Dubai: Fifty years or so ago Emirati homes were a true
reflection of the modest lifestyle of the day. A glance at the
UAE of old through vintage postcards, photographs or by paying a
visit to the country's historic sites will help you to discover
more about the simpler ways of a bygone era. Home-building
materials in the Emirates were selected to be able to cope with
the climate's extreme heat and high humidity, especially in
summer. Architectural styles also took a number of essential
elements into consideration such as climate, the conservative
nature of UAE people, and the availability of building materials
which included coral stone, gypsum, lime and plaster. The design
was also intended to reflect the Islamic spirit. Generally, the
houses were equipped very modestly due to the limited financial
means at that time. Most of the homes were built to an average
standard, however more spacious houses also existed. Most of the
houses were built on just one floor, in an unsophisticated
design with a number of sm