David Spearing

When I recently sat down with David Spearing, now 90, we talked about an Abu Dhabi that few people today would recognise. David arrived in July 1968, expecting to stay for only a few months. Nearly six decades later, the city remains his home.

David has been a family friend for many years. He and my father, Peter Hellyer, were among the founding members of the British Business Group Abu Dhabi in 1991, now the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi.

Helping Build Abu Dhabi

David arrived to take over the local practice of J. L. Poulson, a construction consultancy, at a time when Abu Dhabi was undergoing rapid development. The bridge connecting the island to the mainland had recently opened, and the city's skyline was beginning to take shape.

Over the years, he worked on numerous landmarks, including the Hilton Al Ain, the Rashed Bin Aweidah Building on Hamdan Street, Sheikh Khalifa's office building on the Corniche and buildings within the British Embassy compound. His later projects included work associated with Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium and the flagpole near Marina Mall. He recalls the challenges of early construction, when materials were not always readily available and innovative solutions were often necessary.

A Life Beyond Architecture

David's contribution extended well beyond his professional career. He became closely involved with The Club, one of Abu Dhabi's oldest social institutions, eventually serving as its chairman and entertainment manager. Among his memorable experiences was arranging a performance by British clarinettist Acker Bilk in 1969.

He also helped establish a local group of the Institution of Civil Engineers and contributed to the development of Abu Dhabi's British business community. In 2013, he was awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to British business and the wider community.

The Abu Dhabi He Remembers

What struck me most during our conversation was that, despite his remarkable professional achievements, David spoke with equal affection about the friendships he formed over the decades.

For him, Abu Dhabi's story is not simply about buildings and infrastructure, but about the people who helped create a community and the relationships that have endured across generations.

At 90, he takes pride in seeing buildings he worked on still standing, but considers the friendships and experiences of a lifetime even more valuable.

His advice to those beginning their own journey in Abu Dhabi is to embrace opportunities, treat people kindly and maintain friendships.

For me, conversations with people like David offer a valuable reminder that Abu Dhabi's history is found not only in its landmarks, but also in the personal memories of those who witnessed its transformation.

Perihan Hellyer
Founder & Curator, The Peter Hellyer Family Archive