DUBAI: Dubai’s Murshid Bazaar 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 Murshid Al-Osaimi, the souk has left an imprint on relations.
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. Osaimi, initially a wood merchant, expanded his real estate and commerce businesses to include entertainment, opening the first known cinema Al-Watan (Homeland), according to an article published by Al-Etihad newspaper in 2015.
Back to the story of the market, Murshid Bazaar is located in the Deira historical area. The souk sells a variety of retail products imported from India, China, Iran, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Despite the emergence of top-notch and high-end malls in Dubai, Murshid Bazaar and other traditional markets remain popular, attracting visitors and tourists from far and wide. Providing further historical context - Osaimi’s contributions, the Kuwaiti businessman was mentioned in various sources and publications, including the book "Qissati” (My Story), authored by none other than Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al-Maktoum.
Sheikh Mohammed mentioned Murshid 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. Osaimi, according to Sheikh Mohammed, was tasked by the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah to supervise the spreading of education in Dubai, which earned Osaimi the unofficial title of Father of Educators in this emirate.
Nevertheless, the highest honor was naming a souk after Osaimi, which shows his contribution to the development of Dubai economically. Osaimi was also mentioned in the 2008 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 Osaimi also was a well-known figure in Emirati society, especially to the late ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid bin Said Al-Maktoum, who noted that he was one of his close advisors and confidants.
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, 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. — KUNA