Iftar on the job in UAE: 'It is no excuse to rest, we are on duty 24 hrs'

He is away from his family and misses them badly during Ramadan.

Indian expat Muhammad Jafar is a watchman - 'natoor' as it is known in the UAE - of a building in Abu Dhabi and says he remains on the job whether it is Ramadan or not. A natoor has the responsibility of an entire building, be it for security, maintenance, issues among tenants, etc.
"My work continues as usual. I have cleaning duties from 7am. Next, I have to go through the complaint book and fix problems in each of the 36 flats. I coordinate with the maintenance team or other personnel concerned - it mainly involves air-conditioners that need repair. I assist tenants with odd works, like helping them shift groceries and stuff," Jafar said.
He said he is always on duty and  gets to have Iftar at a mosque near his building. "I am always on standby, apart from the time I go to the mosque to pray. I break my fast at the mosque and get back, as Ramadan is no excuse to rest. I am on duty for 24 hours. I don't have any break, vacation or time to catch up with friends. We are the first point of contact whenever any tenant is in need."
He is away from his family and misses them badly during Ramadan.
"I came here on December 1, 1992. I have been working here for the last 26 years. You see, a job of a natoor is looked down upon. But thanks to my boss, there has never been a moment of despair. My arbab (boss) has a heart of gold. I have managed to take care of my family of two sons and two daughters back in Kerala, thanks to his continuous support. My eldest son is now doing his MBBS course.
"Even though I feel the absence of my family, I find solace seeing the smiles on the faces of children in this building. Despite all the issues, a natoor should always be presentable and smiling - because it is our faces that a tenant sees whenever he heads out and comes back home. A simple 'hi' from them always makes my day," Jafar added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ramadan 2021