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‘He has five children’: Man killed in Iran attack on UAE laid to rest in Pakistan
Murib spent 13 years in the UAE working as a driver. He leaves behind his parents, wife and siblings, as well as five young children, including four daughters and a son.
- PUBLISHED: Thu 12 Mar 2026, 5:00 AM UPDATED: Thu 12 Mar 2026, 9:20 AM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Murib Zaman spent more than a decade in the UAE building a life through hard work and dedication. The 34-year-old Pakistani expat, remembered by relatives as a sincere and responsible man, was laid to rest in his hometown of Bannu in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after his body was repatriated earlier this month.
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Murib was among the civilians who lost their lives following the recent conflict that affected parts of the UAE. He passed away on February 28 and his mortal remains reached Pakistan on March 7 after days of delay, as flight operations had been disrupted during the tense period.
His younger brother Mohammed, who lives in the UAE but travelled to Pakistan to accompany the body, said the burial took place the same day the remains arrived.
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“The burial was completed on March 7. Flights were shut during those days, so it took time for the body to reach Pakistan,” Mohammed told Khaleej Times from Bannu.
Murib had spent nearly 13 years working in the UAE and he had been working as a driver in Abu Dhabi. His brother said Murib was known among colleagues and employers as someone who worked quietly and sincerely.
“He was a very sincere person and always carried out his duties honestly,” said Mohammed. “His employers liked him very much and trusted him.”
His family described Murib as a calm and responsible person who rarely spoke about his own difficulties and remained focused on his work. “He respected everyone and believed in doing his job properly,” said his brother.
Back home in Bannu, Murib leaves behind his parents, his wife and siblings, as well as five young children including four daughters and a son. His children are currently studying in Pakistan, while his wife is a homemaker.
The sudden loss has left the family facing an uncertain future. “We are not a well-off family. But we will do our best to take care of the children,” said Mohammed.
He said the responsibility now falls on the brothers and the extended family to support Murib’s children and ensure they continue their education. “Our elder brother who lives here in Pakistan is also a worker. He is not very well-to-do either,” said Mohammed. “Now these five children are our responsibility. We will try our best to look after them.”
Despite the grief, the family said they are drawing strength from their faith and the belief that Murib passed away during the holy month of Ramadan. “He passed away during the holy month of Ramadan while working far from home. He is a martyr, and we pray that Allah grants him the highest place in Jannah.”
Mohammed said he will remain in Pakistan with the family for some time before returning to the UAE. He plans to travel back on April 7.
For the family in Bannu, Murib will be remembered as a hardworking man who lived a simple life and cared deeply for those around him. “May Allah give us the strength to take care of his children,” said Mohammed.
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
