In pictures: Qasr Al Hosn from the air

The first known aerial photograph of Abu Dhabi taken in 1949 shows Qasr Al Hosn about a decade after it was substantially rebuilt and enlarged by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nayhan. Ronald Codrai © TCA Abu Dhabi

A photograph from the BP archive showing Qasr Al Hosn during the 1950s Courtesy of BP Archive

This aerial photograph was taken in 1964, the year oil was first exported by Abu Dhabi. The town is expanding around Qasr Al Hosn, with many more modern concrete buildings, especially along the shoreline.

In this Aerial view circa 1969, Abu Dhabi is now a modern Arab city. Land reclamation along the shore is creating the modern Corniche, while high-rise offices and new villas spring up everywhere. Courtesy of Al Ittihad

In the photograph shot in the late 1980s, Qasr Al Hosn is surrounded by high-rise office buildings and residential towers. Courtesy of Al Ittihad