A treasured Palestinian ice cream parlour, Kazem, originally established in northern Gaza in 1950, has made its long-awaited return—this time as a new branch in the United Arab Emirates. Forced to shut down its original location amid the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, Kazem now opens its doors in Ajman, offering traditional favorites such as its famous citrusy slushy, barrad.
Owner Mohammad Kazem Abu Shaban, whose father founded the business, chose Ajman for its strong Palestinian community presence. He explained that customers often share how the flavours evoke memories of 30 to 40 years ago—reminding them of Gaza and the beloved barrad from their past.
Despite a brief reopening in Gaza earlier this year, ongoing supply challenges and instability made sustainable operations impossible. Now, Kazem’s launch in the UAE isn’t just about serving ice cream—it’s about preserving the heritage and memories of a homeland left behind. Abu Shaban, who lost close family members during the conflict, hopes to eventually expand to other UAE cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
