The UAE is my home and will always be.
Today on the 23rd of September 2020, I celebrate my 35th year in UAE. I landed on this day in Abu Dhabi after a long journey from Lebanon through Cyprus and Bahrain to the city of Abu Dhabi. Yes, I’m celebrating my arrival, as it was the best decision I ever made in my life. I left my country which was devastated by a civil war and unfortunately still distressed by political and sectarian differences. At the beginning, it was a weird feeling, I knew little about the UAE and I did not know what to expect. Like many of you, I too thought that I would only be here for a couple of years and return back home. That was until I realized that once you live in the UAE, it becomes hard to leave and hard to forget; it’s your new home.
The UAE was generous to me in all aspects. I raised a family, developed my skills, and built my career, reputation and wealth. But more so, the UAE gave me peace, security, vast opportunities and even the chance to meet people from different parts of the world. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to firsthand watch a country develop from a semi-desert to an advanced nation, now ranked among the top in the world.
Photo 1: GITEX 1985. From one hall in 1985 to an Exhibition village in 2019.
I want to express my gratitude to the leadership and the people of the UAE, who are the most humble and compassionate people you’d ever meet. From the late Great Sheikh Zayed to each and everyone of my friends. The people of the UAE always make you feel welcome and that you are amongst family and friends. The facilities and help extended from all authorities to all nationalities are remarkable and noticeable.
Thank you UAE, for making the dreams and ambitions of a young man, who gravely wept when leaving his home on the night of the 22nd of September 1985, a beautiful reality.
The UAE is my home and always will be.
Photo 2: Dubai Desert Rally 1986. From humble rallies and sports events to worldwide championships and participations.
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4 年Glad to hear fm u, Tony. With the grace of God, we are fine. hope, you and ur family too are keeping fine.?
Group CIO at Al Munajem Group
4 年Proud to know you Tony. All the sincerest best.
A senior professional with lengthy experiences in sales, business development and technical experience in the information Technology field in GGC, Iraq and Europe.
4 年Congrats
CA, CFO/Group Finance Controller, 20 yrs plus experience in UAE in Facility Management/IT/Hospitality/Retail/Real Estate
4 年Congratulations
Alliance Director Middle East and Africa at AmiViz
4 年Well said Tony my brother and I wish you years of health wealth and happiness. We are unfortunate to what we witness in our beloved country and we wish Lebanon emerge out of its crisis and go back to its previous glory and beauty but again I second your view that UAE is our second home thanks to the upbringing of God rest his soul Sheikh Zayed and founding Sheiks and the continuing and evolution of the country that make UAE a wonderful Place to live and raise our families.