Looking back: Amazing Historical Photos Of UAE

How Deira looked like in 1981. Now, Deira is largely known as being at the centre of Dubai. One of Deira's most popular attractions, the Gold Souk, now holds over 300 outlets and has earned Dubai a reputation for being the City of Gold. The Union Bank Building lights up Deira at night in this December 1, 1981 file photo. Deira's busy streets are home to tiny stores selling electronic items, cameras, computer equipment and more at discounted prices. Deira is located to the east of the Dubai Creek and Bur Dubai, and is often considered as somewhat less commercialised than other areas of the city. Deira now shares its popularity among the masses, with areas like Shaikh Zayed Road and places further down the coast towards Abu Dhabi. The area's Clock Tower was built in 1962 and is a well known feature of Deira. Here it is in 1982. The Clock Tower Roundabout is now home to a continuous flow of traffic, and is surrounded by buildings. The best and cheapest way to experience the Creek is to take an abra or water taxi. An abra station is pictured here in 1982. Naser Square is shown in this picture, taken in February, 1985. The area attracts a wide range of tourists, and there are plenty of photo opportunities! This photo taken in 1990 shows just how rapidly the area of the city grew, as at this point it was widely regarded as being the hub of the city. Deira is one of the hotspots for bartering in Dubai, and is a great place to test your skills of negotiation in order to get the best price. The Gold Souq offers a traditional souq-style setting with dazzling shop windows full of with gold and silver. This picture shows the souq in January, 1992. This shot taken in October, 1992, from Maktoum Bridge, is unrecognisable compared to how the area looks today. The etisalat building, which is topped off with a giant golf ball-shaped object, is a prime example of some of the great architecture on show at the Creek. April 1, 1995. Some of the most amazing views in Dubai are on offer in Deira. This shot of Maktoum Street taken in March, 1995, shows just how much the traffic has increased in the area in recent years.