Dubai's development through the years - in pictures

  • Bur Dubai in the foreground; Deira, middle-right, on the other side of Dubai Creek; and Al Shindagha, left, and Al Ras, right, in the background across the Creek again from Deira, in 1950. Alamy
    Bur Dubai in the foreground; Deira, middle-right, on the other side of Dubai Creek; and Al Shindagha, left, and Al Ras, right, in the background across the Creek again from Deira, in 1950. Alamy
  • Ships unload their goods on the Creek for the Customs Department in 1967. Getty Images
    Ships unload their goods on the Creek for the Customs Department in 1967. Getty Images
  • The Dubai Creek in 1976. AFP
    The Dubai Creek in 1976. AFP
  • The Dubai World Trade Centre in 1978. Alamy
    The Dubai World Trade Centre in 1978. Alamy
  • Corniche alongside the Creek in 1984. Alamy
    Corniche alongside the Creek in 1984. Alamy
  • The Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach hotels in 1999. AFP
    The Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach hotels in 1999. AFP
  • Dubai Creek in 2004. AFP
    Dubai Creek in 2004. AFP
  • Towers in Dubai Marina and JLT in 2015. Sarah Dea / The National
    Towers in Dubai Marina and JLT in 2015. Sarah Dea / The National
  • The Sheikh Zayed Road in 2020. Reuters
    The Sheikh Zayed Road in 2020. Reuters
  • General view of traffic in 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    General view of traffic in 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan that maps out a comprehensive future map for sustainable urban development in the city. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan that maps out a comprehensive future map for sustainable urban development in the city. Wam