By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net
Salman Siddiqui first came to Dubai in 1978. He is a successful businessman with offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and business extended to many countries. His heart beats for the Muslims of India and he has been involved in many organizations. He along with his family runs Darul Uloom Sabeelus Salaam in Hyderabad which is trying to bridge the gap between youths educated in modern education and those coming from religious education background. TwoCircles.net editor Kashif-ul-Huda interviewed him recently in Dubai.
On historical India-Arab business ties
Relations of Indians and Arabs go way back. India was a major trade partner for the Arabs. India was on their trade route for going to Ceylon, Bay of Bengal and beyond. These trade routes were also a reason that Islam came to India early on.
Historically Emiratis have a strong connection to Bombay. They are friendly, understanding and soft-spoken and treat others with respect.
Affect of the West Asian oil boom on Indian Muslim economy
Indian Muslim availed the economic opportunity that came with the opening of West Asian labour market. This improved their well-being. The increased income made people focus on education. Gulf boom opened up new economic opportunities for Indian Muslim labourers as well as professionals. For example, you can see Muslims from Malabar have done really well in Dubai and that has improved their living status back home.
Brain-drain of highly educated Indian Muslims to West Asia
In 1980s and early 90s there were not many opportunities in India for educated and professionals. And those that did find jobs in India had to work at a low salary therefore we saw migration of Indian professionals to the United States, Europe, Australia, and West Asia. Now we see that people are going back to India as there are more opportunities there as well as fresh graduates feel no reason to leave India as they have choice of better-paying jobs right there.
On exploitation of labourers by agents
Indeed this is a tragedy. There seems to be agent preying upon poor people who are desperate to come here to make some money. In many cases they paid lot of money to the agents to come here and then they were forced to live and work in extreme conditions.
Reasons for success of Indian Muslims in Emirates
India is too bureaucratic and then there are many hurdles like corruption, black-marketing, bribery, etc. In Dubai it is much easier to start a business and run it smoothly.