Dubai Jamaat President Alhaj Shabbir Damji Meets AFED Leadership in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Our Ref: AFED/PR/008/25                                           Date: October 17, 2025 

The Secretariat of the Africa Federation (AFED) was honoured to host Alhaj Shabbir Damji, President of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Dubai, at the AFED Headquarters in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, 16^th October 2025.

He was warmly received by AFED Hon. Secretary Alihassan bhai Kassam, Hon. Assistant Secretary Murtaza bhai Kara, Sports Board Chairman Fazal bhai Kassam, and Chief Operating Officer Mohammed Kazim bhai Sheriff.

The meeting aimed to strengthen ties and explore potential areas of collaboration between AFED and the Dubai Jamaat.

During the discussions, Alihassan bhai expressed deep appreciation for the consistent support and cooperation extended by the Dubai Jamaat, particularly in collaborating with AFED during sporting events held in Dubai. He further expressed AFED’s hope for continued engagement and participation of the Dubai Jamaat in sports and other initiatives organized within Africa.

On the subject of higher education, both Alihassan bhai and Murtaza bhai highlighted the growing interest among students in pursuing tertiary education in universities based in Dubai. They requested the Dubai Jamaat to assist in providing logistical and moral support to community students residing there. Shabbir bhai assured that he and his team would extend all possible assistance and requested AFED to share the database of these students.

Addressing the concern over higher education loan repayments, Alihassan bhai also sought the Dubai Jamaat’s support in tracing and assisting defaulters currently residing or working in Dubai. Shabbir bhai acknowledged the importance of this issue and affirmed that the Dubai Jamaat would review how best it could assist.

In the course of discussions on fundraising initiatives, Shabbir bhai shared insights on the “Dirham a Day (DAD)” scheme — a successful campaign launched by the Dubai Jamaat to support community students through collective micro-donations. The innovative initiative attracted wide participation and significantly benefited many students. Alihassan bhai commended the idea and noted that AFED would explore implementing similar community-driven fundraising models to support community projects.

On behalf of AFED Chairman Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor, Alihassan bhai conveyed heartfelt appreciation to Shabbir bhai Damji for his visit and for sharing his valuable insights. AFED looks forward to enhancing collaboration with the Dubai Jamaat towards the collective progress and welfare of the community.

SECRETARIAT