Bur Dubai through the years - in pictures

  • Dubai Creek in 1966 with an already developed Bur Dubai across the water on left.
    Dubai Creek in 1966 with an already developed Bur Dubai across the water on left.
  • The pace of development only increased since then with new buildings sprouting in Bur Dubai. This shows Al Fahidi Street in 1971 looking towards Port Rashid.
    The pace of development only increased since then with new buildings sprouting in Bur Dubai. This shows Al Fahidi Street in 1971 looking towards Port Rashid.
  • Life revolved around Dubai Creek during this time. It was also the site of the legendary Plaza Cinema that can been seen on the right, while the Dubai Police pipe band parades through the streets. The Plaza was renamed the Golden Cinema in latter years. It closed in 2015.
    Life revolved around Dubai Creek during this time. It was also the site of the legendary Plaza Cinema that can been seen on the right, while the Dubai Police pipe band parades through the streets. The Plaza was renamed the Golden Cinema in latter years. It closed in 2015.
  • The wind towers of Bastakiya in Bur Dubai in the 1970s. The area has been renamed Al Fahidi in the years since. The distinctive curves and circular roof of Deira Tower can be seen on the right.
    The wind towers of Bastakiya in Bur Dubai in the 1970s. The area has been renamed Al Fahidi in the years since. The distinctive curves and circular roof of Deira Tower can be seen on the right.
  • The Bur Dubai side of the upper Dubai Creek in 1972. The new Dubai Airport is on the other side of Creek with little between it and the Creek.
    The Bur Dubai side of the upper Dubai Creek in 1972. The new Dubai Airport is on the other side of Creek with little between it and the Creek.
  • The junction of Fahidi Street and 34th Street in Bur Dubai in the 1970s. The apartment block in the centre is a classic of its time, with clean lines and balconies shaded from the sun.
    The junction of Fahidi Street and 34th Street in Bur Dubai in the 1970s. The apartment block in the centre is a classic of its time, with clean lines and balconies shaded from the sun.
  • Al Fahidi in Bur Dubai, previously known as Bastakiya, was home to many wind towers.
    Al Fahidi in Bur Dubai, previously known as Bastakiya, was home to many wind towers.
  • A water taxi, or abra, is rowed across Dubai Creek in 1963.
    A water taxi, or abra, is rowed across Dubai Creek in 1963.
  • The architecture of Bur Dubai is striking, such as the Al Fardan Building. Many were built in the 1970s and 1980s and contrast with the modern neighbourhoods.
    The architecture of Bur Dubai is striking, such as the Al Fardan Building. Many were built in the 1970s and 1980s and contrast with the modern neighbourhoods.
  • The Rivoli Building in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Scores of buildings in Bur Dubai feature motifs such as shaded balconies and arches.
    The Rivoli Building in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Scores of buildings in Bur Dubai feature motifs such as shaded balconies and arches.
  • Bur Dubai at night. The area is known for its vibrant street life.
    Bur Dubai at night. The area is known for its vibrant street life.
  • Bur Dubai is also the site of a Hindu temple and the roads around it get crowded around festivals such as diwali.
    Bur Dubai is also the site of a Hindu temple and the roads around it get crowded around festivals such as diwali.
  • Despite rules such as mask wearing and distancing brought in to curb Covid-19, Bur Dubai retains its spirit. Here a man sits at his stall in the neighbourhood on October 17, 2020.
    Despite rules such as mask wearing and distancing brought in to curb Covid-19, Bur Dubai retains its spirit. Here a man sits at his stall in the neighbourhood on October 17, 2020.
  • The clean architectural lines of the Al Moosa Building in Bur Dubai.
    The clean architectural lines of the Al Moosa Building in Bur Dubai.
  • Another side of Dubai. The Al Moosa Building in Bur Dubai.
    Another side of Dubai. The Al Moosa Building in Bur Dubai.
  • The facade of the Golden Cinema (Plaza) in Bur Dubai. It closed in 2015 amid the rise of multiplexes and changing tastes.
    The facade of the Golden Cinema (Plaza) in Bur Dubai. It closed in 2015 amid the rise of multiplexes and changing tastes.