This short film compares and contrasts the UAE of today with that depicted in historical films, going back to the 1950s. Homes made from palm fronds have been replaced by skyscrapers including the tallest building in the world. Camel transport has been replaced by fast cars and state-of-the-art metro rail systems. Sailing dhows used for pearling and trade have been replaced by container ships and luxurious cruising boats. The earliest flights to the UAE on old BOAC bi-planes have given way to ultra modern airports and A380 aircraft. This film puts the country's amazing progress into perspective. Dec 2nd 1971 - Meeting in the Guest Palace between rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm al-Quwain and Sharjah to sign the first constitution of UAE. Feb 1972 - Ras al-Khaimah joins the UAE Sequence of images of Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Sheik Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum is announced first Prime Minister of UAE in December 1971 Union House Close up of UAE flag Aerial of coastline 1970s -- fades into contemporary aerial of built up coastline Close up man sifting pearls Diving for pearls 1920s Camels walking in line across ridge of sand dune Pearling dhows 1920s British bi-planes landing in Sharjah 1930s Al Mahata fort in 1930s and contemporary shots of the fort as an aviation museum Sharjah in 1930s -- to modern day aerials of Sharjah 1930s airstrips to modern UAE airport shots Close up of oil being poured 1958 - First oil refineries built in UAE 1962 - Esso Dublin takes first cargo of crude oil from UAE Aerials of the Ruwais oil refinery 1960s Aerials of Abu Dhabi coastline Construction of housing in Abu Dhabi 1960s The White Fort -- 1960s and contemporary aerials Commerce and trade in port of Dubai Aerial of Dubai creek 1960s Contemporary aerial of Dubai creek and ships Aerials of docks in Dubai and cityscape Aerials of roads and metro system Aerials and high angle shots of skyscrapers Al Ain Oasis, Abu Dhabi 1960s -- Trucial Omani Scouts who policed area on camels Al Jahili Fort -- 1960s and today -- contemporary aerial Aerials of contemporary Al Ain