A story in every snapshot

Marilyn Monroe's shocking death; JFK's nuclear stand-off; and the birth of free love. The press certainly had a swinging 1962. Yet, while media hounds were busy filling up column inches in far-flung places, two Japanese journalists – one a photographer – were making their way to Dubai, armed with a camera and a vivid imagination. Now 47 years later, Y Kawashima's historical snapshots make that journey again for Dubai 1962, a collection of 200 black and white images offering a spectacular journey into the origins of this rich city. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, the exhibition runs from May 6 until May 26 at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, Mall of the Emirates. Never been seen before publicly, each snapshot narrates a story of a bygone era that begins in the alleyways of the city's old souks, stops for a twirl at a traditional Bedouin wedding and finally sits us down in a majlis presided over by the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. For 66-year-old UAE resident Omar Qureshi, this journey back in time promises to be an emotional experience. He tells Emirates Business : "When I first moved to the UAE nearly 50 years ago, I lived in a small sandstone building by Dubai Creek. We were too poor back then to afford a luxury like a camera, so the only images I have of my childhood are the ones in my head. "Returning to the past through this exhibition will allow me to relive those glory days." In 1962, Kawashima was working with the Sankei Shimbun newspaper in Japan. On a routine trip to Dubai, with his co-worker H Kato (many refer to them as the first Japanese journalists to visit the emirate), the photographer was fascinated by the environment and culture that lay before him. Eager to take some of the magic back with him, the 200 images are a result of this passion. Kawashima returned to Dubai last year to see for himself the metamorphosis of this metropolis. Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here .