A set of two-fluid equations that governs the nonlinear dynamics of drift-Alfv¿n waves in a multicomponent dusty plasma is derived. It consists of the electron continuity equation, the electron parallel equation of motion, and the divergence of the total plasma current density. In the linear limit, we obtain a dispersion relation that shows the coupling between drift-Alfv¿n and drift convective cells. On the other hand, the stationary solutions of the nonlinear equations can be represented as dipolar vortices. The relevance of our investigation to coherent nonlinear structures in space plasmas is pointed out. ¿ 1999 American Geophysical Union