Anaheim’s ‘Little Arabia’ is Officially America’s First Arab American District

After nearly two decades of calling on city councilmembers to recognize a stretch of Brookhurst Street in Anaheim, California as ‘Little Arabia’, the work of local Arab American community members, leaders, and business owners has finally paid off.

Now, the city of Anaheim has officially recognized ‘Little Arabia’ as what may be America’s first, formal Arab American cultural district. The area occupies a length of Brookhurst Street from Ball Road to Broadway, showcasing a culturally rich enclave of Arab American restaurants and businesses.

Foodbeast’s own Elie Ayrouth described ‘Little Arabia’ as “a Middle Eastern food paradise,” and understandably so, since folks can grab the best falafels at Sahara Falafel, munch on light and airy manaeesh at Forn Al Hara, or treat themselves to decadent baklava and cheesy knafeh at Victory Sweets. It’s no doubt that the local Arab American community finds solace in ‘Little Arabia’ for an authentic taste of comfort.

Anaheim City Councilmembers voted 5-0-1 in favor of the ‘Little Arabia’ recognition, with councilman Trevor O’Neil abstaining from the vote.

Residents and business owners celebrated the designation, many of whom lobbied the city for years for the official recognition of the area. The victory is certainly cherished by the local Arab American population, as they view ‘Little Arabia’ as a place of deep cultural roots and a strong sense of community, somewhere they feel most at home.

Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said in a statement to LAist, “The official designation of ‘Little Arabia’ is a historic decision, not just for Anaheim or California, but for our nation.” He continued, “there is no other city, county, or state in the United States that officially recognizes the innumerable contributions of the [Middle Eastern/North African] community in such a monumental way, which makes me even more proud to reside in this great state.”