David Cannon / Getty Images
David Cannon / Getty Images
David Cannon / Getty Images
David Cannon / Getty Images

Time Frame: Dubai sprung up around Emirates Golf Course


James Langton
  • English
  • Arabic

Here we are, less than 25 years ago, yet a good deal of reorientation is needed to make sense of this aerial photograph.

It shows the Emirates Golf Course, which opened in 1987, the year this photo was taken. It was not just the first grass course in Dubai but the entire Middle East.

The aircraft is flying along the northern boundary of the course. A similar photograph taken today shows that the pilot is following the route of Sheikh Zayed Road in the direction of Abu Dhabi.

Instead of dunes as far as the eye can see, there is now the massive Emirates Hills housing project, with developments that include The Springs, The Meadows and Jumeirah Islands.

Off to the right, the aircraft has just flown over Dubai's most popular beach resort, the Chicago Beach Hotel, still over a decade away from being demolished and replaced by the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Instead of the Palm Jumeirah spreading out from the coast, the pilot and photographer can see only the waters of the Gulf.

As a statement of intent, the opening of the course signals that Dubai is ready to market itself as an international destination. The original Majlis championship course and the Dubai Desert Course now attract some of the biggest names in golf, while the city's boundaries have grown so far and fast that the course, once deep in the desert, now marks almost exactly the half way point between the Creek and Jebel Ali.

Time Frame is a series that opens a window into the nation's past. Readers are invited to make contributions to yourpics@thenational.ae.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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TO A LAND UNKNOWN

Director: Mahdi Fleifel

Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa

Rating: 4.5/5

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch

Power: 710bhp

Torque: 770Nm

Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds

Top Speed: 340km/h

Price: Dh1,000,885

On sale: now

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RESULTS
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How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
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The specs: 2018 Infiniti QX80

Price: base / as tested: Dh335,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 400hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.1L / 100km

MATCH INFO

Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunday, 8.30pm UAE

While you're here
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The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Ashes 2019 schedule

August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston

August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's

August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley

September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford

September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval

TV (UAE time);

OSN Sports: from 10am

The specs: 2019 BMW X4

Price, base / as tested: Dh276,675 / Dh346,800

Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 354hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 500Nm @ 1,550rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 9.0L / 100km

STAY%2C%20DAUGHTER
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Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Match info:

Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)

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Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
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