Time Frame: Empty plots speak volumes

This is a photograph rich in detail, as much as for what is not there as what is there.

It was taken in the early 1970’s, by oilman Peter Alvis, who was hanging out the open window of a Westland helicopter at the time.

The view shows Abu Dhabi island, looking more or less north across Khalidiya. Imediately in the foreground is a round building used as a meeting hall, now demolished, and a row of government buildings, which still stand. The image is bisected by Zayed the First Street, which starts with a roundabout under construction and the sandy foundations of what is now King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street.

Taking to the air in 2015 and the first thing you would notice is the Federal National Council, to the left of the circular building, and closer to the Corniche, the Nation Towers and St Regis hotel.

At the first roundabout, now replaced by traffic lights, turn left to arrive at Spinneys supermarket or carry on straight, where The One store and the BMW showroom are on the right.

At the second roundabout is Al Bateen Street and beyond the city begins to develop. It is worth noting that someone familiar with Abu Dhabi even 5 years earlier would be hopelessly lost in this photo, while 40 years later, most of us would still be able to find our way around.

* James Langton