Before the gleaming skyscrapers and luxury hubs of Al Maryah Island defined the skyline, Abu Dhabi was a quiet stretch of coastline and open desert. A fascinating collection held by the National Library and Archives UAE offers a rare glimpse into this past, featuring a 44-image aerial composite from 1968 that reveals a city barely recognizable to modern eyes. While landmarks like Qasr Al Hosn stand as silent observers of time, the surrounding landscape depicted in these images shows a capital still in its infancy, lacking the bridges, international airports, and expansive infrastructure that eventually linked the emirate to the wider world.

Beyond the urban transformation, these archives provide a deeply human perspective on the UAE’s journey. Through personal snapshots—such as the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s travels to Europe and the US or images of early experimental farms on Saadiyat Island—the collection bridges the gap between grand developmental milestones and the everyday lives of the people who shaped the nation. Currently showcased at the Four Seasons Hotel on Al Maryah, this exhibition serves as a deliberate contrast between the modern luxury of today and the humble, ambitious origins of a city that grew from the sand, ensuring that the stories behind Abu Dhabi’s rapid evolution remain preserved for future generations.