Main square in Dera

Main square in Dera, Dubai Dubai is divided by its creek. In the 1960s the west bank was Dubai proper with the ruler's palace, the British Political Agent's residence, and the European banks and shipping agencies. However the conurbation on the east bank, Dera, was much larger and had become the main commercial centre. There was little need for most ex-patriots to cross the creek.

This square was on the southern edge of Dera and was the main location for the newer Western-style commercial establishments. Further north into the heart of Dera the roads narrowed, passing between traditional buidings with souhks and markets rather than western-style shops.

This picture was probably taken from outside the Cable & Wireless office. On that side of the square was also the apartments International Aeradio Ltd rented for its European married staff who worked at Dubai Airport, and the provisions merchant Chelleram's, where Westerners could buy imported food. This was mainly from the US, and some items were a novelty to British ex-pats. Coffee whitener was unknown in England at that time, and maple-syrup-flavoured bacon was considered very strange.

As can be seen in the photo, there were few vehicles in Dubai. The red station wagon in the centre of the square is on blocks with it's rear wheels removed. It was like that for months.