Exploring the streets of Bur Dubai at iftar with Unseen Trails — in pictures

Foodies and photographers break the fast with community members in a guided cultural tour that embraces the spirit of Ramadan

Participants in the Unseen Trails Iftar Walk take photos at the mosque iftar near Al Ghubaiba bus station in Bur Dubai area of Dubai. The event is presented by Gulf Photo Plus and Frying Pan Adventures. Pawan Singh / The National

The walks have been taking place since 2015 and offer tourists and residents the chance to explore the streets of Ghubaiba, including the Dubai Museum, before, during and after iftar. Pawan Singh / The National

Travel bloggers, foodies and photographers alike find inspiration and beauty in the walks, and tag images on social media with #unseentrails. Pawan Singh / The National

The usually busy area grinds to a halt before iftar, with community members waiting for the adhan, call to prayer, as the iftar meal is served. Pawan Singh / The National

Hundreds and even thousands of worshippers enjoy a generous mix of dates, fresh fruits, laban, mandy, kebabs, muttom and chicken biryani provided by mosques and volunteers. Pawan Singh / The National

Sharing in the meal is described by Unseen Trails participants as a humbling experience, and a unifying experience that underpins the true spirit of Ramadan hospitality. Pawan Singh / The National

After iftar, the streets come alive again with businesses reopening and shoppers bargaining for deals. Pawan Singh / The National

Old Dubai offers photographers striking images with its colourful array of wares. Pawan Singh / The National

Participants receive food and culture insight from Tanya Rehman (first from left) of Frying Pan Adventures and photography expertise and assistance from instructor Kathleen Hoare (third from left) of Gulf Photo Plus. Pawan Singh / The National

Aisha Rotti bakery provides participants interactive subject matter so they can practice their photography skills on the go, including camera settings and composition relevant to street photography. Pawan Singh / The National

Snacks and tea at the Chai Pani shop end an evening of walking, photography, food and community spirit. Pawan Singh / The National

Foodies and photographers have been taking part in the three-hour Unseen Trails walks in Bur Dubai since 2015 and this Ramadan is no different. Participants meet before sunset to tour the streets of busy Al Ghubaiba as it grinds to a halt and falls silent with hundreds of residents gathered at the mosque in anticipation of adhan – the call to prayer – and an iftar of dates, laban, fruit, mutton and biryani.

Sitting side by side with worshippers is described as a humbling experience that magnifies the spirit of Ramadan. After the meal, the tour continues as shopkeepers reopen their doors and shoppers bargain for deals on the colourful array of wares available.

Food and culture experts from Frying Pan Adventures give insight to the area, including history and culinary gems, while photography experts from Gulf Photo Plus offer tips for DSLR photography as well as smartphone snaps, from camera settings to the composition of street photography so trail-goers can practice on the go.

Tourists, residents, popular food bloggers and professional photographers regularly take part in the trails series, which run other times of the year, including Diwali, and share their images on social media under the hashtag #unseentrails.

Tours take place on Monday, June 4; Tuesday, June 5; Wednesday, June 6; and Monday, June 11. The price is from Dh395 and participants meet at 5.40pm at Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai. Register at www.gulfphotoplus.com

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