Lauren Burfield - ‘Watchers on the Dock’

Watchers on the Dock documents the labourers of the old Dubai. I was born and lived in Dubai for 18 years, growing up in parallel with the Middle East's rapid boom of tourism and construction.

The history of trade within the gulf stimulated Western attraction and ex-patriot culture and living, quickly transforming Dubai's economic dependency from pearl-ing and trade to tourism within a decade.

Nowadays, the mention of Dubai draws immediate associations with luxury supercars, seductive skyscrapers, elite shopping malls, first-class dining and all-inclusive hotels. Little acknowledgement is granted to the old town where the history of Dubai's free trade and economic position began to thrive in 1902. The warm waters of the Creek became the hub for the Gulf's souks, radiating in the commerce of gold, perfume, spice, leather, textile and coffee.

However, Dubai's historical waterway has become a sight for hospitality. Tourists can experience the old town in the twilight where the Creek's warm water reflects the luminous colours of Arabic lamps throughout the souks; but instead many chose to experience the history at a comfortable distance.There are many images of Old Dubai, but few grant acknowledgement to the people who live and breathe the salty air of the Creek.

Few tourists grant a smile to those who trade for the pashmina you’re buying for your sister back home, or bother interacting with the men selling you your jar of authentic Arabica coffee. The faces of the traders hold wisdom and history, hidden deep within the background of Dubai's painted luxury, starved of kindness and respect, whether by locals or uncultured visitors.

Living in Dubai for so long, this project was a personal exploration into the old town to re-educate myself and interact with those who built the city.

@laurenburfieldphotography