Chai and chat with the Indian community
THE INDIAN COMMUNITY FORMS THE LARGEST EXPATRIATE POPULATION IN THE UAE
With over 2.4 million Indians in the UAE, it is quite possible that you have a ‘desi’ friend and are in love with Indian food. The city might be full of restaurants offering Indian food, but always trust the recommendations by your Indian friends.
A flight back home is hardly three hours away and Dubai is home to many chasing the mullah and a better lifestyle. Indians form the biggest expatriate population in the UAE and both the countries have a history of strategic ties. Making up for about 30 percent of the population, Indians are mostly based in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
Indians started moving to the UAE since the oil boom in the 1970s and have gone to occupy top white-collar positions in the multi-national companies here. Feroz Khan, a chartered accountant by profession, remembers coming to Dubai in December 2001 and finding it ‘ordinary’ like Mumbai. “Dubai became extraordinary only after the real estate boom, especially post-2006 when the law allowed foreigners to own properties here. Ever since the destination has continued to excite the expats.”
He continues, “You can enjoy your life in Dubai if you have a good job. You can get a car, apply for a license, and explore the region. With strict traffic rules and discipline, there is less congestion on the roads. It is difficult to lead such a comfortable life in India (with the salaries one would earn back home).” Although he came with the intent to live here for two or three years, he has been around for 16 years and even bought a few properties. Dubai for him is for the long haul. Today, a father of two, he feels that there couldn’t have been a better country than this for him to raise his boys.
While Khan’s move was planned, Kausar Syed, a senior sales professional, ended up in Dubai after an unplanned job interview. “I came for a vacation to Dubai and gave an interview with a publishing house. I was lucky as within three days I had a job offer in hand.” Surrounded by her bunch of family and friends, Kausar considers the city family-oriented and doesn’t feel homesick. She has been here for nine years now. “The Indian community is close-knit and you meet people, who are keen to know you and develop a friendship with you. Today, many of my clients are my friends.” During her stay here, she has seen all the major attractions come to life — Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro, IMG Worlds of Adventure, the many shopping malls, Dubai Water Canal, and Global Village Dubai— she cannot stop gushing over what Dubai offers.
Originally from Mumbai, she feels safe here. “I have never had nights out in my home country, but Dubai is a place you can wake up at two am and go for a drive. In case, your car breaks down and you need help – Dubai Police is always around. I just love the city.”
Few, like Sanjay Abraham, plan to return to India every year, but stay back. With his two children, he always ends up staying for ‘one more year’ in the UAE. He has seen Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) transform after the Free Trade Zone was set up and more companies sprung up. “Life is laid back and there is a sense of community in RAK, as compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Once you come to the UAE, it is difficult to go back.” Sanjay completes his 19th year in the city.
For sure, they miss their families and the authentic flavour of Indian food, but UAE is their home now. Ask Kausar if Dubai is a stopover for her and she replies instantly, “It is not a stopover, but a place that stops you from going to any other country.”
anita@khaleejtimes.com