Karama is a residential district lacking intense nodes of activities. Furthermore, it has a more middle class feel. It was initially planned as a low-cost housing suburb for locals in the 1960s. In the early 80s a large Omani contingent, about 8000 originally displaced from Zanzibar in the 1960s were offered housing in what is known as Hamdan colony, which dominates the district till today. In the late 70s and early 80s as locals moved out, the area was being developed into a residential district with low-income public housing schemes. These are large tracts of residential buildings without any visible sign of life located in the districts interior areas. The external edges, as well as its main roadways contain a very vibrant and active street life, enhanced by the presence of various commercial activities such as a variety of ethnic restaurants. In addition the area is also known for a market selling cheap and counterfeit goods. The district is dominated by South Asian expatriates but there are also other nationalities from Iran, Lebanon as well as European nations. Unlike the previous spaces there are no crowded gathering points aided by the absence of a community square, or a central space. Furthermore, the district is located at a cross-road to some of the wealthiest areas in the city.