Rashid colony in Al Ghusais is a neighborhood near Dubai International Airport built
in the 60s. It is comprised of a series of 4 storey residential blocks
appearing like public housing. In 2006 eviction notices were issued to
residents comprising a mix of low-income expatriate families. The decision to
demolish the blocks was made because of the poor living conditions, as well as
plans for a development of the area. My observations showed the presence of
eateries which enhance the ethnic character of the district to the extent that
a place such as
Bombay Fast Food becomes a destination visited by people from different parts of the city and
even from different emirates. The latter establishment has been in operation in
that area for more than 30 years, thus creating a sense of identity for the
city
’s migrants. Some of these eateries such as Karachi Darbar become, due to the
familiarity of the food but also because of its cheap price, a hangout, or
place for a break for the city
’s low income population.
