About the Royal Geographical Society
Let’s embark on a virtual journey to the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) in London.
This venerable institution, founded in 1830, initially served colonial cultural purposes, ostensibly mapping the cultural features of societies through environmental landmarks.
But today, the RGS plays a different role—one that extends grants to serious researchers and provides scientific and visual services related to rare images from around the world.
A Journey to the RGS
Imagine entering the RGS building, located near the famous Exhibition Road and adjacent to the culturally rich Kensington area.
Here, students, independent researchers, and travelers converge, drawn by the abundance of resources.
The RGS houses millions of antique natural maps from the early 20th century,
As well as countless photographic images of the Middle East, India, and former British-controlled territories.
As you step inside, you’ll find a small but distinguished electronic library.
Six computers stand ready for exploration. Researchers can search for any town, individual, or topic.
However, the actual images or maps won’t appear directly on the screens.
Instead, each record corresponds to a unique number.
Researchers note down these numbers and arrange for access to the requested materials, which are stored in the RGS’s extensive archives.
A scheduled appointment ensures that the desired content is made available.
Dubai 1937 in Photos
Now, let’s focus on your specific request.
You’ve asked for old black-and-white photos of Dubai dating back to 1937.
These captivating images were captured by the British photographer Sir William Robert Haig (1901–1962).
Sir Haig spent a brief period in Dubai, documenting scenes that resonate with beauty and historical significance.
Most of his photographs feature the Dubai Creek (Al Khor), showcasing boats, ships, bustling markets, shoppers, and inner streets.
The Customs House also makes an appearance—a testament to Dubai’s maritime heritage.
Interestingly, Sir Haig had a unique hobby: collecting printed greeting cards.
Real estate projects, residential and hotel towers, and iconic buildings spread across the country’s cities have painted a bright picture of a clear development path and continuous successes that have led the UAE to become the most prominent model in terms of urban planning. pic.twitter.com/REtU9lLDND
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) August 5, 2024
When he became a member of the Royal Geographical Society, he used some of his own photographs from the East to share with friends during special occasions.
Beyond photography, he was also an artist and producer.
Supported by the RGS, he traveled extensively, capturing more images from regions that were part of the British Empire in the East, including India.
And so, these preserved images within the Royal Geographical Society RGS offer us a glimpse into Sir William Haig’s authorized work—not that of a mere traveler, as one might assume. They serve as a mirror reflecting a bygone era, a history spanning eighty-seven years.
