The beloved Palestinian ice cream shop Kazem, which had to close its doors in Gaza in 2023 due to the intensifying Israel-Hamas conflict, has now opened in the UAE. It offers more than just cold treats; it serves a slice of nostalgia to the community.
In Ajman, about 45 km north of Dubai, Kazem now offers ice cream and its renowned barrad, a traditional Palestinian slushy drink with citrus notes.
Mohammad Kazem Abu Shaban, the owner and son of the founder, chose Ajman for its significant Palestinian community.
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“Whenever they visit, it reminds them of memories from 30 or even 40 years ago,” Abu Shaban said. “It recalls the days when they visited Gaza to enjoy the famous barrad.”
Kazem started serving ice cream in northern Gaza in 1950, becoming a local staple for over 70 years until its closure.
The Gaza location reopened in February, but due to supply issues and instability, it couldn’t sustain operations, Abu Shaban mentioned, noting the shop’s reliance on available raw materials.
“The situation in Gaza is dire,” said Abu Shaban.
Opening in Ajman is a way to preserve Palestinian culture away from home, expressed Abu Shaban, who aims to expand to other cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Mohammad Khamis Ali Al Mazrouei from Dubai shared his understanding of Kazem’s allure after tasting the ice cream and barrad. “It’s unique,” he stated.
For Abu Shaban, who lost his brother and niece in the conflict, Kazem represents more than just dessert; it’s a way to cherish Gaza’s memories, one scoop at a time.
“It’s an indescribable feeling. When family, relatives, and friends visit, it revives the memories we lost in Gaza.”
