Boatmen have taken people across the Dubai Creeks for a few fils for generations in wooden, noisy "Arbas".

Now however, the sight of these poor souls huddling in blankets on cold winter mornings seems like a sight to be lost as these diesel burning crafts are retired to be replaced by modern clean, gleaming soulless alternatives.

What becomes of the Arba Men is not yet clear.

Dubai, UAE
March 2006