Today, life in the Emirates moves in the fast lane. In a new regular series to mark the 50th anniversary of the UAE we take a little trip back in time and see just how much the country has changed.
Few cities in the world evolve at such a speed as Dubai. Just how fast can be seen in the district now known as The Walk.
The older image seen here was taken in 2002, just outside the Hilton Hotel Jumeirah, which had opened three years earlier.
The photograph was taken by a guest at the hotel, Pete Egington, who had stepped out for a morning walk.
He was intrigued by the large stretch of desert that was in the process of being fenced off as far as the eye could see, which was the Sheraton.
Mr Egington recalled he had "no clue what it was at the time but could see it was going to be something quite big".
What was being built was Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), two square kilometres of apartments and hotels that is now home to around 15,000 people.
Construction on Dubai Marina had started in 2000 and both districts would reshape Dubai's skyline.
The single lane of tarmac with a few taxis waiting for Hilton guests is now The Walk, a 1.7 kilometre stretch of shops and restaurants that is one of Dubai’s most popular tourist attractions.
Mr Egington sent his photo to The National back in 2010, the year in which JBR was officially completed. But the changes did not stop there.
A decade later, even more development has completely obscured the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, which 11 years ago was visible from the Hilton, and with the view now including Dubai Marina and the new Ain Dubai observation wheel on Bluewaters Island.
Watch this space.
How Dubai Marina and JBR changed Dubai's skyline
-
Construction started on Dubai Marina in 2000, and by 2006 the skyline was taking shape. Work on the The Walk and Jumeirah Beach Residence came later. AFP -
Skyscrapers and cranes dot the landscape at the Dubai Marina site in 2006. Getty Images -
The Dubai Marina project was launched at a special ceremony on October 17, 2000. AFP -
By 2007, construction was advanced on Dubai Marina Mall. Getty Images -
Construction workers pause for a break at Dubai Marina in 2008. -
By 2009, Dubai Marina metro station was in the final stages of construction. Ana Bianca Marin for The National -
Dubai Marina pictured in 2011. The distinctive twisting facade of the Cayan Tower can be seen being assembled towards the right. Amy Leang / The National -
A huge depiction of the Elite Residence super-tall skyscraper hangs from a Dubai Marina construction site in 2011. Amy Leang / The National -
The finishing touches being put to Princess Tower in 2012. Amy Leang / The National -
Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. Leslie Pableo for The National
