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Prior to 1975, this area was "home" to many of Dubai's Illegal Immigrants.
Dubai as it used to be relied on illegal immigrants for its workforce. These immigrants came from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They arrived by dhow, landing somewhere along the Trucial Coast. Unscrupulous dhow Captains sometimes landed their human cargo onto offshore sandbanks where they would drown as the tide rose. On the mainland, these "Illegals" may or may not have had a contact to help them. Often they made their way to Dubai in whatever way they could to find work and somewhere to live. Several illegal "plywood cities" established around Dubai. One of these "Plywood Cities" developed where Safa Park is located today. In the late 1960s this area was part of the desert surrounding Dubai.
Dubai's Government tolerated these "plywood cities" because Dubai depended on "Illegals" for the workforce. These "cities" and their people were "out of sight, out of mind" but at the same time Dubai's Government declared illegal immigrants would be deported. Periodically Dubai Government announced a "pardon". "Illegals" applying for the "pardon" received an Identify Card enabling them to legally work and exit the Dubai legally but prohibiting their return. "Illegals" applying had usually been away from their home country for long periods and acquired some "wealth". They also now knew how to enter the country and find work. Those accepting the "pardon" would often return home at Dubai's expense and return later with different passports and identities and become "repeat" illegal immigrants.
Illegal immigration was not confined to single men. Families and single women also entered illegally. Consequently "Safa City" became home to a large number of children. Amenities within the "City" were non existent - one or two water standpipes, no electricity or sewage systems. They were unhealthy places to live with no access to medical facilities or services. Children were undernourished. Save the Children Fund established in Dubai in 1960s and conducted Feeding Programmes for these needy children. Women's Guild of the Holy Trinity Church organised volunteer Expatriate Wives onto a Feeding Schedule. STCF provided the food which the volunteer wives regularly took into Safa City to feed the children. The children knew the schedule and arrived each carrying their bowl to be given the food.
Eventually Dubai began to expand. "Safa City" and its people were no longer out of sight, out of mind or out of town. They both became a nuisance and an eyesore. Dubai Municipality planned to develop the area. Dubai's Government issued another "pardon" for "Safa City" residents then demolished "Safa City". "Safa City" did not re-establish. People just faded away to other areas. Dubai Municipality announced a Public Park to be built in Safa. In 1975 Safa Park came into being. The area was not flat as it is today. "Safa City" had been built on a "mound". This mound was flattened to enable Safa Park to be built.
Dubai's people now enjoy picnicking in Safa Park where illegal immigrants lived on the edge of life in Dubai as it used to be.
Thought for the day!
Dubai Cares is established as a charitable organisation to bring children's education to developing countries. Dubai Cares is partnered with Save the Children to provide education and food to children in Ethiopia.
