Indeed. Religion is a strong binding force for the region's Sikhs. Says Khandari: "We are highly respected by the Arab community and we stand out in a crowd." Sarabjit Kaur, wife of Kamaljit Singh, the proprietor of H.A. Aircon, feels Dubai is a safer place than India. She has been living here for 18 years and would like to stay on. "All our business interests are here," she says.