Dubai's historic dhow trade sets sail again - in pictures

Cargo dhows at Dubai Creek being loaded for a trip. All photos: Pawan Singh and Chris Whiteoak / The National
Cargo dhows at Dubai Creek being loaded for a trip. All photos: Pawan Singh and Chris Whiteoak / The National
The dhows carry electronics, food and cars across the Middle East and North Africa.
The dhows carry electronics, food and cars across the Middle East and North Africa.
Mahmood Amin, chief executive of Dubai's Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows.
Mahmood Amin, chief executive of Dubai's Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows.
The dhows are now powered by diesel engines rather than sails.
The dhows are now powered by diesel engines rather than sails.
The dhows travel to countries such as Iran, India, Pakistan and Yemen.
The dhows travel to countries such as Iran, India, Pakistan and Yemen.
Many goods are sourced at Dubai's famous wholesale markets in Deira.
Many goods are sourced at Dubai's famous wholesale markets in Deira.
A lot of the dhow trade is re-export, which is when goods are imported to the UAE and then exported.
A lot of the dhow trade is re-export, which is when goods are imported to the UAE and then exported.
Dubai Creek has been at the heart of the dhow trade for centuries.
Dubai Creek has been at the heart of the dhow trade for centuries.