We all picture Dubai as a city of luxury and gold. Those high-end buildings touching skies and elite lifestyles are all we can think of. However, there is a place called Sonapur Dubai, which can change your perception of Dubai. This district is proof that Dubai is everything from glitz and glam to simplicity and town life. People usually don’t go there during vacation but if you want to explore Dubai in its deepest purest form, we suggest visiting Sonapur.
The Name and Location
Sona means gold. Sonapur is indeed a golden city for the working class. The place got its name from the labourers community who work here and send their money back home. The city has provided them with opportunities and money, and in return got the name Sonapur.
This city within the city is located in Deira and is home to many labourers from South Asian communities. There are both residential and commercial buildings and a part of the city is allocated to the labourer class who work day and night to keep Dubai the extravagant city it is.
A Hidden Economy That Runs Dubai
Well, the place is not very high end unlike other Dubai but is important. The city has its own ecosystem of economy. There is everything a city should have but on a small scale like a local. This place caters to the residents living here which are mostly labour class. Since it is a small place, most of the shops use cash transactions and cater to the daily needs of the thousands of people in the labour class living here.
Every tall building in Dubai is built by these people. They may remain invisible but their contributions are what makes Dubai truly worth visiting. Their blood and sweat are embedded in the foundation of the city. They do such hard work in the scorching heat of Dubai. Imagine no Burj Khalifa Or Dubai Marina. Well, without Sonapur, these buildings would never have existed.
The Dreams and Struggles
Despite the 2012 scandal, Sonapur is a city of dreams and hopes. In 2012, the city dealt with a crisis where labourers were cut off from food and light and even forced to move to Sharjah camp. As the Sharjah camp was in poor conditions, labourers refused to move. This issue also raised concerns about Human rights. The debate arises about how the labour class is being exploited in the UAE.
Despite the challenges, the place is an opportunity for the working class to earn money and send it back home. Though Dubai is seeing its glory, and the conditions are improving still there is a lot that needs to be done. The place still deserves the right recognition and investment. However, the sense of community here is simply amazing. People from diverse communities who live here act as a solid family and support one another.
The Food Heaven
South Asian food is world famous. If you are a fan and want to taste some in Dubai, visit Sonapur. This place is home to some of the best and most affordable South Asian food. If you have that foodie’s urge to try authentic Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Nepali dishes, the restaurants here are your place to go. One of the reasons the labour class is happy being here is because they get to eat food from home. This keeps them connected to the back yet motivated for what lies ahead.
Contrasts That Define Dubai
Dubai is a city of stories untold and secrets unfold. This place tells you that Dubai has a common side too. Unlike luxurious Palm Jumeirah or Dubai Downtown, Sonapur is a small part of the city. It shares its tales, history and secrets as much as other parts do.
A City in the Shadows
Well, the place gives the “other side of the tracks” vibe but is one of the most diverse places you can imagine in Dubai. Unlike other parts of UAE where you find most Western residents, this place is home to workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. You will witness all asian cultures in one place. Here, you hear laughs and chatter in Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Nepali, Tagalog, and Arabic. The community here is well-bonded. They play matches, dance to the same tunes and gather together for chats and talks. You see a lot of life here. A life that sees no boundaries but the urge to go on.
The Friday when Sonapur Comes to Life
Unlike many other parts of Dubai which come alive on weekends, you will see Sonapur coming to life on Friday. Bcz it’s a day off for most workers. At day time, mosques are filled with worshippers and at night and evening streets are filled with people who are enjoying their day off. At weekends, the hustling and bustling of this area is worth experiencing. People gathering, partying, chatting, sending money home, you get to see the spirit of the place. It feels surreal watching all these little life experiences happening right in front of you.
Will Sonapur Dubai Even See The Glory?
Well, despite the booming of everything in UAE, the labourer’s community is still not fully compensated. There is a chance for improvement in everything. From their wages to their residential places, a little boost will encourage these workers to do wonders. Dubai is making efforts to improve the situation. They are providing better housing, stricter labour laws, and corporate responsibility initiatives. The labour camps that were once the talk of the town for bad conditions are now offered improved facilities, medical centres, and entertainment zones. Sonapur is the heart of Dubai’s transformation. People here deserve applause for transforming dessert into a futuristic city. Though there is still a lot of work to do, there is hope too. Sonapur will see better initiatives and will earn the well-deserved dignity for those who call it home.
Conclusion
Sonapur matters because it’s where Dubai finds its foundation of glory and advancement. The labour class here is truly responsible for transforming the city into the magic we witness today. The place is a home to the labour class who call it a land of gold because it allows them to earn and send money back home. In return, we hope this Labour class will find its true reward. The city may not be a good fit for a tourist postcard, but it makes Dubai a functional extravaganza city. Dubai shines because Sonapur burns!
