UAE is our haven: The Afghan community

The Afghan community feels there is peace and tolerance in the fabric of the Emirates

"We left Afghanistan (overnight) with no belongings as we were scared for our life. I had a good business back home, but there was no stability. The country isn't secure, so no one knows if the business will survive. But in Dubai, at least I am sure of being alive tomorrow." These words by 23-year-old Shabbir Ahmad Safi ring in my ear for a long time, much after our conversation.
Sadly, though, this is the story of a majority of Afghans who moved from their war-torn country since the Soviet invasion on their land. As decades went by, many Afghans moved to neighbouring Pakistan, only to finally find a haven in the UAE.
The historic relationship between the UAE and Afghanistan can be traced back to the early 1980s when the Emirates provided humanitarian relief to millions of Afghan refugees during the Soviet occupation.
H.E Abdul Farid Zikria, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the UAE says, "Afghans started coming to the UAE 50 to 60 years ago, mostly for businesses. When developments in the UAE started in the early 1970s, the Afghan labour force participated in it, more specifically in the agricultural sector. We have the closest relations with the UAE and they are with us in the fight against terrorism."
Today, the UAE has one of the largest Afghan communities outside their country. "Around 1,50,000 Afghans reside in the Emirates. Spread over seven Emirates, close to 70,000 reside in Al Ain and work in the fields of construction and agriculture. Dubai being a business hub has around 30,000 Afghans living here and around 20,000 reside in Abu Dhabi," he shares.
The UAE is a land of opportunities and Haji Naseem Safi's journey is a testament to it. Bringing his textiles business to Dubai, he diversified to car rental, real estate, and has now opened up a multi-cuisine restaurant. Identical cultures between both the countries help Afghan expats in establishing a foothold in the region. "Everyone who comes to the UAE from outside will shine, as there are endless opportunities here. Nobody goes empty handed," says Safi. His optimism is strengthened by the sea change he has witnessed in the past two decades. "The progress that UAE has seen in the past 20 years is unprecedented and difficult to be achieved by another country, globally."
Coming from a violence rife land, UAE is a welcome choice for its tolerance and peace. It is a common thread in the conversations we have with any Afghan. "Dubai is highly Westernised and people from different backgrounds come here to make a life for themselves. There is peace in the fabric of this city. It doesn't matter which religion you come from - you will feel free. Women also enjoy a sense of freedom here," expresses Palwasha Rahami, mother of two. Originally from Afghanistan, Attiya Atai grew up in Pakistan and has been in Dubai for six years now. They came seeking a good life for their son. "If we were back home, it would take us many years to save money and lead a comfortable life. Here, you can climb the ladder faster."
The expats might be living a high life in Dubai, but that doesn't stop them from being nostalgic. As Salim Ayoubi reminisces, "My fondest memory is going for hikes with my cousins, exploring the beautiful valleys, and cooking in the lap of the mountains. Fridays were reserved for family."
A strong family bond is what connects the Afghans and many do feel lost without this sense of togetherness. As Zarmina Ibrahim adds, "Afghans are very welcoming and big-hearted. You will never be alone once you get in the community. I really miss the social gatherings with food, fun and laughter!"

Use of spices add a distinct flavour to Afghan cuisine
No conversation with an Afghan expat is complete without them talking about the food back home. Afghanistan has been at the crossroads of major civilisations for centuries and varied influences (Persian, Indian, Pakistani and Mediterranean) can be seen in their cuisine.
Wheat, maize, barley, and rice are their staple dishes. It is not uncommon to enhance the flavours of the dishes with the use of dry fruits and nuts. Attia Atai says, "Afghan food is spectacular. It is not as spicy as Indian or Pakistani food, but not bland either." The food might be similar to Arabic food, but the spices used are unique and they lend it a distinct flavour. Generous use of spices like coriander, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and paprika, and herbs like mint, dill, parsley, and cilantro make their dishes delectable and aromatic.
Jalasat, Garhoud (042997499) offers a selection of Afghan dishes cooked by Afghan chefs. Their flagship dish is Qabili Pulao, which is tender meat hidden under a layer of rice that is mixed with lentils, dry fruits, and carrots. "But, nothing can match the taste and authenticity of Afghan food dishes cooked by one's mother," says Palwasha Rahami.
A few other places to sample Afghan cuisine include Afghan Khorasan Kabab (Al Quoz, 044551637), Al Kabab Al Afghani (across four locations in Dubai - Qusais, International City, Naif, and Dubai Marina) and Kabul Darbar (across two locations in Dubai - Naif and Meena Bazaar).

Dubai is a land of opportunities for Afghan Business People
Jamal Mohammed, proprietor, Afghanistan Jewellers, Al Ain, is contemplating opening up a store in Dubai Gold Souk as part of their expansion plan. "Al Ain is a local market, but Dubai is an international market with people from 192 nationalities calling it their home. Afghan businessmen are primarily based in Dubai because of better opportunities and liberal rules to set up businesses." His family is involved in transportation and construction businesses.

To facilitate Afghan commerce in the UAE, the Afghan Business Council (ABC) was established in 2005. With the strength of 173 members, the body helps connect new Afghan business people to their community in the UAE. In cases, where Afghan business people encounter any prob-lem, ABC tries to find solutions by raising the issue with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Talking fondly about the Emirates, Haji Obaidullah Sader Khail, chairman of ABC, says,Jewellery"UAE wants to help the government and people of Afghanistan." He goes on to mention that Afghans have set up factories for the production of cooking oil, soup, tea, food stock, textiles, etc. in free zone areas here. Many are also dabbling in the real estate and tourism sectors.

Afghanistan is known for its fruits and dry fruits, but importing them to the UAE involves a huge cost. The ABC, this year, plans to focus on helping Afghan exporters set up their base here. "UAE attracts foreigners throughout the year, so we plan to hold exhibitions of Afghan goods twice a year to facilitate sales," Obaidullah shares.

Ask H.E. Abdul Farid Zikria, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the UAE, about the size of investments by Afghans in the UAE and he pegs the figure at over $15 billion. Dubai holds the largest number of Afghan businesses and it is only set to grow in the coming year.

The Afghan business community will continue investing in the UAE for security reasons as they wait for the situation in their country to stabilise. As the country re-establishes itself, few of the investors might return to their homeland but many would continue their voyage in the Emirates.