Crossroad!
Saw this gentleman the other day, he was staring at that little piece of paper in his hand… it was obvious that he was trying to decide whether to call that number on the paper or not, in the end he picked up his phone and I decided it was time for me to leave him alone… for some reason I felt bad and decided I shouldn't know the outcome of that phone call!
It was about 49° and he had shelter from sun 10 feet away, but he was either too tired to walk anymore or just didn't care about it anymore! He was clearly at a crossroad.
Troubles don't get sorted overnight but I do hope that at least he's more comfortable now.
Best of luck to you mate.
Saw this gentleman the other day, he was staring at that little piece of paper in his hand… it was obvious that he was trying to decide whether to call that number on the paper or not, in the end he picked up his phone and I decided it was time for me to leave him alone… for some reason I felt bad and decided I shouldn't know the outcome of that phone call!
It was about 49° and he had shelter from sun 10 feet away, but he was either too tired to walk anymore or just didn't care about it anymore! He was clearly at a crossroad.
Troubles don't get sorted overnight but I do hope that at least he's more comfortable now.
Best of luck to you mate.
Rush Hour!
Friday afternoon prayer time at a mosque in Bur Dubai. Busiest time of the week for any mosque, especially for grand/central mosques. Shoes are not allowed inside the prayer halls but most mosques provide storage facilities, still, some people are either late or in a hurry so they leave 'em outside.
Some try to leave their shoes at places where they're easy to find!
Friday afternoon prayer time at a mosque in Bur Dubai. Busiest time of the week for any mosque, especially for grand/central mosques. Shoes are not allowed inside the prayer halls but most mosques provide storage facilities, still, some people are either late or in a hurry so they leave 'em outside.
Some try to leave their shoes at places where they're easy to find!
So close, yet so far away!
I was puttering around this low-cost/labourer neighbourhood today when I saw these evening shift lads waiting for their bus. While waiting, they were all staring at all those high-rising towers on Sheikh Zayed Road at walking distance from them. Its lads like these who help build all those buildings and yet… I couldn't help but wonder what must be going throughout their minds!
I remember a conversation I had a while back with a smart skinny young lad who was working as a loader on Dhows at Dubai Creek. We talked about everything from places he's been to his favourite bollywood actress.
I didn't think he was 18 so I asked him how old was he, he just smiled and said what difference does it make?
I asked him why do you choose to do this, you're so smart, you could've been anything you wanted to be.
His response was: CHOICE, is a luxury word that rich, educated or resourceful people use, I never saw my dad, he died before I was born, my mother was a proud lady, she wasn't educated so she cleaned other people's houses to raise us alone, she tried to send us to school but from the moment I could walk, all I've ever wanted to do was to help my mother and I jumped to first opportunity I got and it led to where I am today, there's no shame in what I do, it's honest work and I sleep peacefully at night.
I guess sometimes there are no bad guys except life itself, some of us are always gonna be more fortunate then the others and some of us would always find it hard to find our feet, it's an age old story I guess.
apologies if I got a bit carried away, I tend to get silly like that sometimes!
I was puttering around this low-cost/labourer neighbourhood today when I saw these evening shift lads waiting for their bus. While waiting, they were all staring at all those high-rising towers on Sheikh Zayed Road at walking distance from them. Its lads like these who help build all those buildings and yet… I couldn't help but wonder what must be going throughout their minds!
I remember a conversation I had a while back with a smart skinny young lad who was working as a loader on Dhows at Dubai Creek. We talked about everything from places he's been to his favourite bollywood actress.
I didn't think he was 18 so I asked him how old was he, he just smiled and said what difference does it make?
I asked him why do you choose to do this, you're so smart, you could've been anything you wanted to be.
His response was: CHOICE, is a luxury word that rich, educated or resourceful people use, I never saw my dad, he died before I was born, my mother was a proud lady, she wasn't educated so she cleaned other people's houses to raise us alone, she tried to send us to school but from the moment I could walk, all I've ever wanted to do was to help my mother and I jumped to first opportunity I got and it led to where I am today, there's no shame in what I do, it's honest work and I sleep peacefully at night.
I guess sometimes there are no bad guys except life itself, some of us are always gonna be more fortunate then the others and some of us would always find it hard to find our feet, it's an age old story I guess.
apologies if I got a bit carried away, I tend to get silly like that sometimes!
Safety? What Safety?
Saw this young lad hanging by the side of a massive wooden dhow applying grease filler to the cracks. Health and safety are luxuries that they can afford.
Just another day in the life of a Dhow sailor.
Saw this young lad hanging by the side of a massive wooden dhow applying grease filler to the cracks. Health and safety are luxuries that they can afford.
Just another day in the life of a Dhow sailor.
Last Days of Innocence!
Saw this young lad on a crowded street, he still has that innocent look about him, but I guess pretty soon he's gonna discover that complicated world of grown ups, all that greed for money and lust for possessions and career.
Best of luck to you mate.
Saw this young lad on a crowded street, he still has that innocent look about him, but I guess pretty soon he's gonna discover that complicated world of grown ups, all that greed for money and lust for possessions and career.
Best of luck to you mate.
Sadness!
I liked this lad's head gear and his face, so I walked up to him and asked politely if I could take a photo of him, he didn't say anything but nodded in affirmation.
It took me a moment or two to fiddle with my camera settings but when I looked at him again, his whole expression had changed, within couple of moments he seemed to have overcome by emotions and his eyes went all teary... he was struggling to keep himself in check, so I didn't ask him if he was OK, just didn't know what to say.
I took the photo, thanked him and walked away.
I guess i'll never know what triggered that sudden surge of emotions. Part of me can't help but feel guilty – if I hadn't asked him for this damn photo then perhaps he would've been fine... but maybe not!
I liked this lad's head gear and his face, so I walked up to him and asked politely if I could take a photo of him, he didn't say anything but nodded in affirmation.
It took me a moment or two to fiddle with my camera settings but when I looked at him again, his whole expression had changed, within couple of moments he seemed to have overcome by emotions and his eyes went all teary... he was struggling to keep himself in check, so I didn't ask him if he was OK, just didn't know what to say.
I took the photo, thanked him and walked away.
I guess i'll never know what triggered that sudden surge of emotions. Part of me can't help but feel guilty – if I hadn't asked him for this damn photo then perhaps he would've been fine... but maybe not!
Pots & Pans!
Traditional post and pans shop at Deira Dubai.
Traditional post and pans shop at Deira Dubai.
Eyes!
It may sound a bit silly but when I sat down in front of this gentleman for this portrait... for a brief moment it felt like as if I could see the story of his life through his eyes!
It may sound a bit silly but when I sat down in front of this gentleman for this portrait... for a brief moment it felt like as if I could see the story of his life through his eyes!
Unwind!
As the night sets in on Dubai creek, its time to unwind after a long hot day's work. Cup or two of well deserved sweet Iranian tea, bit of Qalyan/Ghelyoon (shisha) and a game of cards... Simple pleasures of life.
As the night sets in on Dubai creek, its time to unwind after a long hot day's work. Cup or two of well deserved sweet Iranian tea, bit of Qalyan/Ghelyoon (shisha) and a game of cards... Simple pleasures of life.
Plugging the leaks!
Weight of Life!
Comfort!
Rare comfort for these dhow labourers/loaders, most of these lads sleep on the floor, some on park benches and its a common site to see'em sleeping on cardboard boxes, so when a cargo of tons of mattresses arrives, it really is a treat, even if it's only for one night.
Rare comfort for these dhow labourers/loaders, most of these lads sleep on the floor, some on park benches and its a common site to see'em sleeping on cardboard boxes, so when a cargo of tons of mattresses arrives, it really is a treat, even if it's only for one night.
Stare!
Came across this old girl one afternoon, she was quite excited and intimidating to see a stranger but one stare without a word from her master shut her up.
The gentleman loves his dogs and has 14 of them.
Came across this old girl one afternoon, she was quite excited and intimidating to see a stranger but one stare without a word from her master shut her up.
The gentleman loves his dogs and has 14 of them.
Troubled Thoughts!
Complimentary!
Haircut: 5 Dhs (US$ 1.30)
Shave: 5 Dhs (US$ 1.30)
Beard: 5 Dhs (US$ 1.30)
And whatever you're in for, you get a complimentary Nasal hair trimming on the house.
I know a few mates who can use some grooming like that!
Haircut: 5 Dhs (US$ 1.30)
Shave: 5 Dhs (US$ 1.30)
Beard: 5 Dhs (US$ 1.30)
And whatever you're in for, you get a complimentary Nasal hair trimming on the house.
I know a few mates who can use some grooming like that!
Mates!
Friday, 6:30 AM (weekend) and these lads are going to work on dhow wharf, it sucks, but that's life, and by talking to them I know that they're glad to be able make a few bucks then have a lie-in on a weekend.
Some of you might've seen guys from asian subcontinent holding hands… it's something that i've seen all my life, straight men holding hands is nothing more then just a sign of friendship. It's not a cultural thing coz most people don't do it, and its not something that's frowned upon either, it's just one of those difficult things to explain… some mates, mostly from subcontinent like holding hands… they're straight, and they're usually best mates, don't know why, i've never been able to understand it myself, but they do, and that's that!
I myself have been in an awkward situation few times where i've shaken a mate's hand and not gotten it back… lets just say after a minute or two you pull it back with an excuse!
It's not my intention to offend anyone, i'm an asian myself, just trying to explain this rather strange behavior. I know It's quite innocent but so indescribably awkward.
Friday, 6:30 AM (weekend) and these lads are going to work on dhow wharf, it sucks, but that's life, and by talking to them I know that they're glad to be able make a few bucks then have a lie-in on a weekend.
Some of you might've seen guys from asian subcontinent holding hands… it's something that i've seen all my life, straight men holding hands is nothing more then just a sign of friendship. It's not a cultural thing coz most people don't do it, and its not something that's frowned upon either, it's just one of those difficult things to explain… some mates, mostly from subcontinent like holding hands… they're straight, and they're usually best mates, don't know why, i've never been able to understand it myself, but they do, and that's that!
I myself have been in an awkward situation few times where i've shaken a mate's hand and not gotten it back… lets just say after a minute or two you pull it back with an excuse!
It's not my intention to offend anyone, i'm an asian myself, just trying to explain this rather strange behavior. I know It's quite innocent but so indescribably awkward.
Hangin' Out!
Only reason I could think of was that perhaps it was bath day for Mr Teddy and now he's hangin' out to dry! Whatever the reason, I just liked the whole place, from Mr Teddy to that knackered old building and even the name of mobile phone shop!
Only reason I could think of was that perhaps it was bath day for Mr Teddy and now he's hangin' out to dry! Whatever the reason, I just liked the whole place, from Mr Teddy to that knackered old building and even the name of mobile phone shop!
Shoe Shop!
Came across this old school neighborhood shoe shop, it use to be a common site where I grew up and a lot of them still exist.
I walked inside to have a look around but can't say there was anything that got me excited but looking back, as kids, just the idea of going to your neighborhood shoe shop was exciting enough, who cared what we ended up buying, which was always something in black so me mom wouldn't have to buy an additional shoe polish, and that thing better be strong enough to last year's abuse, so it was usually built like a tank, and the most important thing - it had to be a size bigger!
Came across this old school neighborhood shoe shop, it use to be a common site where I grew up and a lot of them still exist.
I walked inside to have a look around but can't say there was anything that got me excited but looking back, as kids, just the idea of going to your neighborhood shoe shop was exciting enough, who cared what we ended up buying, which was always something in black so me mom wouldn't have to buy an additional shoe polish, and that thing better be strong enough to last year's abuse, so it was usually built like a tank, and the most important thing - it had to be a size bigger!
Bicycle Blues!
Saw this lad struggling to go to work on Friday, it's pretty obvious he had an accident. Bad enough having to go to work on a weekend but having to carry your damaged bike on your shoulder all the way in 43˚ dusty heat is just not fair... who knows if he can afford to pay for the repairs or not.
Some guys just can't get a break!
Saw this lad struggling to go to work on Friday, it's pretty obvious he had an accident. Bad enough having to go to work on a weekend but having to carry your damaged bike on your shoulder all the way in 43˚ dusty heat is just not fair... who knows if he can afford to pay for the repairs or not.
Some guys just can't get a break!
Hustler!
Photographed this confident young lady at Jebel Ali Race Course in Dubai.
A natural born hustler I reckon, at such young age she knew how things are get done.
Photographed this confident young lady at Jebel Ali Race Course in Dubai.
A natural born hustler I reckon, at such young age she knew how things are get done.
Sides & Back Please!
10 Dhs for a hair cut and a conversation... shame, I don't have any hair left!
And if you're not sure how much 10 Dhs is, well, that's about US$ 2.70.
10 Dhs for a hair cut and a conversation... shame, I don't have any hair left!
And if you're not sure how much 10 Dhs is, well, that's about US$ 2.70.
Banana Cat!
Discovered a new feline species today, and I named it Banana Cat, they grow on trees and there are only two places on the planet where you can find 'em, remote jungles of Madagascar and a remote corner of Dubai's Fruit & Vegetable Market.
By look on his face it was quite obvious that he hadn't seen a human before, especially one with a baseball cap and a strange black mechanical contraption in front of his face!
Discovered a new feline species today, and I named it Banana Cat, they grow on trees and there are only two places on the planet where you can find 'em, remote jungles of Madagascar and a remote corner of Dubai's Fruit & Vegetable Market.
By look on his face it was quite obvious that he hadn't seen a human before, especially one with a baseball cap and a strange black mechanical contraption in front of his face!
Missing!
At first glance it was your bog standard neighbourhood meat shop, but something wasn't quite right, took me couple of minutes to notice this lad's missing finger digits!
Walking back, I wasn't thinking about that horrific accident, our bodies are designed to deal with shock and trauma, wounds heal but I was thinking about that first day back at work and lifting that meat cleaver again... that must've been tough!
I didn't ask him much, why bother, he seems to be in good spirits.
At first glance it was your bog standard neighbourhood meat shop, but something wasn't quite right, took me couple of minutes to notice this lad's missing finger digits!
Walking back, I wasn't thinking about that horrific accident, our bodies are designed to deal with shock and trauma, wounds heal but I was thinking about that first day back at work and lifting that meat cleaver again... that must've been tough!
I didn't ask him much, why bother, he seems to be in good spirits.
Resigned!
Saw this gentleman sitting high up alone on a dhow, you couldn't see him from ground below but luckily i was high up on a multi-storied car park and could see that resigned look on his face - I know that look too well.
Saw this gentleman sitting high up alone on a dhow, you couldn't see him from ground below but luckily i was high up on a multi-storied car park and could see that resigned look on his face - I know that look too well.
Mr Fix It!
Saw these two messing around with that engine early Friday morning. Must admit that it didn't look two convincing, but after 20min of poking and banging around business they eventually got it working!
Saw these two messing around with that engine early Friday morning. Must admit that it didn't look two convincing, but after 20min of poking and banging around business they eventually got it working!
Joy!
Pakistani immigrant workers dancing to the rhythm and beat of bagpipe and drum just before the start of weekly "Kushti Dangal" (Asian wrestling contest).
In the early days of this sport, contests use to happen between neighbouring villages and wrestlers along with their support group use to walk to the wrestling ground through the streets with sounds of music and dance as a sign of bravado and support, with time, it became so popular that now you just can't possibly imagine "Kushti Dangal" without it.
Pakistani immigrant workers dancing to the rhythm and beat of bagpipe and drum just before the start of weekly "Kushti Dangal" (Asian wrestling contest).
In the early days of this sport, contests use to happen between neighbouring villages and wrestlers along with their support group use to walk to the wrestling ground through the streets with sounds of music and dance as a sign of bravado and support, with time, it became so popular that now you just can't possibly imagine "Kushti Dangal" without it.
Studio!
An old school photo studio at Al Sabkha, Deira Dubai.
I use to go to an Arab bakery while back, and a young gentleman who worked there use to be fascinated by my camera, one day he asked me to take a photo of him, so I did, and a very good one I must say, but when I showed him the photo, his whole expression changed... WHAT IS THIS? he asked, it's only my face, where's the rest of my body and where is the background?
For some people proper photography still means old school posing infront of surreal backdrop in a photo studio.
There aren't many studios like this left these days but I guess there will always be some around.
An old school photo studio at Al Sabkha, Deira Dubai.
I use to go to an Arab bakery while back, and a young gentleman who worked there use to be fascinated by my camera, one day he asked me to take a photo of him, so I did, and a very good one I must say, but when I showed him the photo, his whole expression changed... WHAT IS THIS? he asked, it's only my face, where's the rest of my body and where is the background?
For some people proper photography still means old school posing infront of surreal backdrop in a photo studio.
There aren't many studios like this left these days but I guess there will always be some around.
Knick-Knacks!
Typical knick-knack shop in old souq, anything to make a dirham or two, and I love these little shops.
Once they're aware of you then it's impossible to get them to NOT stare at the camera...
Please don't look directly at the camera
Just carry on with your business, pretend i'm not here
Can you just ignore me please
OK, why not look at each other instead of me
Nope, none of that work – they're simple people and when there's a camera pointing at you then its only your natural instinct to stare back at it!
Typical knick-knack shop in old souq, anything to make a dirham or two, and I love these little shops.
Once they're aware of you then it's impossible to get them to NOT stare at the camera...
Please don't look directly at the camera
Just carry on with your business, pretend i'm not here
Can you just ignore me please
OK, why not look at each other instead of me
Nope, none of that work – they're simple people and when there's a camera pointing at you then its only your natural instinct to stare back at it!
Theater!
Friday evening in Ajman (UAE) industrial area. This area is known for its car repair workshops, factories and other sort of metal workshops and most of the workers live around the same neighbourhood.
It's a typical Friday (weekend) evening scene, these lads are waiting for their favourite Indian TV serial to start outside a Bangladeshi restaurant. Normally this place is jam-packed but its Ramadan and most of the people are at the mosque for special Ramadan prayer called Taraweeh.
As a laugh, they called it their Open Air Theater!
Friday evening in Ajman (UAE) industrial area. This area is known for its car repair workshops, factories and other sort of metal workshops and most of the workers live around the same neighbourhood.
It's a typical Friday (weekend) evening scene, these lads are waiting for their favourite Indian TV serial to start outside a Bangladeshi restaurant. Normally this place is jam-packed but its Ramadan and most of the people are at the mosque for special Ramadan prayer called Taraweeh.
As a laugh, they called it their Open Air Theater!
Bit by bit!
Two lads. 45˚heat. Massive container that feels like an oven. Off-loading it all, bit by bit.
Respect for these lads. That's money well earned.
Two lads. 45˚heat. Massive container that feels like an oven. Off-loading it all, bit by bit.
Respect for these lads. That's money well earned.
Shower!
A nice moment at the end of a bullfight at Fujairah, the sun was just about to set in and the light was perfect.
At the end of every fight, win or lose, both bulls get a dirt shower as a sign of "At a Boy", and bulls seem to like it.
This is the kind of old arabia that I fell in love with as a young lad many moons ago, its a shame that the only glimpses we get to see of old traditions these days are the fake, organized displays during shopping festivals.
A nice moment at the end of a bullfight at Fujairah, the sun was just about to set in and the light was perfect.
At the end of every fight, win or lose, both bulls get a dirt shower as a sign of "At a Boy", and bulls seem to like it.
This is the kind of old arabia that I fell in love with as a young lad many moons ago, its a shame that the only glimpses we get to see of old traditions these days are the fake, organized displays during shopping festivals.
