The Land Rover trapped on Abu Dhabi's seafront in the stormy weather in 1963. Photo: David Riley
The Land Rover trapped on Abu Dhabi's seafront in the stormy weather in 1963. Photo: David Riley
The Land Rover trapped on Abu Dhabi's seafront in the stormy weather in 1963. Photo: David Riley
The Land Rover trapped on Abu Dhabi's seafront in the stormy weather in 1963. Photo: David Riley

UAE

When winter storms trapped a Land Rover on Abu Dhabi's seafront

Archive photograph from 1960s shows impact of stormy weather

John Dennehy
John Dennehy

January 26, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Heavy rain is falling across the UAE. Roads are waterlogged, the seas are rough and more downpours are forecast.

But if you think the conditions today are inclement, then let’s go back to the 1960s.

This photograph was taken in 1963 by David Riley, a British resident who lived in Abu Dhabi then, and worked for the British Bank of the Middle East (now HSBC).

It shows a group of officials from the bank, and its company Land Rover, caught out by a sudden storm surge on Abu Dhabi’s waterfront. It happened when high winds forced the sea on to the shore. Dark skies brood overhead, the churning surf can be seen in the background and the waters worryingly rise around the Land Rover.

“Even so, there is still time to stop and pose for a photo,” Mr Riley wrote about the episode.

Abu Dhabi’s Corniche as we know it today, with its modern roads and port, did not exist then. The sea often surged onshore and caused floods, frequently inundating cargo stacked on the waterfront.

This photograph of the storm is part of a collection Mr Riley took chronicling his time in Abu Dhabi. Taken on a 35 millimetre German Voigtländer camera, they show souqs, airfields and the early oil explorations camps.

Mr Riley left Abu Dhabi in August 1964, after deciding to return to the UK permanently. As for the Land Rover, its fate remains unknown.

Abu Dhabi through the years — in pictures

Abu Dhabi in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Photo: BP Archive
Abu Dhabi in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Photo: BP Archive
An aerial shot of Abu Dhabi from the early 1960s. Oil had been discovered in 1958 and the town was already expanding. Photo: David Riley
An aerial shot of Abu Dhabi from the early 1960s. Oil had been discovered in 1958 and the town was already expanding. Photo: David Riley
The Arid Lands Research Centre greenhouses on Saadiyat taken at some point during the 1970s. Photo: Merle Jensen / University of Arizona
The Arid Lands Research Centre greenhouses on Saadiyat taken at some point during the 1970s. Photo: Merle Jensen / University of Arizona
The greenhouses on Saadiyat in the 1970s when the island was largely open sand. Photo: Merle Jensen / University of Arizona
The greenhouses on Saadiyat in the 1970s when the island was largely open sand. Photo: Merle Jensen / University of Arizona
Reclaimed land, such as Marina Mall and the breakwater, has reshaped Abu Dhabi. Sarah Dea / The National
Reclaimed land, such as Marina Mall and the breakwater, has reshaped Abu Dhabi. Sarah Dea / The National
The view of Abu Dhabi from the reclaimed Lulu Island. Nicole Hill / The National
The view of Abu Dhabi from the reclaimed Lulu Island. Nicole Hill / The National
Reem Island takes shape in 2012. Ravindranath K / The National
Reem Island takes shape in 2012. Ravindranath K / The National
The Louvre Abu Dhabi construction site in 2013 with Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and Reem Island in the background. Silvia Razgova / The National
The Louvre Abu Dhabi construction site in 2013 with Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and Reem Island in the background. Silvia Razgova / The National
Yas Island under construction in 2009. Ryan Carter / The National
Yas Island under construction in 2009. Ryan Carter / The National
Abu Dhabi island today.
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