Dubai as it used to be 1963-64

Meg Twycross lived in Dubai 1963-64. These are her photos of Dubai as it used to be.

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  Meg says:"From our balcony, looking across the roofs of Deira (note all the windtowers) towards the harbour bar and anchorage. Ship hovering outside in the Gulf. Looks as if there is a lighter at the bows. We used to have a telescope on the balcony to see what was being unloaded. My husband worked for Shell Oil so if it was anything mechanical , he rushed off to the importers with suggestions of what oil they might like to buy to get it going."
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  Meg says:"Across the creek from Deira to the National Bank of Dubai and the abras. Looks like a groundlevel picture, either from outside our building, or from an abra. Note the clustering windtowers. They reminded me of Oxford: they were the same colour as Cotswold stone, and much the same silhouettes as some Oxford colleges."
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  Meg says:"Dubai Airport: Sheikh Rashid (just in front of his ceremonial large black umbrella - ceremonial because he doesn't seem to be using it) returns from a trip somewhere. Everyone rushes up to greet and embrace him. This could be quite dangerous when an enthusiastic aged tribesman had a very aged and insecure rifle slung over his shoulder. Fortunately no-one ever put out his eye or accidentally blew his head off, though several times watching it we winced in concert. But he made a point of being universally available."
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  Meg says:"From our balcony in Deira, looking across the creek to the abra point by the National Bank of Dubai. Open country in the distance. Dhow moving up creek, others moored."

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  Meg says:"Our building, with dhows moored outside. We lived on the roof, above the office of the Dubai Petroleum Company. Fantastic views all round. Someone raised the flag every morning and struck it every evening -- can't remember who. Angle of shot suggests this is from an abra."
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  Meg says:"Another view from the balcony across the creek, featuring the Customs House. Behind the minaret to the right is the water tower and Al Fahidi Fort"

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