Photos from a nation in the making

The National
  • The Gulf Aviation Douglas DC3 aircraft that the Frenchmen took from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi.
    The Gulf Aviation Douglas DC3 aircraft that the Frenchmen took from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi.
  • This is one of the images on exhibit at the Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
    This is one of the images on exhibit at the Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
  • Depardon’s photographs from that day show Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid and their notable companions sitting, walking, smiling and discussing the union.
    Depardon’s photographs from that day show Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid and their notable companions sitting, walking, smiling and discussing the union.
  • They met with Sheikh Zayed, whose “open door” policy struck them, and who told them the “UAE was open to our exploration”.
    They met with Sheikh Zayed, whose “open door” policy struck them, and who told them the “UAE was open to our exploration”.
  • Their vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce that had made the long journey on desert tyres across the sands to the meeting, are also shown.
    Their vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce that had made the long journey on desert tyres across the sands to the meeting, are also shown.
  • A plane at Dubai airport packed with bricks of gold and silver.
    A plane at Dubai airport packed with bricks of gold and silver.
  • Sheikh Zayed in a meeting.
    Sheikh Zayed in a meeting.
  • At the end of the day, the leaders issued an agreement to form a new country and begin work on a constitution.
    At the end of the day, the leaders issued an agreement to form a new country and begin work on a constitution.