Thread by @BinduRai

Today, as we celebrate 50 glorious years of this country, I have a little story to share of my family... about my great grandfather who set out an adventure 130 years ago that ended in a land that would one day take on the identity of the #UAE #UAE50

The year was 1880 and he was one of several from the #Bhatia community of #Thatha #Sindh, now #Pakistan, who had heard stories of the waters of the #Gulf a perfect breeding ground for a pearl industry to thrive #UAENationalDay #UAE50

Through stories shared by my late grandmother, my father paint a picture of a tough, brutal landscape that broke spirits in those early years. The scarcity of drinking water, food, coupled with the soaring temperatures taught them tough life lessons. #UAENationalDay #UAE50

Yet, what my great grandpa also saw here was an abundance of hope and a thirst to rise above the setbacks. The adage, 'if you build it, they will come' couldn't ring more true for the #UAE #UAENationalDay #UAE50

His son, my grandfather followed in his footsteps, bringing his family here in the late 60s aboard the Sardana liner from #Karachi port. The boat would also carry fresh veggies on board and dock in #Dubai every Thursday. On Fridays they feasted #UAENationalDay #UAE50

I've heard stories of my grandmother's cooking. Nenibai was one of a handful of ladies from the Bhatia community who had joined her husband in Dubai, years before the Union. Her curry was legendary and filled many a belly who crossed their doors during those days #UAENationalDay

Papa made the natural progression to the #UAE, continuing life in #Dubai Bahrain at the time was the financial hub of the Gulf, but it was men like my dad and others like him who landed jobs in the banking sector and were tasked with turning the #UAE into a lucrative mrkt #UAE50

He would tell me stories, of many old timers terrified of parting their meagre wages into banks. Of being gifted rifles by the tribes who he worked with and helped with their savings #UAENationalDay #UAE50

Dad isn't here today, losing his battle to cancer nearly 12 years ago. But it's people like him, like Maghanmal Pancholia, like Dr Ahmed Kazim who were the true pioneers of this nation. #UAENationalDay50 #UAE50

Till date, I hear tales of how people like my dad, Khushi Khatwani and others who helped the Indian community thrive here by getting them jobs and supported each other in the 70s and 80s. #UAENationalDay

Today, as the 5th generation of our family grows with the hopes and dreams of the #UAE, I only wish many of them are around to live this moment. It was their blood and sweat, along with the guidance of leaders like Sheikh Rashid, who had a vision and put us on the path to success

Happy National Day UAE, may you continue to rise in your glory. If you are interested about #UAE of bygone, here's a link to my story gn24.ae/b5cb6b102e6c000 #UAENationalDay #UAE50