Life in Dubai Creek
Be the first to comment 21 August 2012
On the other side of the pier. another Pakistani crew are thrilled at the idea of being photographed, queuing up to pose with beaming, hooked grins. We ask about their routine. ‘Two weeks away – two weeks come back,’ explains 28-year-old Noman Ali of his boat’s regular trips to Iran. We ask him about his cargo. ‘What’s in the boxes? I don’t know.’ While the contents of the cargo are of no concern to him, the weight is. ‘Every box, 120kg – very heavy,’ interrupts his 30-year-old friend Wayal Ayli, motioning towards his back.
It’s hard work, especially in the heat, but as trade continues to boom the dhows continue to sail, day in, day out, and the time-honoured lifestyle of these men rolls on. Watching them go about their work, with the sun shining over the creek’s rippling waters, there’s an unshakeable sense that this tradition will continue for many years to come.
Above, Pakistani workers stop and smile between unloading at the dhow wharfage. Many come to Dubai to earn money, but long to return home.
