A labour of love: the gardens nurtured in a Dubai workers’ camp

An oasis is defined as “a fertile or green spot in the desert where water may be found” — but also signifies a place of peace or refuge. Perhaps surprisingly, one such spot can be found in the industrial heartland of Al Quoz 2 in Dubai, where a camp manager, known simply as Mr Rajeev, founded a garden at Al Showaib Real Estate’s Farhan Camp about four years ago.

Worker accommodation is functional by design, yet the planting at Farhan Camp, where more than 5,000 men from countries such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh and parts of Africa live while they work in the UAE, has breathed life and humanity into its surroundings, and has enhanced the standard of living of those who live here. The site is one of three managed by Al Showaib Real Estate where there are now thriving gardens.

Ifzuraham Abdulrashid, a supervisor at the Farhan Camp, came to the UAE from India a decade ago, and initially worked for a pool and landscaping company in Dubai’s Emirates Hills community, before taking on his current role. He took on day-to-day responsibility for caring for the garden, alongside his other duties. However, over time, other colleagues and friends have contributed their spare time and new plants to support the garden’s maintenance and expansion.

It’s now a true community project, and residents are proud to show us around and identify some of the trees and plants that grow here. These include established pomegranate, coconut, banana, date and mango trees, as well as an abundance of shrubs, succulents and flowering plants.

Original article by Melanie Hunt

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A labour of love: the gardens nurtured in a Dubai workers’ camp