In the beginning, much of Port Rashid's cargo was moved by Labour
They drove tractors, forklift trucks and cranes but manpower was need to physically store goods
These Labourers took pride in their work despite their difficult conditions
These four Labourers gathered in front of my camera as I was taking photos of the shed lighting.
They stood very proudly together as I took their photograph.
Then they happily went back to work.
Port Rashid began as a 4 Berth Port designed for conventional cargo ships.
It quickly expanded into 15 Berths but even that was not enough so it was decided to expand further into 35 conventional Cargo Berths.
Then containerisation arrived totally changing port requirements.
Sheikh Rashid agreed to reconfigure the Port Rashid Extension to a purpose designed Container Terminal.
Sheikh Rashid formally declared the Port Rashid Container Terminal open in April 1980.
Location: Outside Port Rashid Container Terminal - © Len Chapman
Commemorative Stone - Location: Outside Port Rashid Container Terminal
© Len Chapman
“Immediately the speeches ended, Sheikh Rashid quickly stood, walked to the Commemorative Stone, pulled the cord to open the curtains to reveal the plaque, then turned around and took off for the Container Terminal Entrance.
Guests were left to scramble out of their seats and rush to catch up with Sheikh Rashid.”
© Len Chapman
“I was briefed to stand by the one of the new Container Cranes.
If Sheikh Rashid wanted to inspect the Crane, I could take him up in the Lift and explain the Crane's workings to him.
Sheikh Rashid arrived at the Crane.
Ahmed Mansouri (accompanying Sheikh Rashid) asked Sheikh Rashid if he wanted to inspect the Crane.
Sheikh Rashid stopped, slowly raised his head to take in the crane's 150 metre height.
Sheikh Rashid slowly lowered his head, looked straight at me then, after a pause, shook his head from side to side.
Sheikh Rashid didn't want to inspect the Crane.”Len Chapman
© Len Chapman
“At least having to stand by the Crane gave me the the opportunity for some photographs, although the setting sun and a long telephoto lens was not the best combination for quality images.
Sheikh Rashid was followed by a swarm of people including Officials and Representatives of Sir William Halcrow and Partners (Consultants for this Project), Taylor Woodrow and Costain International (Joint Venture Construction Contractors for the Project)”.Len Chapman
© Len Chapman
Within a few years of Sheikh Rashid opening Port Rashid Container Terminal, the Terminal achieved recognition as one of the world's major Container Terminals with an enviable reputation for efficiency.
In barely 15 years Dubai had transitioned from handling cargoes by barge and dhow on Dubai Creek to a modern Container Terminal using latest technology.