By The Creek
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Show StoryTucked away behind the glitzy facade of newly created office towers and giant advertisement boards, Dubai’s old center is an appealing contrast from the city’s feverish construction work.
The creek is a main attraction for workers and tourists alike. Its close proximity to the Gold Souk and general market makes it a hive of activity for sellers looking to cash in on the tourist trade. Historically it divides the city into two main banks.
Along the Deira corniche lies the commercial hub which houses a tip of discarded goods and broken cars. Dhows actively serve ports around the Arabian Gulf, Iran and can even venture as far as East Africa.
The surrounding alleyways and streets play host to some of Dubai’s most colorful and cultural contests. One afternoon a week (Friday) broadcasts some great social and sporting matches. Running adjacent to the numerous cricket matches, the real draw-card is to witness the warriors of Pehlwani and Kushti battling it out on a vacant lot.
Drawing hundreds of spectators, this sport originates from Pakistan and India a thousand years ago. It only recently reached a new peak of popularity with Asian ex-pats seeking an escape from their grinding daily work. Though no betting takes place, the winner attracts donations from his supporters and more importantly the admiration of the crowd.
When the afternoon heat burns off, giant ice trucks pull into a featureless car park: another market within a market. Even before the motor has time to settle, the cargo doors are unlatched and swung open. In an instant, bodies of Thrasher, Black tip reef, Hammerheads and even the occasional Tiger shark are dragged from the cargo holds.
Once the trucks are emptied, the final picture is a harrowing portrait of twisted marine life, lifelessy paraded on giant cement slabs. Ready to be sold for their exotic appendages. According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, the UAE is the fifth largest exporter of shark fins to Hong Kong and Asia. This harsh reality accompanies the guarantee that their fins will end up in broth soups served at luxury hotels or social gatherings.
With an artificially polished public image, this upcoming global city hides a darker secret for the majority of laborers. This series attempts to break through the cliché images that characterize the UAE and its slick marketing machine to allow the real people driving this city a spot in the limelight.
Show StoryTucked away behind the glitzy facade of newly created office towers and giant advertisement boards, Dubai’s old center is an appealing contrast from the city’s feverish construction work.
The creek is a main attraction for workers and tourists alike. Its close proximity to the Gold Souk and general market makes it a hive of activity for sellers looking to cash in on the tourist trade. Historically it divides the city into two main banks.
Along the Deira corniche lies the commercial hub which houses a tip of discarded goods and broken cars. Dhows actively serve ports around the Arabian Gulf, Iran and can even venture as far as East Africa.
The surrounding alleyways and streets play host to some of Dubai’s most colorful and cultural contests. One afternoon a week (Friday) broadcasts some great social and sporting matches. Running adjacent to the numerous cricket matches, the real draw-card is to witness the warriors of Pehlwani and Kushti battling it out on a vacant lot.
Drawing hundreds of spectators, this sport originates from Pakistan and India a thousand years ago. It only recently reached a new peak of popularity with Asian ex-pats seeking an escape from their grinding daily work. Though no betting takes place, the winner attracts donations from his supporters and more importantly the admiration of the crowd.
When the afternoon heat burns off, giant ice trucks pull into a featureless car park: another market within a market. Even before the motor has time to settle, the cargo doors are unlatched and swung open. In an instant, bodies of Thrasher, Black tip reef, Hammerheads and even the occasional Tiger shark are dragged from the cargo holds.
Once the trucks are emptied, the final picture is a harrowing portrait of twisted marine life, lifelessy paraded on giant cement slabs. Ready to be sold for their exotic appendages. According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, the UAE is the fifth largest exporter of shark fins to Hong Kong and Asia. This harsh reality accompanies the guarantee that their fins will end up in broth soups served at luxury hotels or social gatherings.
With an artificially polished public image, this upcoming global city hides a darker secret for the majority of laborers. This series attempts to break through the cliché images that characterize the UAE and its slick marketing machine to allow the real people driving this city a spot in the limelight.