Historical overview on the development of Infrastructure in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is famous at home and abroad for having developed its infrastructure at breakneck speed.  Most of this development has taken place in recent years although it is worthy of note that it started even before the Trucial States became a country following the Union of the seven emirates.

The discovery and export of oil from 1962 added a considerable boost to the efforts that were underway, with limited resources, in the 1950s and from then on, following the export of oil, the development and building took off at a huge pace.

This online exhibition aims to showcase some of the early infrastructure projects from the 1950s up until the end of the 1970s and does so with documents, photographs, videos and newspaper articles.

Author:  UAE National Library and Archives

 

 

Infrastructure Development in the 1950s

 

Early start of development initiatives, with the establishment of Sharjah and Dubai harbours, and the drilling of wells in Al Ain.

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Dubai Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report on proposed improvements of Sharjah Harbour by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, 12 January 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Drilling for water in Al Ain, September 1958. © Edric Worsnop

Edric Worsnop in discussion about a water well in Ain, September 1958. © Edric Worsnop

Drilling for water in Al Ain, September 1958. © Edric Worsnop

 

 

Infrastructure Development in the 1960s

 

Development projects in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, including urban planning, enhancement of the Maqta bridge, Abu Dhabi Airport and the Corniche.

Extract from the Economic Report of 1960-1961 of the Gulf Sheikhdoms, including the Trucial States, 26 January 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Economic Report of 1960-1961 of the Gulf Sheikhdoms, including the Trucial States, 26 January 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Economic Report of 1960-1961 of the Gulf Sheikhdoms, including the Trucial States, 26 January 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Economic Report of 1960-1961 of the Gulf Sheikhdoms, including the Trucial States, 26 January 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Economic Report of 1960-1961 of the Gulf Sheikhdoms, including the Trucial States, 26 January 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Economic Report of 1960-1961 of the Gulf Sheikhdoms, including the Trucial States, 26 January 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from a report prepared by F.H.F. Williams of the Road Research Laboratory on road construction in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 26 May 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from a report prepared by F.H.F. Williams of the Road Research Laboratory on road construction in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 26 May 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from a report prepared by F.H.F. Williams of the Road Research Laboratory on road construction in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 26 May 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from a report prepared by F.H.F. Williams of the Road Research Laboratory on road construction in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 26 May 1961. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

The entrance to Dubai Creek at Shindagha showing a dredging barge, 1961. © Edric Worsnop

A dredging barge in operation as part of the plan to dredge Dubai Creek, 1961. © Edric Worsnop

A dredging bucket in operation as part of the plan to dredge Dubai Creek, 1961. © Edric Worsnop

An aerial view of Abu Dhabi town and Corniche showing the first water distillation plant on the shore, March 1962. © BP plc

Letter and translation from Chief Engineer at Brian Colquhoun Consulting Engineers to Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, regarding works on projects including the Abu Dhabi-Buraimi road, the new airport, a new jetty, reconstruction of roads on Abu Dhabi island, and the Maqta bridge, 17 April 1965. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter and translation from Chief Engineer at Brian Colquhoun Consulting Engineers to Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, regarding works on projects including the Abu Dhabi-Buraimi road, the new airport, a new jetty, reconstruction of roads on Abu Dhabi island, and the Maqta bridge, 17 April 1965. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter and translation from Chief Engineer at Brian Colquhoun Consulting Engineers to Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, regarding works on projects including the Abu Dhabi-Buraimi road, the new airport, a new jetty, reconstruction of roads on Abu Dhabi island, and the Maqta bridge, 17 April 1965. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter and translation from Chief Engineer at Brian Colquhoun Consulting Engineers to Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, regarding works on projects including the Abu Dhabi-Buraimi road, the new airport, a new jetty, reconstruction of roads on Abu Dhabi island, and the Maqta bridge, 17 April 1965. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter from Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to the Director of Hawker Siddely Energy Power Plant, regarding the provision of power supply to Abu Dhabi Municipality and Court buildings, as well as other premises occupied by Abu Dhabi Government officials, 2 June 1965. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Das Island showing the ADMA warehouses, 1966. © BP plc

The causeway across the Maqta opened in 1953 with the Customs House at the mainland end, 1966. © BP plc

Letter of instructions by Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to the Abu Dhabi Municipality Director, regarding informing all those wishing to undertake construction projects in Abu Dhabi to send their proposals to Arabicon, the company in charge of urban planning in Abu Dhabi, 1 February 1966. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter from the Director of Arabicon Development Consultants to Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, regarding the engineering survey of Abu Dhabi being underway for the submission of a final plan, 10 February 1966. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter from the Abu Dhabi Palace Office to Al Jarida and Al Nahar newspapers in Beirut, regarding the publication of an ad on a tender released by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for the construction of the customs facilities, the airport and the Maqta bridge, 30 April 1966. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter from the Abu Dhabi Palace Office to Al Jarida and Al Nahar newspapers in Beirut, regarding the publication of an ad on a tender released by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for the construction of the customs facilities, the airport and the Maqta bridge, 30 April 1966. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter from the Director of Arabicon Development Consultants to Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, regarding the specifications and plans for the main internal roads of Abu Dhabi city, 3 May 1966. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter from the Political Agency in Abu Dhabi to the British Residency in Bahrain regarding several infrastructure projects taking place in Abu Dhabi, 13 August 1966. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Letter from the Political Agency in Abu Dhabi to the British Residency in Bahrain regarding several infrastructure projects taking place in Abu Dhabi, 13 August 1966. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Letter from a construction company based in the United States to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, regarding offering its services for the construction of prefabricated residential units within short deadlines for Abu Dhabi, 19 August 1966. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

The original Abu Dhabi airport, July 1967. © UAE National Library and Archives

Agreement between Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Richard Costain Limited for the construction of the Dubai deep-water harbour, 5 June 1967. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Agreement between Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Richard Costain Limited for the construction of the Dubai deep-water harbour, 5 June 1967. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Agreement between Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Richard Costain Limited for the construction of the Dubai deep-water harbour, 5 June 1967. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Agreement between Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Richard Costain Limited for the construction of the Dubai deep-water harbour, 5 June 1967. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Agreement between Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Richard Costain Limited for the construction of the Dubai deep-water harbour, 5 June 1967. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Agreement between Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Richard Costain Limited for the construction of the Dubai deep-water harbour, 5 June 1967. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Earth levellers near the shore in Abu Dhabi, 1968. © UAE National Library and Archives

The Maqta bridge under construction, February 1968. © BP plc

Extract from a letter from the British Residency in Bahrain to the British Embassy in Washington with notes on expenditure on development projects in Abu Dhabi, 30 March 1968. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

A mosque in Abu Dhabi surrounded by new buildings, 1968. © UAE National Library and Archives

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan overseeing the planning of the new Abu Dhabi market with Dr. Makhlouf displaying a model of the city, January 1969. © UAE National Library and Archives

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan during his inspection tour of the construction site of the Abu Dhabi souq, accompanied by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, January 1969. © UAE National Library and Archives

The start of works in Falaj Zayed in Al Ain, 5 April 1969. © UAE National Library and Archives

Extract from the Intelligence Briefing Memorandum on Trucial States prepared by the Ministry of Defence, London, including information on available infrastructure and projects for landing strips, airfields and ports, 13 April 1969. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Intelligence Briefing Memorandum on Trucial States prepared by the Ministry of Defence, London, including information on available infrastructure and projects for landing strips, airfields and ports, 13 April 1969. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Intelligence Briefing Memorandum on Trucial States prepared by the Ministry of Defence, London, including information on available infrastructure and projects for landing strips, airfields and ports, 13 April 1969. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Intelligence Briefing Memorandum on Trucial States prepared by the Ministry of Defence, London, including information on available infrastructure and projects for landing strips, airfields and ports, 13 April 1969. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Intelligence Briefing Memorandum on Trucial States prepared by the Ministry of Defence, London, including information on available infrastructure and projects for landing strips, airfields and ports, 13 April 1969. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

An aerial view of the Corniche of Abu Dhabi showing new roads, 1969. © UAE National Library and Archives

New roads and buildings in Abu Dhabi, 1969. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Newspaper article on the development of Abu Dhabi International Airport, 30 October 1969. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on the urban planning in Abu Dhabi, and the establishment of the two Zayed cities, 6 November 1969. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on major projects that have taken place in the UAE over the period 1968-1969, 20 November 1969. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

 

 

Infrastructure Development in the 1970s

 

Major expansion in infrastructure projects development has taken place in all the Emirates following the establishment of the Union, including key facilities such as Abu Dhabi International Airport, Rashid Hospital, the Cement Plant, residential projects, and bridges among others.

New houses in Abu Dhabi, November 1970. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

The first span of the Maqta Bridge with the Maqta watchtower in the background, 1970s. © UAE National Library and Archives

Lorries crossing the first span of the Maqta Bridge with the customs house and police station to the left of the photograph, on the mainland, 1970s. © UAE National Library and Archives

Newspaper article regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan taking an inspection tour around the city of Abu Dhabi, and viewing model plans for the capital city, 26 March 1970. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inspecting the Electricity and Water Desalination Plant in Abu Dhabi, 7 August 1970. © UAE National Library and Archives

Newspaper article regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurating key landmarks in the country, 13 August 1970. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurating key landmarks in the country, 13 August 1970. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurating key landmarks in the country, 13 August 1970. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Extract from a newsletter from the Trucial States Council Development Office: Roads in Trucial States, September 1970. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from a newsletter from the Trucial States Council Development Office: Roads in Trucial States, September 1970. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from a newsletter from the Trucial States Council Development Office: Roads in Trucial States, September 1970. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from a newsletter from the Trucial States Council Development Office: Roads in Trucial States, September 1970. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

A signpost at the entrance to the city of Al Ain, 1970. Gertrude Dyck © UAE National Library and Archives

The first aircraft to land at Abu Dhabi International Airport (now Al Bateen Executive Airport), August 1970. © UAE National Library and Archives

Newspaper article regarding Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum inaugurating Rashid Port in Dubai, 26 November 1970. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article regarding Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum inaugurating Rashid Port in Dubai, 26 November 1970. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article regarding Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum inaugurating Rashid Port in Dubai, 26 November 1970. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurating several important development projects in Abu Dhabi, 30 November 1971. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurating several important development projects in Abu Dhabi, 30 November 1971. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurating several important development projects in Abu Dhabi, 30 November 1971. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

The first span of the Maqta Bridge showing the Maqta watchtower, November 1971. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Newspaper article regarding the visit of the President of Sudan to three massive projects in Abu Dhabi supporting the establishment of a modern state, 23 April 1972. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, during the inauguration of Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi, 28 June 1972. © UAE National Library and Archives

Newspaper article regarding UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s inspection tour in Dubai to the construction sites of the Deira-Shindagha tunnel, the fishermen’s port, and residential area, 28 May 1973. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

An aerial view of the first span of the Maqta Bridge showing the Maqta watchtower in Abu Dhabi, 1973. © UAE National Library and Archives

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan discussing the Abu Dhabi-Al Sila Road Project with Mr. Hareb Bin Sultan and another person, 2 August 1973. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan laying the foundation stone of Al Ain Cement Factory, 3 December 1973. © UAE National Library and Archives

Newspaper article on the development of Abu Dhabi International Airport, 30 October 1969. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s visit to Umm Al Quwain, and his inauguration of key projects, 6 May 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s visit to Umm Al Quwain, and his inauguration of key projects, 6 May 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s visit to Umm Al Quwain, and his inauguration of key projects, 6 May 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inspecting several development projects across Ajman, 6 May 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inspecting several development projects across Ajman, 6 May 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan taking a tour at the new industrial school, the creek, public housing, and schools in Sharjah, as well as the Sharjah-Dubai road, 14 May 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan taking a tour at the new industrial school, the creek, public housing, and schools in Sharjah, as well as the Sharjah-Dubai road, 14 May 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Ruler of Dubai, inspecting the work progress on Al Maktoum Bridge in Dubai, 9 June 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan taking a tour in various areas in Liwa and Bainuna in Abu Dhabi, 13 June 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

An aerial view of Al Ain city, 1974. Abdulla Al Baloushi © UAE National Library and Archives

An aerial view of Abu Dhabi, 1974. Abdulla Al Baloushi © UAE National Library and Archives

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Street, the clock roundabout and the surrounding old houses in Al Ain, 1974. Abdulla Al Baloushi © UAE National Library and Archives

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan viewing a model of Port Zayed development and expansion project in Abu Dhabi, with Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, 8 March 1975. © WAM

Newspaper article on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurating the new Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi, 8 January 1975. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article on Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works, inspecting new projects taking place in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi, 25 October 1975. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan laying the foundation stone of Al Ain Cement Factory, 3 December 1973. © UAE National Library and Archives

A falcon gateway constructed in Abu Dhabi in celebration of National Day, 16 December 1976. © Mrs. Ute Niesters

Extract from the report on ‘Ecology in the United Arab Emirates’ by J.E. Satchell, Overseas Liaison Officer, Cumbria, UK, August 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the report on ‘Ecology in the United Arab Emirates’ by J.E. Satchell, Overseas Liaison Officer, Cumbria, UK, August 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the report on ‘Ecology in the United Arab Emirates’ by J.E. Satchell, Overseas Liaison Officer, Cumbria, UK, August 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

An aerial view of Musaffah Bridge, September 1978. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Extract from the draft development plan for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 1977-1979. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the draft development plan for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 1977-1979. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the draft development plan for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 1977-1979. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the draft development plan for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 1977-1979. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the draft development plan for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 1977-1979. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Newspaper article on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, inaugurating Jebel Ali Port in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the UK, 27 February 1979. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Early video from the 1970s describing the importance of infrastructure and showing some building projects in progress.  © UAE National Library and Archives

Footage of infrastructure projects and agriculture in Al Ain in 1978.  © UAE National Library and Archives

Aerial views of Qasr Al Hosn and Abu Dhabi city showing new roads and building.  © UAE National Library and Archives