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

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

1982. Abu Dhabi International Airport concourse.

Repairs to the 'volcano fountain' under way on the Abu Dhabi Corniche.

The underpass on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi looking towards the Corniche with the white buildings of the Cultural Centre on the right.

Late 1970s. Dhows moored in the Creek, close to the large mosque in Bur Dubai

1981. Al Ain clock tower roundabout - a landmark on one of the main thoroughfares of Al Ain city.

1994. Ajman clock tower roundabout undergoing expansion.

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.

In 1979 Safa Park in Dubai was still largely without trees and the grass was only just starting to cover all the ground.

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

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.

The Metropolitan Hotel in the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway. The buildings on the background are on the site where Al Qouz is in 2009.

The main entrance to the old Dubai Court building. Established in 1980, the Dubai Courts remained on the same site for many decades.

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.

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.

A sunset view of one of the highest fountains in the region in Sharjah's Khalid Lagoon. The fountain became fully operational in 1984.

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.

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.

Falcon Roundabout was a major Dubai landmark for many years, at the junction of Khalid Bin Al Walid Street and Port Road

Falcon Roundabout in Fujairah.

The Falcon Roundabout in Al Ain, which was only one of many dramatic roundabouts which became important landmarks all over Al Ain.

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

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.

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.