Abu Nader’s sons in Dubai vow to continue his legacy

From left: Naji and Nader Mohammadi, Philippine Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso and Nasser Mohammadi during a memorial gathering for Abu Nader at Philippine Supermarket in Al Muraqqabat, Dubai on May 25, 2026. EXPAT MEDIA

The sons of the late Emirati businessman Abdulrazagh “Abu Nader” Mohammadi received an overwhelming show of love and condolences from the Filipino community in Dubai on Monday (May 25), as they pledged to continue the legacy of the man affectionately known as the UAE’s “Ninong ng Bayan.” A memorial gathering was held at Philippine Supermarket branches in Al Karama and Al Muraqqabat, where family, employees, business leaders and community members came together to honour Abu Nader, who died on Friday (May 22) at the age of 81. Among those present were his sons Naji, Nader and Nasser Mohammadi, as well as Philippine Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso, alongside representatives from companies and institutions across the UAE and members of the public whose lives had been touched by Abu Nader’s generosity. The atmosphere was solemn but filled with gratitude as mourners gathered to offer condolences to the family of a businessman whose quiet acts of kindness made him a household name among Filipinos in the UAE. Speaking to Expat Media, Naji Mohammadi, whom his father had appointed as General Manager of Emirates International Holdings Group, thanked the Filipino community for their support. “I would like to thank all the Filipino community in the UAE for their condolences on the death of my beloved father,” Naji said. Reflecting on his father’s impact, he said the family was immensely proud of what Abu Nader had built over three decades. “He helped Filipinos for the past 30 years, supporting them and making their dreams come true. We are so proud of him. Very proud of him that he did this,” he said. Naji vowed that the family would preserve and expand the work their father started. “We will make sure that we will continue his path and legacy,” he said, hinting that there would be “good news in the upcoming days.” When asked how he would remember his father, Naji pointed to the crowd gathered inside the supermarket.“See these people here? See the love from the community. This love is really hard for us and we are trying to get over with the support from the Filipino community,” he said. News of Abu Nader’s death was first reported by Expat Media, prompting thousands of tributes online from Filipinos who remembered him as a humble businessman who often gave freely to strangers without expecting anything in return. Many shared stories of receiving grocery vouchers, cash gifts and surprise acts of generosity. “He was a very kind person who always visited our shop. Sometimes, he would give his business card with a signed amount of Dh100 or Dh200, which we could use at Philippine Supermarket to get something for free, especially during birthdays,” wrote Nos Yaj. “Such a kind man. He always paid for our groceries and wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Troy said. “I remember coming to Philippine Supermarket and during Eid and Christmas you always gave money to my children,” Norielyn Reginio recalled. “I remember one time we were outside Philippine Supermarket and he approached us and gave us Dh100 and said we should buy snacks. So kind,” Angel shared. “He gave me free groceries worth Dh300. He is so kindhearted,” Flor Llanasas Gumahin wrote. Cecil Cabototan shared how Abu Nader once delighted her daughter and her friend during a visit to the store. “My daughter met this amazing and super humble man. My daughter and her friend came to Philippine Supermarket and he told them to get what they wanted for free. My daughter got noodles and her friend got a can of drinks. A simple gift that made them happy and is really appreciated,” she said. Abu Nader’s business legacy was transformative for Filipinos in the UAE. Through his former travel agency, Al Wasl Travels, he helped more than 300,000 Filipinos come to Dubai for work opportunities. Later, he established Philippine Supermarket under Emirates International Holdings Group, bringing affordable Filipino products to expatriates longing for a taste of home. Even as his health declined, Abu Nader remained focused on ensuring the future of the business he had built. In a previous interview with Expat Media, he revealed that he had carefully prepared the next generation to lead. “I have put the supermarket under his name,” he said of his son Naji. “I’ve trained my staff and my family. Life is like that. We must prepare for the next generation.” Today, Naji oversees Philippine Supermarket, while his brother Nader has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Emirates International Holdings Group. Their youngest brother, Nasser Mohammadi, is also expected to take on an active role in the family business. For the thousands of Filipinos who knew him as “Arbab” (boss) and “Ninong” (godfather), Abu Nader’s passing marks the end of an era. But through the sons he prepared and the values he instilled, his family says his mission of helping others will continue. PIA/MJS/Expat Media 100%