These astounding photographs show how fast Dubai has changed in 60 years

Today, our image of Dubai is one of a gargantuan metropolis full of gleaming skyscrapers, more futuristic than any other city on Earth. But when it was founded in 1833, it had a population of just 800 people, mostly fishermen. It was with the discovery of oil that the city experienced its truly astounding transformation.

The best way to illustrate the pace of this change is to compare photos of Dubai from the 1950s and 1960s with what it looks like to day. Take a look. You’ll barely be able to believe it.

The city centre

Transportation

Construction

The airport

A bird’s-eye view of the city then and now

The sea front

One of the city bays

Clock towers

The first Jashanmal store in Dubai then and now