UAE: Fisherman gifted boat as story of his passion goes viral

An Emirati fisherman was given a new boat after he refused to give up his ancestral profession despite losing his boat and injuring his arm.

According to Emarat Al Youm, the Ministry of Community Development, with the support of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, provided Issa Muhammad Saif Al Falasi, 58, with a boat to help him return to work.

Al Falasi said that his boat had capsized at sea. As he tried to fix the boaté engine, a passerby filmed him and posted his story on social media.

According to Al Falasi, he refused to give up despite doctors having to insert metal plates into his arm. He said he was proud of the profession he learnt from his grandparents.

He said the sea was not just his only source of income, but also extremely calming.

“I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, but I cannot see my country dirty,” he said.

The Director of the Family Development Department, Alia Al Joker, said she saw a video of Al Falasi on social media and immediately contacted the ministry’s partner Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.

The bank responded within a few hours and promised Al Falasi a new boat.

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi