UAE: Despite the violence, relocation, and other conflicts, Sudanese entrepreneurs in UAE are not just surviving but are growing excellently. A large number of Sudanese nationals have moved to the Emirates due to the violence that broke out in their nation in 2023. They did not come to the country to seek safety, but also with a strong desire to start over and succeed while preserving their culture and skills.
A Journey of Transformation of Sudanese Entrepreneurs in UAE
One of the Sudanese refugees and entrepreneurs in the UAE, Rayan Anas, has started a brand called Zuada with a unique product, Dukhn, a millet with a Sudanese flavor. When she fled to the Emirates in 2023, she had nothing. Recalling that tragic memory, she said we came to a different nation and left our home three months after the conflict and violence started.
But rather than giving up, she started observing the market closely. She observed that Sudanese perfumes and clothing were already in the UAE, but the consumers here had never tried Sudanese flavored millet Dukhn, she added. Talking more about her drink, she said her unique drink is available in many flavors, like coffee, lotus, frankincense, and pistachio. She further added that people here could not believe that we started this business after such a tragic war, showing how proud she is of her great accomplishment.
Today, the Zuada products are available across the Emirates in major Sudanese stores, online, and at many community events. She called the millet, a main ingredient in Sudanese food, her key to success. She added that this ingredient is hard to find in the Emirates; they first sourced it from Sudan, and as their business grew, they started importing directly from their home country.
The Spirit of Resilience Shines at the Sudan Gateway Festival
The Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City celebrated the spirit of strong determination and endurance of Sudanese entrepreneurs in UAE through the Sudan Gateway Festival held on May 4, 2025. This vibrant festival celebrates the rich Sudanese heritage and was attended by over 20,000 visitors from across the UAE.
The visitors in the heart of Dubai got a glimpse into Sudan’s culture, as the event featured live performances by Sudanese artists, traditional dances, and the contagious humor of Sudanese comedians. The Sudanese performers proudly embraced their roots, as women dressed up in colorful thobes and men wore white turbans and jalabiyas.
Ahmad Yamani and Alsroor were two vendors at the festival who showcased their resilience, growth, and culture through traditional Sudanese men’s shoes and handcrafted Sudanese incense and perfumes.
Sudan Gateway Festival: Uniting Sudanese and Emirati Cultures
As the festival grounds were filled with the fragrance of Oud, the Sudanese Community Head in the UAE, Dr. Al-Amin Jaafar, said events like the Sudan Gateway Festival not only unite Sudanese and Emirati people but also unite the two cultures. He added that no matter what happens, Sudanese people will remain guardians of their culture, science, and everything beautiful.
The Sudan Gateway Festival 2025 was not just a nostalgia but a platform for fresh starts for Sudanese people and entrepreneurs in the UAE. This festival showcased that the Sudanese people are not just surviving but rebuilding and adding new chapters to the story of Sudanese resilience in the Emirates.
Also Read – UAE and Lebanon Strengthen Diplomatic, Economic Bonds as Travel Restrictions Ease