DUBAI // It is one of the most evocative sights in Dubai and one of the few remaining links to the city's history: dhows laden with cargo bobbing on their moorings as bands of workers haul the crates off the boats and onto the wharf in the baking midday sun. The bustling trading scene in Dubai Creek harks back to the city's seafaring, mercantile past.
That is why news that long-haul dhow traffic will soon be barred from the Creek and redirected to Al Hamriya Port has unsettled not only the boat owners but also Dubai as a whole. A community may well disappear, and with it one of Dubai's most popular, and authentic, tourist destinations.
"If the boats go then so do I and my restaurant," said Ashraf Dhaha, 37, manager of the bustling Baniyas eatery. "It is very sad for the whole community that gather here. It is still a popular meeting place now, but I can't see what these people will do and where they will go if the boats aren't allowed to dock."
At the creekside restaurant yesterday, for example, 30 workers from North Africa and the Gulf relaxed and shared tales of the sea while watching an old Bollywood movie on a television set.
Although Mohammad Etony, manager of the Ted Lapidus clothing store 50 metres from the harbour, said he did not expect the new regulation to seriously affect his business, he thought that it would sap the soul from the area.
"There are many reasons why people come to the Deira creekside, so I think it will continue to be a popular destination," he said. "But as a resident of Dubai I am disappointed by the decision because there are so few historical sites in the city and we must look to preserve those links to the past that we have. Dubai is a modern city, but traditional sights such as the dhows give it a sense of character."
Dhows are one of the enduring images of the city that tourists take away with them. Dorothy Henderson, 46, from Scotland, said the dhows on the Creek had been at the top of her list of recommended sights.
"The dhow harbour is all part of the charm of Dubai, the fusion of old and new that makes it such a popular place," she said. "If it goes then Dubai will certainly be a less attractive place to visit. Tourists want to see the heritage of a place to see how life has changed over the centuries. It is a real shame, and I think the authorities should brace themselves for a dip in tourism numbers."
Because of security concerns, Dubai Customs plans to relocate all dhow shipping to Al Hamriya Port, close to the Palm Deira development, because it is difficult to monitor the dhow cargo in Dubai Creek. Moreover, the UN has recently introduced strict regulations for trade with Iran, one of the most popular destination for the dhows.
tbrooks@thenational.ae
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
The team
Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory
Videographer: Jear Valasquez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
