For decades, long-time resident Shaukat Rana Muhammad Rafi has dedicated himself to capturing the visual evolution of Dubai, documenting its journey from a landscape of modest, low-rise buildings and narrow streets to the global metropolis of skyscrapers we recognize today. Having amassed a staggering archive of 200,000 images, Rana has finally distilled this visual history into his debut book, Dubai 1960–1993. Launched at the Sharjah International Book Fair in partnership with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, the publication showcases nearly 200 curated photographs and documents that offer a rare, nostalgic glimpse into the city's formative years.

Reflecting on his craft, Rana recalls the era of film rolls where every shutter click required careful consideration, a stark contrast to the ease of digital photography that allows him to capture hundreds of shots daily. He identifies the 1980s and 1990s as the true turning point for Dubai, fueled by the development of the World Trade Centre and the city's subsequent rise as a major commercial hub. So rapid was this transformation that Rana admits even he occasionally struggled to recognize his surroundings as new districts emerged. With over a dozen more books in the pipeline, this initial volume serves as an important tribute to the city's heritage, ensuring that the rapid pace of progress does not erase the memories of the past.