Ice Cream Chain 'Kazem', well-liked in Gaza, launches its first UAE store post departure from conflict

In a heartwarming tale of resilience and preservation, the beloved Palestinian ice cream parlour, Kazem, has found a new home in the bustling region of Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Originally established in northern Gaza in 1950, Kazem has been a local fixture for over 70 years, but was forced to close in 2023 due to the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war.

Mohammad Kazem Abu Shaban, the owner of Kazem, has lost his brother and niece in the war. Yet, he remains hopeful, expressing that the situation in Gaza is bad but determined to keep memories of his homeland alive. For Abu Shaban, Kazem is not just about dessert, but a way to preserve a piece of Palestinian heritage.

Kazem offers more than just ice cream; it also serves barrad, a traditional Palestinian slushy drink with citrus flavours. The famous barrad drink, with its refreshing citrus notes, has become synonymous with Kazem and adds to the unique flavour profile of the parlour.

The reopening of Kazem in Ajman, approximately 45 km north of Dubai, brings back memories from 30 to 40 years ago in Gaza for many customers. Visitors to the Ajman location find it reminiscent of their memories from the past, a testament to the lasting impact Kazem has had on its patrons.

Abu Shaban chose Ajman for its established local Palestinian community. This decision has been met with enthusiasm, as evidenced by the words of Mohammad Khamis Ali Al Mazrouei from Dubai, who found Kazem's ice cream and barrad to be special.

The reopening of Kazem in Ajman offers the local community a taste of nostalgia. For Abu Shaban, it is a way to keep memories of Gaza alive, even as he looks towards the future and hopes to open branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Despite the challenges faced, Kazem continues to be a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of tradition and resilience.