“Spectator”

Deira is one of the most densely populated districts in Dubai. Although there is a fair share of noise — from cars, people, and construction — there is also peace and solace that the residents embrace. This photograph captured who was possibly a migrant worker observing life around him. Many migrant workers spend evenings in Deira, specifically around the Creek, observing and reminiscing. After long, grueling days, they find solace in watching others pass by—a fleeting connection to the lives they’ve left behind and the dreams they continue to chase.

“Contrast”

At the Old Souk, migrant workers find more than essentials—they find sustenance. Each purchase, from spices to textiles, connects them to home, preserving their roots while supporting their daily lives far from what they know. This photograph was captured deep inside one of the many Souks, where the smell of bukhoor and glitters of silk are prevalent. Scores of people walk through the alleys, often stopping to chat with the store owners and inspect items that remind them of home. As they run their fingers through the items, there is a strong sense of contrast or a disconnect.

“Nostalgia”

As we walk through the many restaurants that line the Souk and look over at the creek, the ambiance takes over. The smell of cold air and the sound of boats passing through the still creek water persists, with the chatter of people providing background. A rainbow of lights dances on the water, born from traffic, headlights, and glowing restaurant signs, blending chaos into beauty. A man lights his cigarette, and the faint glow reflects in his eyes. His eyes drift upwards and he sees colors and stars lining the orange-tinted ceiling. For a moment, he’s transported back to his childhood—nights under open skies, dreams untainted by time. Nostalgia washes over him, and while everything around him feels accelerated, he lingers in a memory that refuses to fade.

“Fleeting”

This photograph was captured at Deira Creek, bustling with abra drivers, who transport people through the creek for the cost of a single dirham. The abra is the oldest mode of transportation in the UAE, and residents still use it to this day. Against the backdrop of this photograph of the oldest district in Dubai, there is a faint glimpse of the Burj Khalifa, marking the UAE’s remarkable rise — from the abra to its towering skyline. Abra boat drivers fleet through the waters, a living link to Dubai’s humble beginnings.