The Dawoodi Bohra community’s presence in the United Arab Emirates dates back to the mid-20th century, when the first members arrived during the formative years of the nation. The earliest arrivals in the region were two brothers, Essaji and Moosaji Karim, who migrated from Gujarat in the 1940s. Their arrival marked the beginning of a growing Bohra presence in what would become one of the world's most dynamic economic regions.
By the 1960s, families began settling permanently in Dubai, drawn by the country’s open trade policies and accessible business licenses. Deira— a bustling market and heritage district—was at the time a promising commercial hub where many Bohras began their enterprises, particularly in textiles, hardware, and construction. The late Sultan al-Bohra, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, first visited Dubai in 1969. His visits in the decades that followed reinforced the community’s values of faith, enterprise, and integrity. He regularly visited members’ businesses and encouraged them to strive with honesty and innovation.
The inauguration of Saifee masjid — the community’s first masjid in the Gulf region — in 1984 was a historic milestone which cemented the community’s spiritual foundation in the nation. As more families arrived, community members began settling near the masjid, creating a closely-knit neighborhood centred on faith and fellowship.
In 2004, Burhani Masjid was inaugurated in Al Qusais on land gifted by the Dubai government. That same year, Dubai hosted the first-ever Ashara Mubaraka event in the Gulf. Nearly 40,000 community members from around the world gathered for ten days of sermons delivered by Syedna Burhanuddin. During that historic visit, Syedna Burhanuddin was welcomed as a state guest by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, then Deputy Prime Minister.
The gathering brought global attention to Dubai and the Bohra community’s organisational strength and hospitality.
In 2023, the Dawoodi Bohras hosted Ashara Mubaraka once again—this time welcoming nearly 75,000 guests. It proved to be a demonstration of the UAE’s generosity and logistical excellence, and a reaffirmation of the deep bonds between community and country.
Masjid
Burhani Masjid, Al Qusais
Inaugurated in 2004 by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin
Land gifted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Saifee Masjid, Deira
Inaugurated in 1984
First Dawoodi Bohra masjid in the Gulf
Dubai’s Dawoodi Bohra masajid and centres operate as vibrant hubs of worship, learning, and community service.
Community
Today, the Dubai community comprises thousands of members across neighborhoods such as Deira, Al Qusais, Warqa, Mirdiff, and Jumeirah. Many are entrepreneurs engaged in trade, construction, retail, real estate, and manufacturing. Many others include professionals in healthcare, education, law, engineering, IT, and finance.
Younger generations have taken forward their forefathers’ legacy, supported by institutions like MSB in Al Qusais, which fosters values of sustainability, academic excellence, and civic responsibility.
Engagements
Guided by the Islamic ethos of peaceful coexistence and civic responsibility, the Dawoodi Bohra community of Dubai has participated in numerous initiatives aligned with the UAE’s national goals, particularly in the areas of sustainability, education, and social welfare.
These engagements translate through Project Rise, the global Dawoodi Bohra initiative aimed at uplifting society through various philanthropic efforts. Under this banner, Bohra families in Dubai have continued to volunteer in large-scale clean-up drives, food donation efforts, and e-waste recycling campaigns—mobilising hundreds of individuals across age groups. These campaigns have not only created tangible impact but have also fostered a strong culture of volunteerism among the youth.
These engagements translate through Project Rise, the global Dawoodi Bohra initiative aimed at uplifting society through various philanthropic efforts. Under this banner, Bohra families in Dubai have continued to volunteer in large-scale clean-up drives, food donation efforts, and e-waste recycling campaigns—mobilising hundreds of individuals across age groups. These campaigns have not only created tangible impact but have also fostered a strong culture of volunteerism among the youth.
In 2024, Kinana Jamaluddin, president of the Dubai Dawoodi Bohra community, represented Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin at COP29 in Baku, delivering a message on behalf of “our shared purpose to care for this earth,” and reflecting the Dawoodi Bohra commitment to sustainable action and interfaith cooperation.
In 2025, the Dawoodi Bohra community in Dubai reaffirmed its commitment to healthcare and social solidarity through a significant contribution to the Father’s Endowment campaign — an initiative close to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The purpose of this initiative is to provide sustainable healthcare for the underprivileged and described as “a powerful tribute to fathers and an affirmation of human values and compassion.”
News and Articles
Discover the latest updates, stories, and community highlights from Dawoodi Bohra communities across the Middle East.
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