Dubai's Housing as it used to be in 1963.

Dubai's people lived in different circumstances 40 years ago.

Most lived in Barasti Huts made from Palm Fronds. These were cheap to build and provided shelter from the sun and enabled breezes (if there were any) to cool the Huts. Both local people and illegal immigrants built Barasti Huts for their homes.

When the rains came....

Dubai enjoys sunshine most of the year round. But Dubai can also experience torrential rain at times. Heavy rain can disrupt New Dubai but for Old Dubai these heavy rains were catastrophic. Lack of proper roads, mains drainage and sewerage systems lead to flooding and consequent spread of disease apart from destroying and damaging these fragile Barasti Huts.

...and the Winds too!

Torrential rain were often accompanied by strong winds. Barasti Huts were not built to withstand strong winds and collapsed under the wind force leaving families homeless until the Huts could be rebuilt.

www.Dubaiasitusedtobe.com