Photos from the 1970s capture Dubai's architectural evolution, marking the dawn of its modern skyline.

Dubai’s skyline boasts some of the world’s most iconic structures, from the towering Burj Khalifa at 828 meters (2,716 feet) to the Gevora Hotel, the tallest hotel in the world at 356 meters (1,168 feet), with ambitious architectural projects defining the city.

These monumental buildings are part of Dubai’s strategy to gain a reputation for architectural grandeur, a goal reflected in the city's ongoing global ambitions, including its hosting of the World Expo for the next five months.

Dubai's thirst for international attention is not a recent phenomenon. As early as the mid-1970s, the city began its quest to become a hub for architectural marvels, starting with the construction of the Dubai World Trade Centre, as noted by architect Todd Reisz, author of 'Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai.'

Todd Reisz, curator of the exhibition 'Off Centre / On Stage' at the Jameel Art Centre in Dubai, offers a look back at an older Dubai and its transformation into the city we know today. The exhibition runs until mid-February next year.

The collection features photographs taken between 1976 and 1979 by British architects Stephen Finch and Mark Harris, who were integral in shaping the city’s vision. Both were affiliated with John R. Harris & Partners, the British architectural firm behind the 149-meter (489-foot) World Trade Centre.

Todd Reisz explained that 'On Stage' in the exhibition’s title reflects Dubai’s long history of being in the global spotlight. The city has used expos and exhibitions as a platform to promote itself, attracting people to live and invest there, fueling its rapid growth.

As early as the 1960s, Dubai’s leaders were actively promoting the city in international newspapers, attempting to position it as the 'city of the future.'

Beyond the Creek

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are welcomed by a vast view of Dubai Creek. Less than two centuries ago, Dubai was a small fishing settlement, and the Creek was merely an estuary. By the 1960s, it had been transformed into an engineered canal, one of the city’s pioneering infrastructure projects, designed to enhance Dubai’s reputation as a leading trading center.

'Off centre' refers to the fact that, for decades, Dubai’s development was centered around the Creek, which served as a crucial geographical marker for locals. According to Reisz, in the 1970s, there began a slow but inevitable shift away from the Creek, particularly toward the Abu Dhabi border.

The transformation doesn’t begin with the World Trade Centre, but it is within the World Trade Centre complex where this shift becomes truly evident, signaling that the city was moving away from its original center.

Looking toward the future

Many of the photographs capture individuals who played a role, directly or indirectly, in shaping Dubai’s future – from service workers to taxi drivers, as noted by Reisz. However, this future is constantly evolving.

'Dubai always has this feeling of being a city under construction, as if there's a sign that says, 'please pardon our progress, we’re working on something bigger,'' Reisz remarked.

'Often, people are more focused on what’s to come, rather than reflecting on how far we’ve come. For me, that’s a crucial message to convey. Dubai didn’t emerge from the desert; it was built by people – individuals who made choices to contribute to the city in meaningful ways,' he explained.

While researching for 'Showpiece City,' Reisz came across a collection of Kodachrome slides, known for their vivid color reproduction. 'Even in broad daylight, the colors are so intense and captivating that you almost start to hear the images,' said Reisz.

Although a few aerial shots are included, most of the exhibition’s photographs were taken at street level, giving visitors a sense of what it would have been like to walk through 1970s Dubai.

Reisz reflects: 'Whenever I hear someone say, 'there was nothing here,' I feel compelled to challenge that. It’s crucial to recognize that there was always something in this place.'

'Whether it was sparse farming, trade routes along the coast, or ancient settlements that had long since disappeared, it’s impossible to claim that this land was ever devoid of activity. There has always been something here,' he added.