Abu Dhabi through the years - in pictures

Abu Dhabi in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Photo: BP Archive
Abu Dhabi in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Photo: BP Archive
An aerial shot of Abu Dhabi from the early 1960s. Oil had been discovered in 1958 and the town was already expanding. Photo: David Riley
An aerial shot of Abu Dhabi from the early 1960s. Oil had been discovered in 1958 and the town was already expanding. Photo: David Riley
The Arid Lands Research Centre greenhouses on Saadiyat taken at some point during the 1970s. Photo: Merle Jensen / University of Arizona
The Arid Lands Research Centre greenhouses on Saadiyat taken at some point during the 1970s. Photo: Merle Jensen / University of Arizona
The greenhouses on Saadiyat in the 1970s when the island was largely open sand. Photo: Merle Jensen / University of Arizona
The greenhouses on Saadiyat in the 1970s when the island was largely open sand. Photo: Merle Jensen / University of Arizona
Reclaimed land, such as Marina Mall and the breakwater, has reshaped Abu Dhabi. Sarah Dea / The National
Reclaimed land, such as Marina Mall and the breakwater, has reshaped Abu Dhabi. Sarah Dea / The National
The view of Abu Dhabi from the reclaimed Lulu Island. Nicole Hill / The National
The view of Abu Dhabi from the reclaimed Lulu Island. Nicole Hill / The National
Reem Island takes shape in 2012. Ravindranath K / The National
Reem Island takes shape in 2012. Ravindranath K / The National
The Louvre Abu Dhabi construction site in 2013 with Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and Reem Island in the background. Silvia Razgova / The National
The Louvre Abu Dhabi construction site in 2013 with Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and Reem Island in the background. Silvia Razgova / The National
Yas Island under construction in 2009. Ryan Carter / The National
Yas Island under construction in 2009. Ryan Carter / The National
Abu Dhabi island today.
Abu Dhabi island today.