Passion Fuels Abu Dhabi's Old Souk Revival

Sep 22, 2026

88 min

Sep 22, 2026 13:30

The passion keeping Abu Dhabi's old souk alive: "This is where I can tell my story"

## A Dream Realized

In Abu Dhabi's old souk, Iman ElHajj has found a place to share her story through her clothing brand, Darazean. Born to Palestinian parents who moved to the UAE in the 1980s, Iman grew up in Abu Dhabi, where her love for Arabic heritage and fashion blossomed. In 2018, she opened her first shop in the souk, a place she holds dear for its rich history and cultural significance.

## The Art of Tatreez

Iman's clothing line features tatreez, traditional Palestinian embroidery, a craft she learned from her grandmother and mother. She views each dress as a form of expression, with patterns and colors conveying personal stories and social status. Some of the embroidery she uses is over a century old, repurposed from vintage dresses.

## Empowering Women

Iman believes that women have the power to achieve their dreams, and she credits Abu Dhabi for providing the space to express her Palestinian culture. The UAE's support for creativity and women has allowed her to expand her business and share her heritage with a global audience.

## A Community of Passionate Entrepreneurs

Iman is not alone in her dedication to the souk. Irshad Ahmad Shah from Kashmir and Rachid Kharbouche from Morocco also run businesses there, driven by their love for their crafts. Shah sells Kashmiri handicrafts, while Kharbouche offers Moroccan honey and herbs. Both entrepreneurs find joy in sharing their cultures with visitors from around the world.

## Keeping Heritage Alive

Despite the challenges of modern retail and online shopping, the old souk remains vibrant, thanks to passionate individuals like Iman, Shah, and Kharbouche. They are committed to preserving and promoting their cultural heritage, ensuring that the souk continues to thrive as a hub of tradition and creativity.

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