Yas Island in May 2007 was but four roads. All photos: Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Island in May 2007 was but four roads. All photos: Yas Marina Circuit
In May 2007, Yas Island is barren but for a bridge leading to it.
In May 2007, Yas Island is barren but for a bridge leading to it.
Construction begins on Yas Marina Circuit in 2007.
Construction begins on Yas Marina Circuit in 2007.
An outline of the track begins to appear in August 2007.
An outline of the track begins to appear in August 2007.
In August 2007, tractors dig up sand to make way for what will become the marina.
In August 2007, tractors dig up sand to make way for what will become the marina.
In February 2008, buildings slowly begin to emerge around what will become the race track.
In February 2008, buildings slowly begin to emerge around what will become the race track.
As the track is laid down in 2009, the marina slowly begins to take shape. Next, the remaining sand will be dug up and the area flooded with sea water.
As the track is laid down in 2009, the marina slowly begins to take shape. Next, the remaining sand will be dug up and the area flooded with sea water.
Canopies begin to be hung up over the start and finish line as the outer shell of Yas Viceroy Hotel is built in 2009. Construction for a complex of hotels to the left of the Viceroy is also under way.
Canopies begin to be hung up over the start and finish line as the outer shell of Yas Viceroy Hotel is built in 2009. Construction for a complex of hotels to the left of the Viceroy is also under way.
Seating stands rise out of the sand in 2009 at what will become turn seven of the Yas Marina Circuit.
Seating stands rise out of the sand in 2009 at what will become turn seven of the Yas Marina Circuit.
Formula One drivers race around turn seven at Yas Marina Circuit.
Formula One drivers race around turn seven at Yas Marina Circuit.
The start and finish line: now ready to welcome tens of thousands of Formula One fans.
The start and finish line: now ready to welcome tens of thousands of Formula One fans.
Yas Viceroy Hotel, which began operating as a W Hotel in 2018, is hugged by the marina - where luxury yachts park for the race weekend.
Yas Viceroy Hotel, which began operating as a W Hotel in 2018, is hugged by the marina - where luxury yachts park for the race weekend.
Yas Marina Circuit in all its glory at dusk, complete with new coastline.
Yas Marina Circuit in all its glory at dusk, complete with new coastline.
The sandy island is transformed with grassy hills where Formula One fans can watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The sandy island is transformed with grassy hills where Formula One fans can watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Formula One drivers get ready to begin the race at Yas Marina Circuit.
Formula One drivers get ready to begin the race at Yas Marina Circuit.

Weekend

Timeframe: when Yas Island was but a bridge and four roads

Fifteen years ago, today's buzzing, family-friendly destination was a construction site

Katy Gillett
Katy Gillett

May 20, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Cast your mind back 15 years, to when the UAE, now brimming with vast man-made islands, towering skyscrapers and entirely new cities, was unrecognisable when compared with today.

An agreement had only just been signed between the UAE and France to develop a satellite Louvre museum. What was then known as the Burj Dubai was a mere 150 storeys. In December, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque would open to the public for the first time.

And, in May that year, Yas Island was still a desert area with but four roads and a bridge.

Construction began that month on the Yas Marina Circuit, which would go on to hold the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. By August, an outline of the now world-famous track had begun to appear, as tractors dug up sand for what was to become a marina.

It was another 30 months before it would open, but it has since become known as one of the UAE's biggest attractions, attracting tens of thousands of tourists every year for the racing event.

Its home, Yas Island, has also become a major draw for travellers and families. This month, renowned American comedian Kevin Hart became its first chief island officer, promising “big things are coming”.

But anyone who's lived in the UAE for any length of time already knew that, judging by the sheer amount of development over the past 15 years.

Kevin Hart is Yas Island's first chief island officer. Wam
Kevin Hart is Yas Island's first chief island officer. Wam

Ferrari World, now home to the fastest roller coaster in the world, opened in 2010, the year after the circuit. Yas Waterworld, the UAE's first mega water park, opened in 2013. Popular shopping centre Yas Mall opened in 2014.

More recently, there has been the opening of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi in 2018 and its themed hotel — a world first — only last year.

The world's tallest indoor climbing wall opened at Clymb Abu Dhabi in 2019, while the still-growing Yas Bay is poised to become the country's next biggest waterfront destination.

And that's only scraping the surface on what's there now — from restaurants to hotels and the Yas Links golf course — not to mention what's yet to come.

How Dubai Creek has (and hasn't) changed in 55 years — in pictures

The creek in Dubai circa 1937. Getty Images
The creek in Dubai circa 1937. Getty Images
Boats on the Creek in Dubai, with the Customs House in the background, 1967. Getty Images
Boats on the Creek in Dubai, with the Customs House in the background, 1967. Getty Images
A view across Dubai Creek in 1967. Getty Images
A view across Dubai Creek in 1967. Getty Images
Dubai Creek in 1964. Photo: Alamy
Dubai Creek in 1964. Photo: Alamy
Ships in 1967 unloading goods on the creek for the Customs Department in Dubai. Getty Images
Ships in 1967 unloading goods on the creek for the Customs Department in Dubai. Getty Images
Dubai Creek, April 1968, taken from a Beaver flying to Sir Bani Yas Island. Photo: Nevile Ryton
Dubai Creek, April 1968, taken from a Beaver flying to Sir Bani Yas Island. Photo: Nevile Ryton
Dubai Creek in 1976. Photo: Wam / AFP
Dubai Creek in 1976. Photo: Wam / AFP
The Carlton Hotel on the banks of the Creek in Dubai, circa 1978. The property was later rebuilt as the Carlton Tower Hotel. Getty Images
The Carlton Hotel on the banks of the Creek in Dubai, circa 1978. The property was later rebuilt as the Carlton Tower Hotel. Getty Images
The mouth of the Creek, circa 1978. Getty Images
The mouth of the Creek, circa 1978. Getty Images
Dubai Creek in October, 1977. Getty Images
Dubai Creek in October, 1977. Getty Images
The building on the right is the National Bank of Dubai.
The building on the right is the National Bank of Dubai.
The National Bank of Dubai building on the edge of Dubai Creek. Photo: Al Ittihad
The National Bank of Dubai building on the edge of Dubai Creek. Photo: Al Ittihad
Dhows on the Creek in the 1970s. Photo: Al Ittihad
Dhows on the Creek in the 1970s. Photo: Al Ittihad
Racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio in Dubai on December 11, 1981. Getty Images
Racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio in Dubai on December 11, 1981. Getty Images
An aerial view of the opening of the Dubai Creek Golf and Marina Yacht Club golf course on January 1, 1993 in Dubai. Getty Images
An aerial view of the opening of the Dubai Creek Golf and Marina Yacht Club golf course on January 1, 1993 in Dubai. Getty Images
The Creek in 1993. Alamy
The Creek in 1993. Alamy
The Creek in 1996. Getty Images
The Creek in 1996. Getty Images
View of Bur Dubai and the Creek in 2015. Pawan Singh / The National
View of Bur Dubai and the Creek in 2015. Pawan Singh / The National
Water taxis, known as abras, on Dubai Creek in 2019 take people from Bur Dubai to Deira and back again at sunset. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Water taxis, known as abras, on Dubai Creek in 2019 take people from Bur Dubai to Deira and back again at sunset. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Al Seef waterfront dining destination opens on Dubai Creek in 2017.
Al Seef waterfront dining destination opens on Dubai Creek in 2017.
Dubai Creek from the Deira side of the city in 2015. Antonie Robertson / The National
Dubai Creek from the Deira side of the city in 2015. Antonie Robertson / The National
Traditional ferry boats, known as abras, cross the Creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira on January 6, 2022. AFP
Traditional ferry boats, known as abras, cross the Creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira on January 6, 2022. AFP
A dhow crosses the Creek near the spice souq in 2022. Reem Mohammed / The National
A dhow crosses the Creek near the spice souq in 2022. Reem Mohammed / The National
Dubai Creek in May 2022. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dubai Creek in May 2022. Chris Whiteoak / The National
What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Results for Stage 2

Stage 2 Yas Island to Abu Dhabi, 184 km, Road race

Overall leader: Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)

Stage winners: 1. Fernando Gaviria COL (UAE Team Emirates) 2. Elia Viviani ITA (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) 3. Caleb Ewan AUS (Lotto - Soudal)

Meydan race card

6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m​​​​​​​
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m​​​​​​​
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m​​​​​​​
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m​​​​​​​
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m

Another way to earn air miles

In addition to the Emirates and Etihad programmes, there is the Air Miles Middle East card, which offers members the ability to choose any airline, has no black-out dates and no restrictions on seat availability. Air Miles is linked up to HSBC credit cards and can also be earned through retail partners such as Spinneys, Sharaf DG and The Toy Store.

An Emirates Dubai-London round-trip ticket costs 180,000 miles on the Air Miles website. But customers earn these ‘miles’ at a much faster rate than airline miles. Adidas offers two air miles per Dh1 spent. Air Miles has partnerships with websites as well, so booking.com and agoda.com offer three miles per Dh1 spent.

“If you use your HSBC credit card when shopping at our partners, you are able to earn Air Miles twice which will mean you can get that flight reward faster and for less spend,” says Paul Lacey, the managing director for Europe, Middle East and India for Aimia, which owns and operates Air Miles Middle East.

You may remember …

Robbie Keane (Atletico de Kolkata) The Irish striker is, along with his former Spurs teammate Dimitar Berbatov, the headline figure in this season’s ISL, having joined defending champions ATK. His grand entrance after arrival from Major League Soccer in the US will be delayed by three games, though, due to a knee injury.

Dimitar Berbatov (Kerala Blasters) Word has it that Rene Meulensteen, the Kerala manager, plans to deploy his Bulgarian star in central midfield. The idea of Berbatov as an all-action, box-to-box midfielder, might jar with Spurs and Manchester United supporters, who more likely recall an always-languid, often-lazy striker.

Wes Brown (Kerala Blasters) Revived his playing career last season to help out at Blackburn Rovers, where he was also a coach. Since then, the 23-cap England centre back, who is now 38, has been reunited with the former Manchester United assistant coach Meulensteen, after signing for Kerala.

Andre Bikey (Jamshedpur) The Cameroonian defender is onto the 17th club of a career has taken him to Spain, Portugal, Russia, the UK, Greece, and now India. He is still only 32, so there is plenty of time to add to that tally, too. Scored goals against Liverpool and Chelsea during his time with Reading in England.

Emiliano Alfaro (Pune City) The Uruguayan striker has played for Liverpool – the Montevideo one, rather than the better-known side in England – and Lazio in Italy. He was prolific for a season at Al Wasl in the Arabian Gulf League in 2012/13. He returned for one season with Fujairah, whom he left to join Pune.

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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Updated: May 20, 2022, 6:01 PM
WeekendAbu DhabiYas Island