The Evolution of Dubai: A Passport-Free Tale
Pakistani expatriate Mohammed Farooq Tahir, who arrived in Dubai in 1958, reminisces about the days when the UAE was not yet unified, and passports were needed to travel between emirates. His journey unfolds from childhood to becoming a witness to Dubai's remarkable transformation.
### Unveiling Unity: Discovering the UAE's Formation
Mohammed Farooq Tahir learned about Dubai's integration into the UAE in 1972, a month after its formation on December 2, 1971. The need for passport stamps to travel between emirates was a norm before this unification.
### Childhood Journey: A Four-Year-Old's Adventure to Dubai
At four years old, Tahir embarked on a ship journey bound for Dubai via Muscat. The ship's arrival involved smaller boats transporting passengers to the shores of a new land, marking the beginning of Tahir's life in the Trucial state.
### Early Memories: A Home in Deira Constructed with Mud and Coral Stones
Arriving at Sikkat Al Khair in Deira, Tahir's family established a home constructed with mud and coral stones. His early education transitioned from an Arabic school to a Pakistani School constructed by the Pakistani Association in 1965.
### Typewriter Mastery: From Playful Exploration to Repair Expertise
Tahir's childhood fascination with typewriter parts evolved into expertise as he mastered the art of repair. His family's typewriter repairing business, named American Expert Typewriter Repairing Works, catered to Dubai customs, and Sheikh Rashid's signature adorned their payment cheques.
### Encountering Sheikh Rashid: A Scary Meeting Turned Memorable Connection
A chance encounter with Sheikh Rashid, accompanied by a bodyguard with a gun, left a lasting impression on young Tahir. Despite initial fear, Sheikh Rashid's magical smile transformed the meeting into a memorable connection.
### Dubai Defence Years: A 16-Year Career as a Printer Mechanic
From 1980 to 1996, Tahir worked for Dubai Defence as a mechanic for printers. His skills, honed in typewriter repair, found relevance in maintaining printers for the defence sector.
### Technological Shift: Adapting from Typewriters to Computers
The advent of computers and printers in 1995 marked a shift in Dubai's technological landscape. Tahir's skills faced obsolescence, leading him to switch to fixing electrical and electronic components in cars.
### Automotive Ventures: Establishing an Auto Repair Workshop
Leaving Dubai Defence, Tahir embraced the future by establishing an electrical and electronics auto repair workshop in Umm Ramool, showcasing his adaptability to evolving technologies.
### Witnessing Dubai's Transformation: From Wooden Cottages to World-Class Structures
Tahir's family witnessed Dubai's transformation firsthand—from wooden cottages in Al Qusais to a building in Qusais. The evolution included experiencing rare heavy rains once every three years.
### Legacy in History: Etched Memories of Dubai's Evolution
While the typewriter repair shop in Deira evolved into a different business, Tahir's memories remain etched in the foundation of Dubai's and the UAE’s history. His journey reflects not only personal growth but also the dynamic evolution of the city he now calls home.
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By- Sahiba Suri
By: Sahiba Suri
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