It’s finally Friday – we’re super relieved after a hard week’s work. The weather’s been temperamental – not knowing whether to bombard us with rain or let the sun warm our chilly limbs. Of course, if you’re in the Northern hemisphere, this isn’t a problem. You know, somewhere like the United Arab Emirates. That’s right friends, this week we’re taking a little pitstop in the UAE at a shop called Beloved.

Shop of the Week – Beloved

Beloved may be a strange name for a shop, but once you hear Benita Hiles-Bohsali’s story you understand why it’s a super apt name for the store. Benita’s husband, Mohamad, died tragically in a car accident on 30 November 2012. They’d just become parents and Benita was left to fend for their two month old daughter alone.

After much soul searching Benita decided to turn her grief and loss into a positive. She launched her own website – importing South African goods like food, art, leisure-wear, jewellery and other items to the UAE. But the business isn’t simply focused on giving safas abroad a taste of home. It’s secondary focus is supporting social causes – imported goods contribute to the welfare of local South African communities through job creation, education and building schools.

And some good news to safas in the GCC countries is that Beloved will ship to you as well!

Shop products

Beloved stocks practically anything you can think of!

Categories include:

Groceries

• Drinks
• Cereals
• Rusks
• Biscuits
• Maize
• Meal/samp
• Noodles
• Rice
• Spices
• Chutneys
• Sauces, Marinades & cook-in’s
• Mayonnaise & salad dressings
• Tomato sauce & mustard
• Soup & gravies
• Canned
• Dried fruit
• Jams, marmalades & spreads
• Peanut butter
• Puddings & custards
• Baking
• Confectionery
• Chips & snacks
• Health & beauty
• Baby
• Curry powder
• Atchar
• Bakes
• Fish paste
• Soap
• Weigh-less
• Pet food

Merchandise

• Scooters
• Napkins
• Candles
• Books
• Flags & stuff
• Games & puzzles
• CDs & DVDs

Potjies & braai

• Potjie pots
• Braai

Exclusive brands

• African Art Centre
• The Bean People
• Sage Kitchen
• In Stitches
• Naturals
• Cuddly Cheeks
• Pre-packed hospital bags
• Justine
• Melissa’s
• Anja’s banting
• Pantry
• Abeeco
• Banting boulevard
• Caribbean tan
• Jenam bags

Easter & Christmas

Biltong

Best before bargains

Shop contact details

Placing an order: simply place your order via their online shop.

All orders are managed via their website, but feel free to give them a call on +971 (0) 52 604 2894 or complete the contact form on the site.

Special features

Feeling slightly homesick? Well then you’re in for a treat since you can actually listen to African sounds and music while you’re browsing the site.

Beloved also takes Wholesale orders and has affiliate bargains like discounts on spa packages. If your order is over AED500 they’ll ship your goods for free.

Feel free to follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Happy shopping and check in again next week Friday for your Rainbow Friday shopping feature.