The citizens and residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have long drawn values of harmony and tolerance from the country’s leadership, including President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and the rulers of the other Emirates. These values have filtered deeply into society, fostering friendships and business partnerships across nationalities. One such example is a collaboration between Pushpendra, an Indian businessman from Gujarat, and Pakistani brothers Samuel and Stephen, who together have launched a women’s garments store, Rukn Al Seraj, in the Al Mahata area of Sharjah. The store will import and sell women’s clothing from Pakistan.
The garment store was inaugurated by Pastor Numan, who recited verses from the Kitab-e-Muqaddas (the Holy Bible) in Urdu. He offered prayers for the success and prosperity of the new business, invoking Khudavand (God) in eloquent Urdu. The gathering itself was striking: Muslims, Hindus, and Christians mingled warmly at the beautifully decorated venue. Members of the Pakistani Christian community blended seamlessly with others, sharing the same language—Urdu—similar food traditions, and modest styles of dress, often with head coverings. Pastor Numan also extended a gracious invitation to visit his church in Sharjah, where services are conducted in Urdu. The ceremony concluded with Ms. Anam Samuel welcoming Pastor Numan with a bouquet and offering sweets to all those present.
Pushpendra was also seen enthusiastically distributing sweets in the surrounding area, reflecting the Indian cultural ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava—the belief that a guest is akin to God. Speaking to BeyondHeadlines, he said he first met his friend and business partner, Samuel, from Pakistan, at a Dubai Metro station four years ago. He credited their partnership to mutual trust and understanding and expressed hope that the collaboration would continue.
The inauguration of Rukn Al Seraj became a rare and heartening display of Indo-Pak camaraderie. In moments like these, diplomacy and politics fade into the background, as personal bonds—such as those between Pushpendra and Samuel—take center stage.
