Bu Darya · The Figure in the Sea

Old pearl divers say the Gulf is home to Bu Darya, a thing half human and half fish that climbs over the gunwale and sits at the bow watching the crew.

He is said to talk with the sailors, usually about their families, and to leap back into the sea at dawn. He never lets anyone see his back. Some say he is a drowned man.

From this come the many rules of pearl diving: at night do not spit into the water, and do not shout your own name at the sea.

Folklore / Dubai · United Arab Emirates / Time immemorial