Dubai's coastline through the years - in pictures

  • Major development work on the coast started on Dubai Creek in the late 1950s with the construction of anti-flooding barriers. Photo: Arabian Gulf Digital Archive
    Major development work on the coast started on Dubai Creek in the late 1950s with the construction of anti-flooding barriers. Photo: Arabian Gulf Digital Archive
  • The work also involved dredging to allow large boats to enter. Photo: Arabian Gulf Digital Archive
    The work also involved dredging to allow large boats to enter. Photo: Arabian Gulf Digital Archive
  • Land reclamation was to be a major part of the Dubai story. The artificial island that Burj Al Arab would sit on was complete and construction on the hotel well advanced by 1996.
    Land reclamation was to be a major part of the Dubai story. The artificial island that Burj Al Arab would sit on was complete and construction on the hotel well advanced by 1996.
  • A larger reclamation project then got under way nearby. Dredging for Palm Jumeirah was in full swing by 2002, with Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah beach hotels in the background. AFP
    A larger reclamation project then got under way nearby. Dredging for Palm Jumeirah was in full swing by 2002, with Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah beach hotels in the background. AFP
  • Fronds of Palm Jumeirah emerged by November 2003. AFP
    Fronds of Palm Jumeirah emerged by November 2003. AFP
  • Construction work continued at a fast pace on Palm Jumeirah with villas built by 2008. Reuters
    Construction work continued at a fast pace on Palm Jumeirah with villas built by 2008. Reuters
  • Dubai's Palm Jumeirah today is a famous part of the emirate's coast. Reuters
    Dubai's Palm Jumeirah today is a famous part of the emirate's coast. Reuters
  • The Palm Jebel Ali, which is waiting to be developed, as seen in the 2000s. Reuters
    The Palm Jebel Ali, which is waiting to be developed, as seen in the 2000s. Reuters
  • Another one of Dubai's land reclamation projects is The World Islands. Sarah Dea / The National
    Another one of Dubai's land reclamation projects is The World Islands. Sarah Dea / The National
  • The World Islands, an archipelago of tiny artificial islands in the shape of the world, as seen in July 2020. AFP
    The World Islands, an archipelago of tiny artificial islands in the shape of the world, as seen in July 2020. AFP
  • Sweden Island on The World Islands. Developers behind The Heart of Europe are reportedly planning to open the first phase of the six-island projects. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Sweden Island on The World Islands. Developers behind The Heart of Europe are reportedly planning to open the first phase of the six-island projects. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Dubai's changing coastline: from Palm Jumeirah to The World Islands. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Dubai's changing coastline: from Palm Jumeirah to The World Islands. Photo: Dubai Media Office