UAE's beloved 'informal national drink' karak tea - in pictures

Karak now costs Dh1.50 as prices increase around the world

An Indian tea seller who gave his name as Rafik pours karak in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. Karak is the informal national drink of the United Arab Emirates, long priced at just 1 dirham, a bit less than 30 U. S. cents. But now, as supply chain shortages and Russia's war on Ukraine lead to price spikes across the world, Dubai's tea sellers are bumping up prices to 1. 50 dirhams, or just over 40 cents. That's a blow to migrant workers who depend on the drink as a daily ritual offering respite and fuel. (AP Photo / Jon Gambrell)

It was one of the rare treats that a dirham could buy in Dubai, which draws both the world’s richest people and legions of low-paid migrant workers.

As supply chain shortages and Russia's war on Ukraine lead to price increases around the world, Dubai's tea sellers are bumping up prices to Dh1.50.

It's a blow to migrant workers who depend on the drink as a daily refreshment ritual.

The price of karak was 50 fils for a quarter-century, rising to Dh1 in 2004.

More from 'The National'

Pakistan asks citizens to drink less tea - in pictures

Dubai's historic dhow trade sets sail again - in pictures

Iraqis seek blessings with centuries-old tradition - in pictures