If you love Indian desserts, you definitely adore Sri Krishna Sweets. Spend 5 minutes with the owner of one such shop in the UAE capital
From a Mechanical Engineer to an entrepreneur, Jamaludeen Sheik Fareed has had quite the journey in Abu Dhabi.
When he first took the leap to open a franchise of the hugely popular Sri Krishna Sweets, he had no idea life would turn out as it did. Come spend 5 minutes with him!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I arrived in the UAE at the age of 21, starting my career as a Mechanical Engineer. Despite my beginnings in engineering, my heart had always been drawn to entrepreneurship. Fueled by this passion, my wife and I took a leap of faith and opened a franchise of Sri Krishna Sweets in Abu Dhabi in 2008, 24 years after moving to the country.
Since settling here in 1984, I’ve made this wonderful place my home, establishing a family and actively engaging with the local community. As retirement approaches, my passion remains undiminished, continuing to drive me forward.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
Back in the 80s, when I first came to the UAE, it was the talk of the town, and I was fortunate to land my first job opportunity here.
Moving to this place, I had no idea how much my life would change, but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Over the last 40 years, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations, and it’s been a privilege to be part of this journey.
How has living in Abu Dhabi shaped your sense of belonging and community?
Living in Abu Dhabi has really connected me to the community here. When I moved to the city in 1984, it quickly became more than just a new home—it became my family’s foundation.
Starting our business Sri Krishna Sweets in 2008 was a big leap into entrepreneurship for me as I had no background in running a confectionary business. It was through this venture that I’ve been able to meet so many wonderful people. Our customers turned into friends, and these relationships have grown over the years. These connections have been a huge part of what makes Abu Dhabi feel truly like home to me.
Can you tell us about a particular person in Abu Dhabi who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan left a lasting impact on my life when I arrived in Abu Dhabi in 1984. His influence was felt in every corner of the city, fostering a sense of community and progress.
What struck me most was his dedication to preserving green spaces and promoting agriculture. As an engineer, we were instructed on construction sites not to cut trees but to transport them from the roots to another location.
Thanks to his vision, Abu Dhabi transformed into a welcoming, family-oriented environment. Near my home, there are several beautifully maintained parks where families come to barbecue, some go for their morning run, and even my grandkids play after school. What I also loved the most was that he ensured that locals had access to basic necessities like water and electricity, demonstrating genuine concern for the well-being of the people. His commitment to creating a sustainable and thriving country continues to inspire me and shape the way I view the world around me.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
What I love most about Abu Dhabi is its wonderfully relaxed vibe. Life here moves at a calm, peaceful pace, which makes everyday living so pleasant—especially with little traffic.
It’s this easygoing atmosphere that really stands out; everything you need is easily accessible. For me, that’s priceless, especially when raising a family. Plus, the safety of this city is something I truly appreciate every day.
A myth about Abu Dhabi that you would like to bust
One myth I’d love to bust is the idea that Abu Dhabi is just for families and that it’s boring with little to do. That’s simply not true.
This city is constantly buzzing with activities. Over the years, I’ve witnessed great progress in the promotion of events, and as a store owner, I’ve received tremendous support through these events as well. Abu Dhabi is a well-designed city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re into sports, arts, dining, or outdoor adventures.
There’s a vibrant energy here that’s often overlooked, and I think it’s time people recognised how lively Abu Dhabi really is.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Abu Dhabi community in your own life?
In the 1980s, while working as an engineer on construction sites in Abu Dhabi, I encountered countless moments of genuine warmth and hospitality from the local community.
One memory that stands out is the generosity of UAE citizens during the scorching summer months. They would freely offer cold water to keep us hydrated. Additionally, the tradition of sharing camel milk showed their hospitality, providing us with a taste of local culture and kindness.
During lunch breaks, at Dar Al Alamia, they generously provided lunch meals for us. This generosity extended beyond one neighbourhood; it was a widespread gesture of goodwill seen among UAE citizens. I fondly recall how they would also offer us lifts to our sites, as most of our work sites were in remote areas and transport was infrequent. These are cherished memories that I can never forget, reflecting the genuine warmth and generosity that defined the Abu Dhabi community during that time.
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