre, looking north into Dubai along what became Khalifa Bin Zayed Road. The colony buildings of Karama stand surrounded by sand in the middle distance, with the undeveloped areas of Mankhool and Umm Hurair to the left. In the foreground, the immigration building is just in sight at the bottom left, while on the open ground at bottom right is where Zabeel Park is now. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) stands tall as one of the few high rise buildings in the area around what would become the iconic Sheikh Zated Road. Built in 1979, the 37-storey building was to mark the emirate's position as a trading and business centre. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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A sunset view of one of the highest fountains in the region in Sharjah's Khalid Lagoon. The fountain became fully operational in 1984. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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Al Fahidi Fort, one of the oldest structures in Dubai, was built in the late 1700s and was used as the ruler's headquarters until the end of the 180s. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The Clock Tower roundabout was built in 1964 as that area had become one of the busy intersections in Dubai. The tower was designed by engineer Otto Bulard, and was restored in 1972. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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Falcon Roundabout was a major Dubai landmark for many years, at the junction of Khalid Bin Al Walid Street and Port Road Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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Falcon Roundabout in Fujairah. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The Falcon Roundabout in Al Ain, which was only one of many dramatic roundabouts which became important landmarks all over Al Ain. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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The Dhow Roundabout in Ras Al Khaimah, which is still an important landmark in the city. The dhow is flying Ras Al Khaimahs' distinctive Al Qasimi flag of a red background and white border Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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This two-story building was built in 1845 in traditional Islamic architectural style, comprising 16 rooms. It has been converted into the Sharjah Heritage Museum, also called Bait Al Naboodah, giving us a glimpse into the rich culture of the emirates. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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Al Hosn Palace is Abu Dhabi's oldest surviving building and fortress. It was built in 1793 covering 6,400 square metres and has served as the Ruler's residence, law court and seat of government. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

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UAE landmarks: A look into the past that paved the way for the future

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