Pak expatriate all praise for Emiratis

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Muhammad Yasin, a 75-year-old Pakistani expatriate who is a resident of Ajman, is all praise for the Emiratis for their being loving, humble and caring. He has been living in the UAE for nearly 55 years and wishes to spend his whole life here.

Talking to Gulf Today, Yasin said that he was around 20 years old when he had come to Dubai.

“I worked as an operator in a local cinema in Lahore and also had some knowledge of basic electrical works. I reached Dubai on a ship from Karachi in 1964. I got the job of an electrician and went to Al Ain from Dubai. Some time passed. And at one point of time, I was a worker in Al Ain Palace. And some time later, I returned to Dubai,” he said. As an electrician, Yasin worked in Sharjah as well. Eventually, he opened an auto mechanic garage in Ajman.

“In Ajman, my shop thrived. People from all walks of life liked my professional skill,” Yasin said.

In 1964, Yasin also had got a chance to join the force of Trucial Oman Scouts (TOS) and trained a number of young people as electricians.

“In 1971, I joined the National Army of the UAE. Gradually, I got many promotions. I became Sargent Major in 1979 and retired in 1993,” he said.

When Yasin was in the National Army, he took part in many exercises and activities not only in the UAE but also in GCC countries.

“I was married in 1973. I have five daughters. All of them were born and raised in Ajman. My eldest daughter topped in her college. One can find her picture in Sharjah College. One of my daughters topped in Grade 10 examination in 1993,” he said.

After his retirement, Yasin joined a local firm in Ajman as a public relations officer.

“I wish to spend my whole life in Ajman. I am very happy here. It is my home. I have spent 25 years in the National Army. Other than this, I have also worked at several places in this country. No place in the world is as beautiful as this country. This I am saying with all my sincerity. I love the leaders of the country very much. I salute the UAE,” Yasin said.