'He Deserves It': Dubai Relatives Of El-Sayed Rejoice In Historic Senate Win

Dubai relatives of Dr Abdul El-Sayed celebrate his historic election as the first Muslim US Senator and recall how he has always been inspirational

For Dubai resident Zahra Jukaku, the win of Democrat candidate Dr Abdul El-Sayed is personal. El-Sayed’s wife Dr. Sarah Jukaku is her first cousin. “All of us have been glued to our Whatsapp groups and news channels,” she told media. “The minute the race was called, our phones started buzzing non-stop. We are all so happy for both Sarah and Abdul. He deserves it. He is a really amazing person.”
El-Sayed became the first Muslim to be elected to the US Senate after defeating Republican Mike Rogers on Tuesday in a closely fought midterm election in Michigan. The 42-year-old’s core campaign message was based on affordability and passing Medicare for All.

Go above and beyond

According to Zahra, El-Sayed has always been upright, principled and inspirational. “The last time he came to Dubai was some time in 2011,” she said. “At the time, my mother asked Abdul to give my younger brothers some advice. He told them that growing up, if his teacher asked him to read five books, he would read ten. He advised my brothers to always go over and beyond what was expected of them.”

Today one of her brothers is a doctor in the US. The last time the family gathered together was in April this year for her brother’s wedding. “At the time Abdul and Sarah came and actively took part in the festivities even though they were busy with the campaigning,” she said. “He briefly talked about what he hoped to achieve but the focus was more on my brother’s wedding, so we didn’t get to chat too much.”

Zahra said that El-Sayed’s message was so poignant that she still remembers it and passes it on to her three boys. “One of my sons, Abdulla, is in Year 10 now and he always feels very inspired by this message,” she said. “With this win, he is even more determined to contribute positively to the society.”

Buzzing family group chat

For Fazal Jukaku, a long-time UAE resident and uncle of Dr Sarah Jukaku, the celebrations began even before the election results were announced. Family WhatsApp groups have been buzzing with messages over the past few days, while congratulatory calls have continued to arrive from relatives and friends.

“Our family WhatsApp groups have been very active over the last few days. There have been so many discussions about the election, and we have been receiving calls from the US. Even a former colleague called me to congratulate us. It is a proud moment for the entire family,” said Fazal.

Fazal, who has known Abdul El-Sayed for years, recalled how the newly elected US senator has remained close to the extended family despite his involvement in American politics.

“Abdul attended my son’s wedding in Florida and even gave a speech. We have met him many times over the years. Whenever Sarah and Abdul visit Dubai, they come to our home. Similarly, whenever I travel to the US, we make it a point to meet. We usually see each other at least twice a year,” he said.

He said El-Sayed had also visited Bhatkal, the family’s ancestral hometown in Karnataka, twice.

“Over the last one and a half years, he has been deeply involved in the elections. He has always taken an active interest in American politics. We have not spoken to Sarah or Abdul since the results because they are extremely busy in the US, but we hope to speak to them soon. We all congratulate him and wish him success,” Fazal said.

For Fazal, the election also brought back memories of his father, JH Shamsuddin Jukaku, who was involved in politics and public service in Karnataka.

“My father was actively involved in politics and social service. He worked for the development of Bhatkal, and there is even a roundabout named after him in our hometown. I believe Sarah has inherited that desire to help people from her grandfather, and she has found a partner who shares those values,” he said.

Fazal also recalled the couple’s wedding, which brought together members of the extended family. Sarah and Abdul had met while studying at the University of Michigan.

“The entire family was there for their wedding, although I could not attend. My daughter lives in Michigan, and they often visit each other. We have always maintained close family ties despite living in different countries,” he said.

“We pray for Abdul as he takes up this new responsibility. May Allah put barakah in his work and guide him in serving people.”

Family campaigning

El-Sayed’s father-in-law, Dr. Tayeb Jukaku, is a nephrologist, and is one of the top individual donors to the main PAC supporting his Senate campaign, having given $300,000. According to Zahra, their entire family has been rallying around El Sayed.

“Several of our cousins have travelled from various states including California and New York to Michigan over the last few weeks to help with the campaigning,” she said. “Once cousin flew in from Canada as well. Everyone was going door-to-door and canvassing for him. Our family extended all the support that they could to him. We are extremely happy and grateful for the win.”

Zahra also recalled summers that she spent with Dr. Sarah in Dubai. “We were very close growing up and every summer my uncle would come to Dubai with the family including Sarah and her siblings,” she said. “Or we would go spend time in the US. Sarah is also very principled and dedicated to her job as a doctor. We have always looked up to her. We always used to say that Sarah and Abdul are made for each other.”