.png)
1 day ago
2
Rows and rows of simple, metal canisters had been kept on archive shelves for decades.
But inside each canister was a treasure trove of priceless aerial photographs that chronicles the awe-inspiring transformation of the UAE.
The photographs, taken from the 1940s onwards, trace the sand dunes, water wells, forts and barasti homes of the past, as well as the emergence of towns, cities, airports, roads, hospitals, reclaimed land and much more against the backdrop of the discovery of oil, the unification of the UAE and rapid change since then.
But these images had been rarely seen by the public, never digitised, or made available online. Until now.
Aerial photography of the UAE is examined before being digitised at the UK's National Collection of Aerial Photography in 2024. Photo: NCAP
Aerial photography of the UAE is examined before being digitised at the UK's National Collection of Aerial Photography in 2024. Photo: NCAP
The UAE’s National Library and Archives has unveiled the first results of its landmark project with the UK’s National Collection of Aerial Photography, in a move that not only ensures the permanent survival of the unique collection but potentially transforms our understanding of the Emirates’ past.
Under a deal signed in 2024, more than 50,000 images relating to the UAE have been digitised and licensed to the NLA.
Several of the images have been posted to the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, but it is hoped many more will be added over the next few months as the site – free and open to all – is refreshed.
“The National Library and Archives of the UAE is extremely excited to announce it has received the first part of the results of a collaboration with the National Collection of Aerial Photography in the United Kingdom,” said Dr Abdulla Majed Al Ali, NLA director general.
“The high-resolution images show the remarkable transformations that have taken place across all the emirates making up the UAE and already are proving to be an extremely valuable tool in highlighting the changes that have taken place to, for example, many of the iconic forts and locations across the UAE.”
Satellite images show the development of Abu Dhabi between 1977 and 2025. Photo: NCAP, Nour Hayani / The National
Satellite images show the development of Abu Dhabi between 1977 and 2025. Photo: NCAP, Nour Hayani / The National
The images were taken by the UK’s Royal Air Force, the US Navy and a private company called Hunting Surveys, who together undertook more than 780 photographic aerial reconnaissance missions over the region.
At least 150,000 aerial photographs of the modern-day UAE and wider Gulf region are thought to be in the collection.
In the first phase of the project, 52,500 images from 1944 to 1979 have been digitised, but future phases could include other dates.
Staff at the National Collection of Aerial Photography digitise the aerial images. Photo: NCAP
Staff at the National Collection of Aerial Photography digitise the aerial images. Photo: NCAP
The digitisation work was undertaken by the NCAP in Edinburgh, which has one of the most significant collections of aerial photography in the world. Teams at the NLA also stitched some of the images together to create remarkable digital panoramas.
By making the photographs available online, the NLA is encouraging historians, researchers, experts, universities and the public to engage with the collection.
"We will provide it to everyone," said Dr Hamad Al Mutairi, director of the archives department at the NLA.
Dr Hamad Al Mutairi, director of the archives department at the UAE's National Library and Archives. Pawan Singh / The National
Dr Hamad Al Mutairi, director of the archives department at the UAE's National Library and Archives. Pawan Singh / The National
“The more we engage with the public, the more ideas will come and they will promote not just this project or the collections, but also the history and the culture of the UAE.”
The photographs are truly remarkable – a visual record of a country that has arguably changed faster than any other. Six images supplied for this article – a mixture of two single shots and four panoramas of Abu Dhabi – showcase the potential of this collection to transform our understanding of a complex past.
