A business group in Dubai plans to keep a tradition alive by distributing 100 ‘Gulf Gift’ boxes to severely distressed and ‘deserving’ returning expats.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, “Over the last 50 years, it is a custom that has become part of the cultural fabric for expats to bring home a suitcase full of consumer items specifically associated with life in the Gulf. In fact, every time an Indian from the Gulf returns home, re-opening the suitcase was a ritual” said Faris Faizal, sales director of Emirates Companies House, Twar Centre and the project coordinator of the ‘Gulf Gift’ box.
The box, weighing 11kg each, includes a packet of milk powder, dates, cashews, almonds, pistachios, chocolates, flavoured drink mixes, branded perfumes, soaps, nail cutter, a flashlight, pain relief balm, and talcum powder, to name a few.
According to Faizal, every Malayalee has received these gifts at least once in their lifetime reported the paper. The box is given to deserving candidates with confirmed tickets.
“We gave the first six boxes to Indian expats who have lost their jobs, are here on visit visas, have medical issues, etc,” said Anwar Naha, social worker and former president of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), who inaugurated the initiative by distributing the first set of Gulf Gift boxes.
Faizal said, “The ones going now are leaving with nothing but their passports. They have small children at home and going back is heartbreaking. With this, I hope they will be motivated to return to the UAE.”
