Dubai in Photos: Then and Now

The United Arab Emirates celebrates its National Day today, commemorating 42 years since the UAE’s formal nationalization from the British and the unification of the seven emirates into a single country under the late Sheikh Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s first president.

Since then, the country has grown by leaps and bounds, especially after the discovery of oil in the 1960’s. From dusty port towns to playground of the super-wealthy, the UAE’s pace and scale of development has been remarkable. Its most populous city, Dubai, is a living testament to disposable income and skyscraping ambition.

Here’s a look back at Dubai through the decades.

 

Dubai Then:

 

Dubai Now:

 

Future Dubai:

 

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