Today, life in the Emirates moves in the fast lane. In a new regular series to mark the 50th anniversary of the UAE we take a little trip back in time and see just how much the country has changed.
Few cities in the world evolve at such a speed as Dubai. Just how fast can be seen in the district now known as The Walk.
The older image seen here was taken in 2002, just outside the Hilton Hotel Jumeirah, which had opened three years earlier.
The photograph was taken by a guest at the hotel, Pete Egington, who had stepped out for a morning walk.
He was intrigued by the large stretch of desert that was in the process of being fenced off as far as the eye could see, which was the Sheraton.
Mr Egington recalled he had "no clue what it was at the time but could see it was going to be something quite big".
What was being built was Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), two square kilometres of apartments and hotels that is now home to around 15,000 people.
Construction on Dubai Marina had started in 2000 and both districts would reshape Dubai's skyline.
The single lane of tarmac with a few taxis waiting for Hilton guests is now The Walk, a 1.7 kilometre stretch of shops and restaurants that is one of Dubai’s most popular tourist attractions.
Mr Egington sent his photo to The National back in 2010, the year in which JBR was officially completed. But the changes did not stop there.
A decade later, even more development has completely obscured the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, which 11 years ago was visible from the Hilton, and with the view now including Dubai Marina and the new Ain Dubai observation wheel on Bluewaters Island.
Watch this space.
How Dubai Marina and JBR changed Dubai's skyline
Construction started on Dubai Marina in 2000, and by 2006 the skyline was taking shape. Work on the The Walk and Jumeirah Beach Residence came later. AFP
Skyscrapers and cranes dot the landscape at the Dubai Marina site in 2006. Getty Images
The Dubai Marina project was launched at a special ceremony on October 17, 2000. AFP
By 2007, construction was advanced on Dubai Marina Mall. Getty Images
Construction workers pause for a break at Dubai Marina in 2008.
By 2009, Dubai Marina metro station was in the final stages of construction. Ana Bianca Marin for The National
Dubai Marina pictured in 2011. The distinctive twisting facade of the Cayan Tower can be seen being assembled towards the right. Amy Leang / The National
A huge depiction of the Elite Residence super-tall skyscraper hangs from a Dubai Marina construction site in 2011. Amy Leang / The National
The finishing touches being put to Princess Tower in 2012. Amy Leang / The National
Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. Leslie Pableo for The National
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Must-eat weekly meal: Steak with beans, carrots, broccoli, crust and corn
Power drink: A glass of yoghurt
Role model: Any good man
Company Profile
Name: Thndr Started: 2019 Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr Sector: FinTech Headquarters: Egypt UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi Current number of staff: More than 150 Funds raised: $22 million
