Local entrepreneur opens first specialized nut shop in Khor Al-Zubair, bringing variety to underserved area

BASRA — Arshad Akram, a local shop owner, has opened the first specialized nut shop in Khor Al-Zubair, a subdistrict in western Basra province. This marks a unique business initiative for the area, which previously lacked dedicated stores offering such a wide range of products. Arshad’s shop offers hundreds of varieties of nuts, sweets, sausages, and other dried goods, including natural oils.

Arshad’s venture followed a detailed study of the market and a trip to the Kurdistan region, where he established trade relations with suppliers in Sulaymaniyah and Erbil. His shop, “Sham Nuts and Sweets,” offers a diverse range of products, including over 45 different items such as Japanese matcha tea, Turkish sausage with walnuts and pomegranate, and sugar-free treats.

“Khor Al-Zubair is a key transit point for many countries due to the presence of industrial and commercial companies and ports, so I decided to open the first specialized shop in the area. Most of our customers are employees,” Arshad told 964media. His customers include not only locals but also employees from nearby factories, ports, and companies.

Map showing Khor Al-Zubair subdistrict in western Basra

The shop’s offerings include a wide range of high-quality products sourced from the Kurdistan region, which Arshad described as “a primary source of authentic nuts and sweets.” In addition to popular local items, the store offers imported snacks like Omani and Kuwaiti “Nice Chips,” which are sent by Arshad’s relatives in Kuwait via the Safwan border crossing.

To cater to a variety of customer needs, the shop also sells items for those with dietary restrictions, such as dark chocolate, diet-friendly sesame snacks, and natural apricot products. “Our slogan is ‘Enjoy the taste,’” said Arshad, emphasizing that his shop provides products at competitive prices compared to other stores.

Khor Al-Zubair, which was recently granted subdistrict status, has struggled with inadequate infrastructure and services. In May, local residents gathered to express concerns about the lack of essential services and institutions, highlighting the ongoing need for investment and development in the area.