Try some local food that'll enchant your taste buds with a mix of legacy and contemporary flair
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"I let go of the opportunity of getting a green card as I just could not imagine being away from Dubai for long." This is how Mahendra Asher, who landed in the UAE in 1971, describes his attachment to the UAE.
Born in Mumbai in 1942, Mahendra Asher saw India gain independence in 1947, and in 1971 he also saw the birth of the UAE. "I was at the Union House when the signing of the declaration of unity took place.
Asher, a chartered accountant, came to Dubai in August 1971 to take up a job with Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla (of the Al Mulla Contracting Company). The reason he decided to join the Gulf bandwagon was to take his competency to the next level. And in some time, he moved into banking and joined the Commercial Bank of Dubai.
Calling Dubai his first home, Asher recollecting the early days. "I am from the Dubai when there were no dirhams but the currency of the country was Qatar Dubai riyal. I have seen the Dubai where everyone knew everyone, where the locals played chess with us expats under the streetlights, where we could attend the majlis and interact with the ruler directly and share our concerns. I have seen the Dubai when there were no roads, abra was the only mode of transportation and all the emirates had different stamps because the UAE was not formed yet. The visa stamped on my passport was that of Trucial States (present UAE). That was the Dubai I landed on.
"Although it was a small place, it was closely knit where everybody practically knew everyone. I stayed with my wife in the same house (opposite Dubai Museum) for 35 years and we never could imagine Dubai would be like what it is today."
Reminiscing the past, Asher said that only a small vicinity of Bur Dubai and a little bit of Shindagha on Deira side was occupied. "Sand dunes were all over, even in front of our house we would see cars getting stuck in the sand. Al Maktoum was a toll paying bridge where we used to pay 25 fils, and it used to be lifted on some occasions when there was a ship coming from Bahrain with some guests. So there was no alternative route to the airport once the bridge was lifted, therefore one had to leave well in advance for the airport, just in case the bridge was closed."
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Dubai, my first home
Mahendra Asher describes his journey in the UAE as rewarding and fulfilling.
"Dubai is home now, my first home I'd like to say. We get respect, great facilities; I have a practicing license so I can carry on. All these comforts will help us live a long and healthy life. So I'd say we have been spoilt for choice here. Anytime you want any service, Dubai gives you.
"I have a car but I prefer the Metro. I walk to the Metro, which is just a 10-minute walk and reach my office. I come back home for lunch and afternoon siesta and go back to the office. This is a luxury for us. Where will we get this in the world?
"So many channels have been established between India and UAE, both on the government level and individual level. Any Indian coming to UAE is the ambassador of India and any Indian going to India from UAE will always have great things to say about their life in UAE."
Asher believes that the visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to India for the Republic Day celebrations is going to be the high point in the UAE-India relationship.
Why the Ashers are happy here:
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