A guide to Dubai and Abu Dhabi written in 1990 has shown the charm of the two emirates before they became the global tourism hotspots they are known as today.
Written by British Airways, the brochure describes Dubai as an emirate with “mountains and desert, old fishing villages and modern cities” and Abu Dhabi as a “fine modern city that retains its ancient charm”.
The guide, which was posted on the Abu Dhabi Good Old Days group on Facebook, lists business hours from Saturday to Wednesday – the old working week in the country. Residents enjoyed Thursday and Friday as the weekend.
The emirates have transformed in the past 33 years, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi now tourism destinations that attract millions of people each year for their skylines, theme parks, shopping malls and culture.
Abu Dhabi
“Built in 1793, the white fort, or Diwan Amiri, stands today amidst the modern buildings of Abu Dhabi,” the guide says.
“Abu Dhabi is a city of mosques – from the massive blue mosque on the corner of the Corniche, to the tiny mosque in the centre of Khalifa Street Roundabout. The oldest part of the town is the Batin area.”
It advertised a Hilton hotel on the Corniche as the top spot to stay. Today, luxury hotels are spread all over the emirate, including the Emirates Palace and Four Seasons.
Public transport recommendations in the brochure said that there was a limited bus service in the emirate, but taxis were plentiful.
There was a surcharge on taxis with air conditioning and town cars were metered.
“Elsewhere, fares should be agreed in advance,” the guide said.
Abu Dhabi has an expansive transportation network today, with buses and metered taxis, and even water taxis.
Dubai
British Airways described Dubai as a city with “superb beaches”.
“The city is divided by the Creek, a wide waterway busy with ferry-boats and dhows,” the guide said.
“Walk around the city – haggle for treasure in the dazzling gold souk.
“Wander through the richly smelling fish market, take a desert safari, see an oasis or watch a camel race.”
While tourists today can still do most of those things, they can also explore ‘new Dubai’, which offers the world’s tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall - also the world's largest - and Michelin-starred restaurants.
There was limited bus service back then in Dubai as well, with taxis available in towns and fares that were agreed upon in advance.
Today, there are still metered taxis, but ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Yango are also used by many residents and tourists.
Dubai also has a metro system that runs in most parts of the emirate, as well as a bus network that stretches throughout the city.
The brochure advertised a Hilton hotel next to the World Trade Centre area as the top accommodation, as well a Sheraton hotel in Deira.
"With all the exquisite dining, entertainment and conference facilities you'd expect from a 5-star hotel situated overlooking the famous Dubai Creek," it said.
"A short walk away from the shopping centres, Dubai business district and the fabulous gold market."
MEYDAN CARD
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Conditions Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 2,000m
8.15pm Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 2,200m
8.50pm The Entisar Listed Dh265,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,200m
10pm Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
The National selections
6.30pm Majestic Thunder
7.05pm Commanding
7.40pm Mark Of Approval
8.15pm Mulfit
8.50pm Gronkowski
9.25pm Walking Thunder
10pm Midnight Sands
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PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm)
Burnley v Huddersfield Town (7pm)
Everton v Bournemouth (7pm)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace (7pm)
Southampton v Manchester United (7pm)
Stoke City v Chelsea (7pm)
Swansea City v Watford (7pm)
Leicester City v Liverpool (8.30pm)
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United (7pm)
Monday
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (11pm)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
