Abu Dhabi and Dubai Creek in the 1970s and today - in pictures

Jonathan Raban was enamoured by the dhow trade in Dubai Creek. Photo: Al Ittihad
Jonathan Raban was enamoured by the dhow trade in Dubai Creek. Photo: Al Ittihad
He also was impressed by the merchant houses and their wind towers that once lined the Creek. They can be seen here in the 1960s in the background. Photo: Arabian Gulf Digital Archives
He also was impressed by the merchant houses and their wind towers that once lined the Creek. They can be seen here in the 1960s in the background. Photo: Arabian Gulf Digital Archives
The dhow trade still thives on the Creek today. Antonie Robertson / The National
The dhow trade still thives on the Creek today. Antonie Robertson / The National
Some of the homes and wind towers have been restored in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood on Dubai Creek. Pawan Singh / The National
Some of the homes and wind towers have been restored in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood on Dubai Creek. Pawan Singh / The National
Jonathan Raban also visited Abu Dhabi in the 1970s. This view of Abu Dhabi was taken in 1974 and shows what he might have seen: new towers and developments. Qasr Al Hosn can be seen just off centre. Photo: Ron McCulloch
Jonathan Raban also visited Abu Dhabi in the 1970s. This view of Abu Dhabi was taken in 1974 and shows what he might have seen: new towers and developments. Qasr Al Hosn can be seen just off centre. Photo: Ron McCulloch
Abu Dhabi in the 1970s was a time of unprecedented growth. Photo: Ron McCulloch
Abu Dhabi in the 1970s was a time of unprecedented growth. Photo: Ron McCulloch
Raban also charts the huge changes in Al Ain in the 1970s, such as the arrival of a Hilton. Getty Images
Raban also charts the huge changes in Al Ain in the 1970s, such as the arrival of a Hilton. Getty Images