Costains built the first Dubai Airport in 1959
They also built the original Port Rashid
And joint ventured with Taylor Woodrow to build Port Rashid's extension
And also Dubai Drydocks
Image by The National
Richard Costain established his building company in 1865 in Liverpool England.
By 1930s his company had moved into the Middle East to take on major construction contracts in Iran and Kuwait.
In 1950s Sheikh Rashid appointed Costains to build Dubai's First Airport which completed in 1960.
Not long after Dubai discovered oil in commercial quantities, Sheikh Rashid realised his long held dream of building a deep water port.
Port Rashid's construction began in 1969 with Costains as the main Contractor.
Port Rashid's construction contract Sheikh Rashid stipulated Costains were responsible for building Villas to house their staff. At the end of the contract these Villas would revert to Sheikh Rashid's ownership. Sheikh Rashid allocated a large section of Jumeirah's then pristine beach area for this new estate. In addition to these Villas, Costains also built a Clubhouse for their Staff. This was located on prime seafront beach in Jumeirah and included sports facilities, restaurant, bars and a swimming pool. Costain Club opened officially in 1974.
These Costain Villas were popular and remained in demand for nearly 30 years. Dubai's major boom in the 2000s led to these Villa being demolished and replaced by exotic and expensive property along Jumeirah Beach. Jumeirah’s long stretch of open beach has gone as has the popular Costain Club.
Dad worked for Costains at Port Rashid
The Ransom family lived in the Costain Villas on Jumeirah Beach Road
Many of the roads in that area were unpaved which made riding a cycle difficult, if not impossible.
Costains built a Club for their staff located on Jumeirah Beach
Costain Club became the centre of social life for Costain's Workers
Costain Club was renamed Costay Club around 1978 after Costain entered a joint venture with Taylor Woodrow to build Port Rashid Extension
