Photos: Gazans get first taste of coffee-to-your-door

Despite crippling poverty, young people have innovative ideas to find sources of income

Published: July 27, 2020 13:01 AFP and compiled by Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

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With a practiced hand, a courier balances a tray of steaming cups and with the other grips his bicycle handlebars as he weaves between cars in the crowded Gaza Strip. Shaaban Hamuda's modest coffee on wheels business is giving the coastal Palestinian territory its first taste of a delivery service inspired by the likes of Uber Eats or Deliveroo. Image Credit: AFP

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There are no vividly-coloured bulky backpacks as is customary in Europe and North America, just a tray and a few cups of hot Arabic coffee, covered with foil to avoid splashing and cooling. Image Credit: AFP

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Shaaban Hamuda (above), 31, a business management graduate, launched his two-wheeled hot drink service in May, from his small stand near Rafah market, in the southern Gaza Strip. Image Credit: AFP

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A stove, a few saucepans and dozens of cardboard cups: everything to prepare cafe au lait, Arabic coffee and mint tea. Above: Hamuda makes coffee to be delivered to customers. Image Credit: AFP

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Customers only need to contact him on WhatsApp for one of his employees to prepare the order. Image Credit: AFP

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Then a delivery man gets on his cycle and rushes the steaming drink to the customer. Image Credit: AFP

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"People like what is new. I have received encouragement from many people," said Hamuda, who charges only for the beverage. Delivery is free. Image Credit: AFP

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"We use cycles to attract the attention of the public and it has proven to be effective," Hamuda says. Image Credit: AFP

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It was through watching YouTube that the father-of-two came across the trend of home-delivery meals by bicycle, a service that has grown popular worldwide. Image Credit: AFP

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It was through watching YouTube that the father-of-two came across the trend of home-delivery meals by bicycle, a service that has grown popular worldwide. Image Credit: AFP

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Ali Abu Jayab, one of the four deliverymen, could not afford university studies because he comes from a poor family. "There is no hope for young people in the Gaza Strip," said the 25-year-old, who is delighted to have found work with Hamuda. "Cycling is all about freedom of movement, it's sport, it's fun and free. It's a good idea and people love it," he said. Image Credit: AFP

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Sameh Juda, who owns a perfume shop, was seduced by the smell of Hamuda's coffee. "I started by ordering a small weekly coffee and now it's one a day," he said with a grin. Image Credit: AFP

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"Shaaban's idea is good and innovative, and in addition it is very profitable since the bikes do not require fuel," he said, adding that he appreciates the speed of delivery and ordering via the messaging app. Despite crippling poverty in Gaza, "young people have innovative ideas that can enable them to find sources of income," said Juda. Image Credit: AFP

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