What the UAE looked like in March 1972 – in pictures
The entrance to Abu Dhabi’s former souk. The market burnt down in 2003 and was replaced by World Trade Centre Mall. All photos: Charles O Cecil / Cecil Images
New housing for resident workers in Abu Dhabi
Cargo is unloaded from a dhow in Dubai Creek
St Joseph’s Catholic Church opened on Abu Dhabi Corniche in 1965 before closing in 1983 to move to its current location in Mushrif
The motorway between Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain
Tailoring shops in Abu Dhabi
A major street in Abu Dhabi’s old souk
St Mary’s Catholic Church, in Dubai, was built in 1967 but demolished in 1988 to make way for a larger building, to accommodate its growing congregation
Buildings including a branch of the Bank of Oman, are dotted along a street in Abu Dhabi
The Holy Trinity Church, under construction in Dubai, has a striking three-pointed roof
