Indian Family Celebrates 50 Years in Dubai by Returning to Its First Homes

An Indian family has marked half a century in Dubai by revisiting the airport where its journey began and the first two homes that shaped its life in the city.

The nostalgic visit offered a glimpse into how dramatically Dubai has transformed over the past 50 years.

The Mohiuddin family arrived in Dubai from Tamil Nadu on October 7, 1976.

To celebrate the milestone, family members returned to Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1 on October 7, 2026, before retracing their journey to their former homes.

From Tamil Nadu to Dubai in 1976

MM Mohiuddin moved to Dubai in 1975 after recognising the opportunities available in the Middle East.

He joined ETA-ASCON, while his wife, Shameem, and their two children arrived the following year.

Their youngest daughter, Tabassum, was born in Dubai in 1977.

What was expected to be a short stay eventually became a lifelong connection with the UAE.

The family revisited places that held special memories, reflecting on their early experiences and the city they watched grow over five decades.

Their first stop was a building near the former Fish Roundabout.

Although the surrounding neighbourhood has changed considerably, the building remains a reminder of the family’s early years in Dubai.

Revisiting Their First Two Homes

The family also returned to its former apartment in the residential tower at Al Ghurair Centre.

The shopping destination opened in 1981 and became a major retail landmark in Dubai.

The children remembered the building’s early days, when only a few apartments were occupied.

During their recent visit, current residents welcomed the family, creating a meaningful connection between the past and present.

The reunion also brought back memories of their grandmother, who enjoyed walking along the corridors and meeting neighbours.

Those experiences reflected the close community relationships that were part of everyday life in Dubai at the time.

Memories of Old Dubai

Dubai in the 1970s and 1980s looked very different from the modern city residents know today.

The family remembers sandy open spaces, fewer buildings and children freely riding bicycles and playing football.

Everyday activities also carried special memories.

Shameem would call out grocery orders from her balcony to a nearby shopkeeper, who delivered the items.

The opening of Al Rawabi supermarket in Deira was another exciting development for the children.

The family also remembers weekend picnics and swimming trips to Mushrif Park, visits to Al Fajer Department Store and their first fast-food experience at Dairy Queen in Jumeirah.

Building a Future in the UAE

Settling into Dubai came with challenges, particularly when it came to transport and daily travel.

However, support from friends and neighbours helped the family establish its roots in the city.

The children attended The Indian High School, where they formed friendships that lasted for decades.

Meanwhile, Mohiuddin developed his engineering career and contributed to business projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Over time, Dubai became much more than a place to work.

It became the family’s permanent home, offering professional opportunities, a growing community and a place to build lasting memories.

A 50-Year Bond With Dubai

The family experienced several difficult periods during its decades in the UAE, including regional conflicts, economic challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite these events, its emotional connection with Dubai remained strong.

Some traditions have continued through the years.

The Mohiuddin family still visits Chicken Tikka Inn, a restaurant it has frequented since 1976.

The family’s golden jubilee celebrates not only five decades of personal memories but also Dubai’s remarkable development and the opportunities that have encouraged generations of expatriates to make the city their home.