Abu Dhabi's Tourist Club area over the years - in pictures


  • Abu Dhabi’s Tourist Club area – or Al Zahiyah district – is one of the oldest parts of the city. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Abu Dhabi’s Tourist Club area – or Al Zahiyah district – is one of the oldest parts of the city. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Manor Mohammed, 23, from India works in a cafe in the Tourist Club area. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Manor Mohammed, 23, from India works in a cafe in the Tourist Club area. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The area's location in the heart of the city has made it popular with residents and visitors. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National
    The area's location in the heart of the city has made it popular with residents and visitors. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National
  • Mohammed Furqan, 47, works in a fruit and vegetable shop in the area. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    Mohammed Furqan, 47, works in a fruit and vegetable shop in the area. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • The area became known as Tourist Club when a beach with an entertainment centre was built by the government in the 1970s. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari/ The National
    The area became known as Tourist Club when a beach with an entertainment centre was built by the government in the 1970s. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari/ The National
  • Meley Tsegaye, centre, owner of the Bonna Anne Ethiopian Restaurant in the Tourist Club area. Photo: Vidhyaa Chandramohan for The National
    Meley Tsegaye, centre, owner of the Bonna Anne Ethiopian Restaurant in the Tourist Club area. Photo: Vidhyaa Chandramohan for The National
  • A view of Abu Dhabi's Tourist Club area. Photo: Alamy
    A view of Abu Dhabi's Tourist Club area. Photo: Alamy
  • An undated photo of people bowling at the Tourist Club in Abu Dhabi. The beach was just left of Le Meridien hotel and included entertainment, including bowling and ice-skating. Photo: Al Ittihad
    An undated photo of people bowling at the Tourist Club in Abu Dhabi. The beach was just left of Le Meridien hotel and included entertainment, including bowling and ice-skating. Photo: Al Ittihad
  • Most shops, restaurants and hotels are within a walking distance. Photo: Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
    Most shops, restaurants and hotels are within a walking distance. Photo: Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
  • A payphone in the Tourist Club area. Photo: Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
    A payphone in the Tourist Club area. Photo: Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
  • The Tourist Club area is known for its many restaurants. Photo: Mona Al-Marzooqi / The National
    The Tourist Club area is known for its many restaurants. Photo: Mona Al-Marzooqi / The National
  • Various buildings have been demolished, and new towers and roads have been built in the area over the decades. Photo: Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
    Various buildings have been demolished, and new towers and roads have been built in the area over the decades. Photo: Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
  • The area is also a hub for traders. Photo: Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
    The area is also a hub for traders. Photo: Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
  • An overpass near Abu Dhabi Mall, in the Tourist Club area. Photo: Silvia Razgova / The National
    An overpass near Abu Dhabi Mall, in the Tourist Club area. Photo: Silvia Razgova / The National