Dubai students’ initiative funds education in India and Pakistan

A group of Dubai-based students has launched a remarkable initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged students in India and Pakistan to provide education and empower young minds, fostering a sense of unity and hope across borders.

The diverse group of young entrepreneurs including Dua Zafar (Pakistan), Uzair Masuood (Pakistan), Si Thu Tin (Myanmar), Ruth Schnarch (Israel), Shayan Mobadder (Germany), and Snigdha (India) has established 8BP which is more than a brand; it’s a movement that turns cultural narratives into wearable statements.

Talking to Gulf Today, Dua Zafar and Uzair Masuood, students of Tetr College of Business, Dubai, said that they have worked tirelessly to make a difference to start a unique startup to gather a group of like-minded friends.

“We believe that the greatest empowerment comes through education,” Dua said.

The 8 Billion Project (8BP) aims to use fashion as a force for connection, culture, and empowerment. The brand focuses on creating clothing that tells stories and celebrates shared identities, particularly in the context of Indo-Pakistani culture, bridging the gap between the two countries through their designs.

Through their project, they are supporting students in both India and Pakistan by providing essential resources like school tuition, exam fees, uniforms, and mentorship.

“Our focus is on slum schools and underserved communities, ensuring that those who need help the most are able to access quality education and build a better future,” added Uzair.

The initiative, known as the 8 Billion Project, goes beyond just helping students. “8BP is more than a clothing brand; it’s a movement,” explained Dua.

Despite deep cultural ties between India and Pakistan, political divisions between the two countries led to a unique challenge for students from Pakistan enrolled at Tetr College of Business. They were restricted from travelling to India, while the rest of their batch continued their studies there.

This prompted the idea for a peacewear brand that could bridge the cultural divide and raise awareness of the rich, shared culture between these two nations.

“It was this political and cultural disconnect that sparked the idea for 8BP — using fashion to celebrate the connections that exist between people, regardless of political boundaries,” said Uzair.

The debut collection of 8BP highlights Indo-Pakistani culture, telling stories through clothing — whether it’s a ‘chai’ (tea) stall where friendships are brewed, the Himalayan peaks shared by two nations, or the rivers that sustain millions on both sides of the border.

“Fashion is more than just clothing to us; it’s a way of telling the stories that often go untold, celebrating the common threads that unite us,” said Dua.

“The 8 Billion Project is a community-first brand. Every piece created is designed to celebrate shared identities, bridge cultural divides, and bring people together,” explained Uzair.

At the heart of the brand’s mission is its commitment to giving back — 8 per cent of its profits are dedicated to funding education initiatives in India and Pakistan.

“We believe in the transformative power of education. Our goal is to support underprivileged students and help them build better futures, one classroom at a time,” added Dua.

Currently bootstrapped, 8BP’s focus is on slum schools and underserved communities in both countries. The contributions go directly towards covering essential costs, such as school tuition, exam fees, books, uniforms, and stationery. In addition, the initiative provides mentorship and career guidance programmes to help students thrive.

“By partnering with grassroots initiatives and local educators, we ensure that our contributions directly transform lives,” said Uzair.

Adding to this, Dua said: “As the project grows, 8BP aims to expand its impact beyond South Asia. We’re looking to make peacewear a movement that uplifts communities around the world, not just in India and Pakistan.”

With the help of their team, the brand is already scaling its efforts through pop-up events, collaborations, and a strong online presence.

Speaking about their approach to streetwear, Uzair shared, “Our approach to streetwear is more than just fashion; it’s about creating pieces that tell stories and spark conversations.”