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Looking back at the evolution of Al Ain

AL AIN — It has been a long journey for Akram Farouqui, the owner of the Arabsat Trading Company LLC, who came to the city in 1981.

It was the golden era under the leadership of late President Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he said. Farouqui, a well-known personality in the Al Ain community, has witnessed the winds of change in the emirate. He is the founder member of the Pakistan Social and Cultural Centre (PSCC) established in 1981. “We established the PSCC with donations and contributions,” he said. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of the Pakistan Islamia School for three years.

Speaking about his memories in Al Ain over the past 25 years, Farouqui said, “Al Ain is the birthplace of Shaikh Zayed. And it was because of him that Al Ain became one of the most attractive destinations in the UAE.”

“In 1981, when I arrived in Al Ain, I found that it was a peaceful and pleasant town. There were no skycrapers and it was so green,” said Farouqui. “But now Al Ain has matured. And developments are taking place rapidly.”

He feels there is a great deal of difference between Al Ain of yore and the city we know today. There are better roads now, the city is clean and has greenery in every nook and corner, people can now enjoy movies or eat out at the numerous entertainment parks and there are hospitals which offer quality services, said Farouqui, highlighting the signs of development in Al Ain. “Professionals can be seen in every sector. The standard of living in Al Ain is pretty high,” he said. “One can now see tourist points like the Hafeet Mountain and the Al Hilli Fun City which was not available earlier.”

He added that there are many agricultural lands now where people can grow vegetables.

Moreover, people can avail of better education facilities, Farouqui said. “I think there have been drastic changes. All the credit goes to late President Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,” he said.

• UAE