• “I love being able to capture people at their most natural, not posing and not doing anything extravagant except living,” says The National photographer Chris Whiteoak, who took these photos of the souqs around Dubai Creek on a hot July night.
    “I love being able to capture people at their most natural, not posing and not doing anything extravagant except living,” says The National photographer Chris Whiteoak, who took these photos of the souqs around Dubai Creek on a hot July night.
  • Neon signs light up the Creek area of Dubai at night. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Neon signs light up the Creek area of Dubai at night. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The scent of delicious food fills the air at Dubai's souqs. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The scent of delicious food fills the air at Dubai's souqs. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abras ferry commuters (and some tourists) between Bur Dubai and Karama. They have been operating for more than 40 years and offer incredibly cheap public transport at Dh1 a journey. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abras ferry commuters (and some tourists) between Bur Dubai and Karama. They have been operating for more than 40 years and offer incredibly cheap public transport at Dh1 a journey. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Whiteoak points out that the contrast of dark silhouettes and bright light makes for striking images. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Whiteoak points out that the contrast of dark silhouettes and bright light makes for striking images. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Creek area is the heart of Dubai's heritage: The earliest mention of a city with the name Dubai can be found in a book by Gasparo Balbi, a Venetian pearl trader, from 1587. A British map from 1820 shows a walled city with about 1,000 residents at the location of what is today the bustling Bur Dubai neighbourhood that centres around the Creek. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Creek area is the heart of Dubai's heritage: The earliest mention of a city with the name Dubai can be found in a book by Gasparo Balbi, a Venetian pearl trader, from 1587. A British map from 1820 shows a walled city with about 1,000 residents at the location of what is today the bustling Bur Dubai neighbourhood that centres around the Creek. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Gold, diamonds, textiles, garlands and more are sold at the Dubai Creek souqs. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Gold, diamonds, textiles, garlands and more are sold at the Dubai Creek souqs. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • These photos, taken during the hottest time of year in dubai, show how life carries on along Dubai Creek. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    These photos, taken during the hottest time of year in dubai, show how life carries on along Dubai Creek. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Shoes for sale. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Shoes for sale. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Taking a break. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Taking a break. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The textile souq is home to goods from around the world. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The textile souq is home to goods from around the world. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The main thoroughfare at the Bur Dubai souq is busiest at night, all year round. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The main thoroughfare at the Bur Dubai souq is busiest at night, all year round. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Just past the souqs you'll find busy streets with great restaurants, cheap hotels and plenty of small independent businesses. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Just past the souqs you'll find busy streets with great restaurants, cheap hotels and plenty of small independent businesses. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The goods for sale are at times completely random - need a new sign for your cafeteria? Old Dubai's souqs have you covered. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The goods for sale are at times completely random - need a new sign for your cafeteria? Old Dubai's souqs have you covered. Chris Whiteoak / The National

15 beautiful photos of Dubai Creek's souqs on a summer evening


  • English
  • Arabic

Summer nights are a wonderful time to hit the streets of Dubai and experience the city in a different light.

The National photographer Chris Whiteoak recently visited the Creek area of Old Dubai in Bur Dubai and Deira (aka, both sides of the Creek) for a glimpse of the colourful district as it springs to life after the temperature drops in the evening.

While the daytime heat doesn’t necessarily stop residents from venturing outside, in the evening is when the streets light up and are flooded with shoppers and friends socialising in the souqs across the tight-knit neighbourhoods. Neon lights advertise goods and services, and delicious food fills the air with scent, which all adds to the sensory experience.

“I love being able to capture people at their most natural, not posing and not doing anything extravagant except living,” says Whiteoak, who points out that the contrast of dark silhouettes and bright light makes for striking images.

For those interested in trying their hand at night-time photography, Whiteoak recommends fast shutter speeds for sharp images, but also experimenting with slower speeds to achieve interesting movement and colour. 

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Read more:

Timeframe: Queen Elizabeth II's royal experience on the Dubai Creek

Keeping dogs cool in the UAE summer - in pictures 

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi's mission to celebrate Sharjah's unsung architecture 

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