Time frame: Eid Al Fitr, Dubai, 1952

“A flagpole being erected by a small group of performers in 1952 in Dubai at a site chosen for public celebrations. The green flag was used at Eid and Shindagha can be seen in the background.” Courtesy Motivate Publishing and Ronald Codari @ Abu Dhabi Tourism& Culture Authority

It is Eid Al Fitr in Dubai and the year is 1952, meaning that 60 years ago, Ramadan ended on June 24.We can let the photographer describe the scene. Ronald Codrai was working for the oil concession at the time, but is remembered now for his astonishing collection of photographs capturing the life and people of the Emirates.

He writes in his diary: “A flagpole being erected by a small group of performers in 1952 in Dubai at a site chosen for public celebrations. The green flag was used at Eid and Shindagha can be seen in the background.”

This particular image can be found in Dubai – An Arabian Album, which was recently republished by Motivate Publishing, along with a companion volume for Abu Dhabi. Also of note are the Ramadan drummer in the group and the camels, laden with goods, on the left of the photograph.

Then, as now, Dubai was a bustling port and business hub, even during Ramadan.

* James Langton

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