Dubai as it used to be before a fresh water supply

Old Dubai's water source was a pond in Karama, occasionally refreshed by rainwater. People either collected water from the pond or bought from Water Sellers who had collected water from the pond. The water was unhealthy. Cholera was an everyday risk.
Sheikh Rashid recognised the problem and understood the need for a reliable source of fresh water. Fresh Water supply was essential if people were to be attracted to live and work in Dubai. He appointed Water Engineer Eric Tullochto bring fresh water to Dubai. Eric ordered a water well drilled in Al Awir. Water was found about 35 meters underground. This well was linked to other water wells identified by local Bedu. He installed a 35 kilometer long pipeline to bring this fresh water to Dubai.

A 35 kilometer long pipeline brought the water from Al Awir to a distribution centre at Al Khor (top of Dubai Creek). From here it was initially distributed to the most easily reached parts of Dubai City before the network was extended to bring water to all Dubai. A pipeline was laid under Dubai Creek to bring water to Dubai.

Pumping Stations were needed to bring the water from Al Awir to Dubai. Pumping Stations were not complex buildings, just concrete block buildings to house the pumps, pipes and valves. This Pumping Station was commissioned in 1964.

Most of the pump houses and tanks were located in desert areas. There were no roads in those days. The Landrover was an essential "workhorse" transporting goods and people across the desert. Overseas AST built the pipeline, pumping stations and tanks.
Tanks were installed in strategic positions around Dubai. Originally their purpose was storing water for filling the water tankers that delivered water to Dubai's people. Later the tanks connected to the domestic distribution system and provided the pressure needed for the water to flow into the city.

The first tank was erected near to the Customs Quay (next to the Diwan Offices in Dubai today). Other tanks were located near to Al Maktoum Hospital, Al Ras and Jumeirah Beach Road. Over 90 kilometers of pipe was later installed to deliver fresh water from these tanks into homes. Most of Dubai's Domestic Water Infrastructure was installed under the supervision of Gerry Wain, a retired Fireman from Manchester UK. He came to Dubai in 1950s to sell and service fire extinguishers but became involved in Dubai's Water Department. He worked as Eric Tulloch's "right hand man" for over thirty years. He was installing Dubai's water systems until his death at over 80 years of age.