We are the Dawoodi Bohra community of Abu Dhabi
Meaning ‘Father of the Gazelle’ in Arabic, Abu Dhabi, was founded when a young antelope led a wandering tribe to fresh water, on an island with no more than 300 palm (barasti) huts, a few coral buildings and the ruler’s fort. This simple island settlement has since been transformed into the modern cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi and the high rise capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Today, of the 1.45 million population living in Abu Dhabi, nearly 1,000 people residing in around 430 households are Dawoodi Bohras.
The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Community in Abu Dhabi is primarily engaged in business, with many highly qualified and experienced professionals employed in different sectors including education, medical sciences, information technology, accounting, engineering and the oil and gas industry.
In the 1960s, the first few members of the community established themselves as small time traders on the Najda Street, with a number of them engaged in the trade of hardware and building materials.
As a result of the tremendous opportunities fostered by burgeoning economies and the community’s entrepreneurial mindset, Bohras have flourished here as hardworking business people with a reputation for honesty. They are engaged in small businesses ranging from hardware and spare parts to large manufacturing industries. International commodities trading, information technology and fields of construction and infrastructure are also among those in which community members excel.
The establishment of universities in the UAE has attracted a large number of youngsters from the community, who pursue graduate and postgraduate studies in Computer Technology, Aviation, Medical Sciences and Management across the seven emirates, particularly in campuses at Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the Knowledge Village in Dubai.
Over the years, the Dawoodi Bohras have contributed to the growth of the UAE through dedicated participation and involvement in activities that support government initiatives for socio-economic development. In doing so they have earned a rank of respect for their peace-loving nature, patriotism, hard work and integrity.