Dubai's World Trade Center Apartments were under construction in 1977
Apartments design was unique in 1977 Dubai
The complex was self contained with sports facilities and retail outlets
Apartments were for rental only with on-site property management.
Their location on Abu Dhabi Road next to World Trade Center marked the new entrance to Dubai.
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Barry Hope took this memorable photo in October 1977
He was flying into Dubai on an Alitalia Flight
Barry was to live and work in Dubai for the first time.
Barry went on to establish Dubai Dirt Donks Off Road Motorcycle Club in 1978, now Dubai Motor Cross Club, and
Gulf Sport Racing LLC in Dubai in 2004.
Barry is recognised as pioneering Motor Racing in Dubai
Dubai's World Trade Centre under construction in the distance
The ship can be seen berthed on Dubai Creek near the Intercontinental Hotel.
Dubai was a "Boom Town" in 1977 but had few hotels to accommodate the incoming flood of people.
mv Bob Vivant was used as a Hotel Ship in an attempt to alleviate the accommodation problem. Dubai Intercontinental Hotel was being built but Sheraton Hotel had not yet started building.
Hotel rooms were booked, rebooked and "bartered" with visiting businessmen negotiating for rooms and paying premium prices.
Although Hotel Room Rates and Demand were at an all time high, the Dubai Businessman who chartered the Bon Vivant apparently lost money on the deal.
Dubai Airport 1977
Credit: Gulf News Archives