Dubai’s Souk Marshad… Market with Kuwaiti historical connection

Dubai's Souk Marshad might seem like your local traditional market in the well-known Emirati city; however, some might be intrigued to know that it was named after a renowned Kuwaiti merchant of old, giving this facility an aura of historical connection between Kuwait and the UAE. Named after Kuwaiti businessman Marshad Al-Osaimi, the souk had left an imprint on relations. Al-Osaimi, born in the 1910s, left Kuwait in 1944 heading to Dubai to earn a living and in the process became one of the most well-known merchants in the Emirate. Al-Osaimi, initially a woods merchant, expanded his real estate and commerce businesses to include entertainment, opening the first known cinema Al-Watan (the homeland) according to an article published by Al-Etihad newspaper in 2015. Back to the story of the market, Souk Marshad is located in Deira historical area. The Souk sells a variety of retailed products imported from India, China, Iran, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Despite the emergence of top-notch and high-end m alls in Dubai, Souk Marshad and other traditional markets remain popular, attracting visitors and tourists from far and wide. Providing further historical context on Al-Osaimi's contributions, the Kuwaiti businessman was mentioned in various sources and publications including the book Qissati (my story) by author and none other than Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Governor of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al-Maktoum. Al-Maktoum mentioned Marshad Al-Osaimi by name in the book due to his impact and contributions to business in Dubai, which if anything, shows gratitude towards the Kuwaiti figure. Al-Osaimi, according to Al-Maktoum, was tasked by the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah to supervise the spreading of education in Dubai, which earned Al-Osaimi the unofficial title of (father of educators) in this Emirate. Nevertheless, the highest honor was naming a Souk after Al-Osaimi, which shows contribution to the development of Dubai economically. Al-Osaimi was also mentioned in the 2008 published book "Dubai: The Vulnerability of Success" by Christopher Davidson, where he referred to him as a successful Kuwaiti merchant who accumulated a considerable amount of wealth in the 1950s via his food import business. Davidson indicated that Al-Osaimi also was a well-known figure in Emirati society, especially to the late ruler of Dubai Rashed bin Said Al-Makhtoum, who noted that he was one of the close advisors and confidants. Al-Osaimi was also one of those tasked by Dubai's leadership to oversee disputes via special courts prior to the establishment of official courts in 1956. After three decades, Al-Osaimi returned home in 1972 and passed away in 1975 after a long illustrious career, in which he always had a special place for Dubai and the Emirati people. Source: Kuwait News Agency