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All things must pass

What becomes of our unwanted stuff?

Some of it, anyway, finds its way to Abu Dhabi’s lone second-hand shop, the St Andrew’s Church Thrift Centre.

Situated just off of Airport Road in the block that houses all of Abu Dhabi’s Christian churches, the thrift centre occupies a space about the size of a large classroom, plus a smaller, adjoining room that serves as a back office and supply closet. It is open on Sundays and Tuesdays, and has been quietly operating since the mid-1970s.

Abdul Bagi and Abbas Mohammad, brothers-in-law from Khartoum who are also regular customers, are browsing through the Thrift Centre’s neckties. After flipping one tie around to read its label, Mohammad gives his in-law a happy nudge. Christian Dior, it says.

A Muslim, Bagi professes the highest regard for the largely Christian church volunteers who staff the store. “We are very proud to see these women,” he gushes. “Al-hamdalillah, these are wonderful women!”

The shop’s 20 volunteers – all women – hail from England, Scotland, Wales, the US, Sweden, Lebanon and Japan.

Full feature at The National, Abu Dhabi.