• Dawoodi Bohras partner with the UN-Habitat programme in Bahrain to plant 500 trees as part of their efforts for the environment
  • Dawoodi Bohras partner with the UN-Habitat programme in Bahrain to plant 500 trees as part of their efforts for the environment
The Dawoodi Bohras are a global Muslim community that follow the Fatimi tradition of Islam, with a heritage that spans Egypt, Yemen, and the Indian subcontinent. Guided by Sultan al-Bohra, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, Bohras live by the values of the Holy Quran and timeless principles of Islam, including compassion, discipline, learning, and service, which entails contributing positively to the societies in which they live.

From Cairo to Kuwait, Bahrain to Oman, Bohra communities take pride in living within nations that promote tolerance, peace, and mutual respect. Wherever they reside, members dedicate themselves to being responsible citizens, ethical entrepreneurs, and regular contributors to public good.

History

The community’s presence in the Middle East began in the mid-19th century, when small groups of traders and families, merchants and migrants, from South Asia and East Africa were drawn to the region’s promise of opportunity and prosperity. The Middle East exemplifies principles that resonate with the Bohra ethos of hard work, tolerance and respect for faith. Those who arrived found not just a place to live and work, but a place to belong.

History

Through the years, the community’s connection to the Middle East grew stronger, with support from regional rulers whose embrace of co-existence and civic contribution allowed members to establish and thrive in various fields including business enterprise, education, and beyond. Leadership of the Dawoodi Bohra community, including the late Sultan al-Bohra Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin and present head, Sultan al-Bohra Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, have regularly visited these nations, meeting with the national leadership and counselling community members to lead an upright and productive life. 

Today, communities across the Middle East continue to contribute to their respective societies, through business and trade, educational advancement, environmental sustainability, and an ever-enduring commitment to faith and service.

Quran and Faith

Quran and Faith

For the Dawoodi Bohras, the teachings of the Holy Quran is not only a source of personal enlightenment but forms the basis of building good character, community, and the pursuit of a righteous life.
The Prophet Mohammed ﷺ states:
The most noble amongst you is the one of understands the word of Allah and explicates it
True to this teaching, Dawoodi Bohras uphold the Quran as the cornerstone of life and strive to embody its values in daily conduct. Inspired by the vision of Sultan al-Bohra Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, for every household to have at least one hafiz al-Quran (one who has committed the Quran to memory), local communities have embraced Quran memorisation through Mahad al-Zahra, the community’s global institute for Quranic sciences.
True to this teaching, Dawoodi Bohras uphold the Quran as the cornerstone of life and strive to embody its values in daily conduct. Inspired by the vision of Sultan al-Bohra Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, for every household to have at least one hafiz al-Quran (one who has committed the Quran to memory), local communities have embraced Quran memorisation through Mahad al-Zahra, the community’s global institute for Quranic sciences.

Love for the Nation

Throughout the Middle East, from the UAE and Kuwait and beyond, members live as proud, patriotic and loyal citizens, grateful to the nations that provide them opportunity, safety, and dignity. 

Love for the Nation

The leadership of Sultan al-Bohra Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin continually encourages members to be loyal, law-abiding, and responsible residents — giving back to the societies in which they live. Across the region, Bohras regularly participate in government-led clean-up drives, health campaigns, interfaith gatherings, and sustainability efforts.
By living with integrity, embracing diversity, and working for the welfare of all, the community demonstrates its commitment to peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and social harmony.

Education

The Prophet Mohammed ﷺ taught: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman.” Education is the foundational pillar of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s values, and in the Middle East, it continues to be pursued with dedication across generations.
The community runs two branches of the MSB Private School in the region—one in Dubai and another in Kuwait—as part of a global network of 25 schools across 7 countries, including India, Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, the UAE, and Kuwait. These schools offer a K–12 educational program in a stimulating and nourishing environment, affiliated with either the ICSE or IGCSE boards depending on their location.
Students from the Middle East routinely gain admission to universities across the world, excelling in medicine, engineering, law, business, and the arts. The community’s local administrative bodies offer need-and merit-based scholarships, mentorships, and preparatory programs to support higher education both within the region and abroad.
Education is not only seen as a personal achievement but as a communal responsibility—to uplift families, serve society, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future.

Business and
 Economic Development

The very name Bohra is derived from the Gujarati word vohru, meaning trader. Business acumen, integrity, and adaptability are defining characteristics of the Dawoodi Bohra community wherever they live—and across the Middle East, these traits have flourished.
Beginning in the mid-20th century, community members migrated to countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, drawn by the region’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, and visionary leadership. These nations provided not only opportunity but a climate of stability, tolerance, and enterprise that aligned closely with Bohra values.
Starting in sectors like construction, textiles, hardware, and maritime trade, Dawoodi Bohras in the Middle East have steadily grown into successful entrepreneurs, industrialists, and professionals contributing to national economies across the Gulf region. Many began with modest storefronts or service jobs and have since established thriving companies in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, finance, and technology.
Local community initiatives actively support entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals through networking, training, and mentorship programs. These efforts empower the next generation to innovate while upholding Islamic principles of ethical business — sidq (honesty), amanah (trust), and istismaar (growth).

Project Rise

Empowered by this philosophy, Dawoodi Bohra communities across the Middle East actively work to uplift those in need. Through Project Rise, the community’s global philanthropic initiative, volunteers in the region engage in efforts spanning healthcare, nutrition, education and  skills development, and environmental sustainability — aligning with national goals and regional values of compassion, harmony, and responsible stewardship.
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Project Rise

  • Dawoodi Bohra Community volunteers in the UAE collect One ton of E-waste on World Cleanup Day
  • Dawoodi Bohra community members in Sharjah collect 2 tonnes of waste on World Cleanup Day
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