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.