• The Chicago Beach hotel was torn down to make way for the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach hotels, above. Ahmed Jadallah / Reuters
    The Chicago Beach hotel was torn down to make way for the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach hotels, above. Ahmed Jadallah / Reuters
  • The Burj Al Arab under construction. James Davis / Eye Ubiquitous / Corbis
    The Burj Al Arab under construction. James Davis / Eye Ubiquitous / Corbis
  • Atlantis hotel, which was built on the manmade island Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Marwan Naamani / AFP
    Atlantis hotel, which was built on the manmade island Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Marwan Naamani / AFP
  • The Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, which is renowned for its opulent interiors of gold leaf. Ryan Carter / The National
    The Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, which is renowned for its opulent interiors of gold leaf. Ryan Carter / The National
  • The JW Marriott Marquis is the world’s tallest hotel at 355 metres. Jeffrey Biteng / The National
    The JW Marriott Marquis is the world’s tallest hotel at 355 metres. Jeffrey Biteng / The National
  • Above, a private pool at Al Maha Resort. The hotel was named after an endangered Arabian animal. Lee Hoagland / The National
    Above, a private pool at Al Maha Resort. The hotel was named after an endangered Arabian animal. Lee Hoagland / The National
  • The lobby of the Desert Islands Resort & Spa hotel on Sir Bani Yas Island. Stephen Lock / The National
    The lobby of the Desert Islands Resort & Spa hotel on Sir Bani Yas Island. Stephen Lock / The National
  • An aerial view of the beachfront in Dubai’s Westin Hotel and the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. Randi Sokoloff / The National
    An aerial view of the beachfront in Dubai’s Westin Hotel and the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. Randi Sokoloff / The National

In pictures: The UAE hospitality sector old and new


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The UAE’s hospitality sector has become a jewel in its crown and the growth from the early days has been impressive.