Updated: April 10, 2013, 12:00 AM
In pictures: A UAE that is long gone
Al Ain, delegation of oil executives who were flown there by Michael Stokes's father James to discuss oil concessions with Sheikh Zayed. (Photo courtesy-Michael Stokes) FOR COLIN SIMPSON STORY
WE DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO USE THIS PHOTO John Stokes, son of Captain James Stokes, stands in front of the arrivals passport area at the Abu Dhabi airport in 1965. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
Das Island in its early years as the offshore base of Abu Dhabi's oil industry. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
A photo of Michael Stokes with his family and friends at the Maqta causeway to the island before the modern bridge was built. Courtesy Michael Stokes
Metal barriers keep waterway clear of sand during dredging of Dubai Creek in the early 1960s, a key moment in Dubai's development as it opened the creek up to more shipping. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
Dubai Creek in the early 1960s. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain (date unknown). Courtesy of Michael Stokes
Metal barriers keep the waterway clear of sand during the dredging of Dubai Creek in the early 1960s, a key moment in Dubai's development as it opened the creek up to more shipping. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
The landmark Oceanic Hotel in Khor Fakkan which still stands today. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
Das Island in its early years as the offshore base of Abu Dhabi's oil industry. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain in the 1960s. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
The Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi in the 1960s. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
Michael Stokes's mum Joy (right) and her friend gaze out at Abu Dhabi beach from a rooftop. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
Dubai Creek in the early 1960s. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
A photo of Michael Stokes with his family and friends at the Maqta causeway to the island before the modern bridge was built. Courtesy Michael Stokes
Metal barriers keep waterway clear of sand during dredging of Dubai Creek in early 1960s, key moment in Dubai's development as it opened Creek up to more shipping. Spoils from dredging were used to reclaim land. Note no Jumeirah, no Satwa, just Deira and Bur Dubai. (Photo Courtesy-Michael Stokes) FOR COLIN SIMPSON STORY
Michael and his mum, Joy, running on the Maqta crossing. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
UAE in the 1960s. Courtesy of Michael Stokes
An oil company delegation alighting from a plane after Capt Stokes flew them to Al Ain to meet Sheikh Zayed, the founding president of the UAE. Courtesy of Michael Stokes