An uncertain future for the carpet souk in Abu Dhabi - in pictures

  • The Mina Zayed Port area is being redeveloped to create a multi-use seafront with residential, commercial and cultural areas.
    The Mina Zayed Port area is being redeveloped to create a multi-use seafront with residential, commercial and cultural areas.
  • Hales from Afghanistan has worked in his carpet shop at the port for more than 35 years.
    Hales from Afghanistan has worked in his carpet shop at the port for more than 35 years.
  • Friends Syed Abbas, Sabir and Aziz Khan, left to right, sit in their carpet shop in Abu Dhabi.
    Friends Syed Abbas, Sabir and Aziz Khan, left to right, sit in their carpet shop in Abu Dhabi.
  • Handmade Kashmir carpets are some of the most expensive items for sale at the port.
    Handmade Kashmir carpets are some of the most expensive items for sale at the port.
  • Muhammed holds a photo of his father meeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in 2018. The image takes pride of place in his shop.
    Muhammed holds a photo of his father meeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in 2018. The image takes pride of place in his shop.
  • Sales have been impacted greatly by the pandemic.
    Sales have been impacted greatly by the pandemic.
  • Aziz Khan has not been able to visit his family in Afghanistan due to Covid-19. Until he can travel, his mobile keeps them connected.
    Aziz Khan has not been able to visit his family in Afghanistan due to Covid-19. Until he can travel, his mobile keeps them connected.
  • A carpet seller makes his first sale of the week.
    A carpet seller makes his first sale of the week.
  • Mohammed Aiyub from Pakistan has worked as a tailor for more than 15 years at the port.
    Mohammed Aiyub from Pakistan has worked as a tailor for more than 15 years at the port.
  • Carpet sellers prepare to welcome customers to their store.
    Carpet sellers prepare to welcome customers to their store.
  • Hamin from Pakistan checks his stock to see what he needs to order.
    Hamin from Pakistan checks his stock to see what he needs to order.
  • Any carpets unsold are sent back to the manufacturers.
    Any carpets unsold are sent back to the manufacturers.
  • These Afghani brothers are now in charge of their father's carpet business, which he has owned for more than 55 years.
    These Afghani brothers are now in charge of their father's carpet business, which he has owned for more than 55 years.