In honor of the UAE's 50th National Day, members of different Rotary Clubs in the UAE shared their love and appreciation for UAE through inspiring stories.
Bashar Selo
-Rotarian UAE Success Story
My story began when I arrived on to Dubai , UAE at the age of 21 to visiting some relatives here - with no plan of establishing any business activities - that was on 12 January, 1979.
It was meant to be a vacation, but ended up becoming my home. We all know that Dubai is very fast-paced city, but I still remember how cars were moving slower, and traffic jams were non-existent.
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There weren't any disappointments along my journey as the UAE has not only helped us grow as Sedar, but made us create a home here. Now when I think back, the taxi fares were significantly low (AED 3-5), Emirtel was the service provider, and daily post office box checking is essential. The UAE is always known to be a safe country, I remember back then we didn't even lock our home doors. We did a quick market study that gave positive results and plans of starting business was in the air. The first step was to open a bank account, getting funds transferred from home. After the legal procedures were dealt with, we opened Sedar first showroom in Jaflyiah, Dubai. There has been significant changes over the years. With the development of technology, manufacturing processes in our industry improved and enhanced our production rate. Moreover, telecommunication services played a major role in these changes. For instance, Emirtel, now known as Etisalat, provided Telex, as tool for communication, followed by Telefax, they were the first to provide the in-car fixed phone (which was originally five digits) then a big carry on bag, which housed an actual phone. After that, Etisalat introduced the pager, and eventually introducing the SIM card which we are using today. A big leap to Sedar's growth and expansion was Emirates Airlines Cargo. This helps us bring in raw materials from all over world with ease. In addition, the infrastructure of the UAE was being constructed (Airports, seaports, highways, bridges and tunnels,etc…) which gave us more mobility with our products and accessibility to different zones. Looking back, the UAE always had a vision and from the beginning went full force in achieving the goal of becoming a leading business hub. From the UAE, we further took our brand to the GCC, establishing full operations, manufacturing facilities and stores in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar. Recently, we expanded our reach towards the MENA regions and have plans to expand beyond. Today, I can proudly say that Sedar is serving thousands of clients daily, including members of the ruling family, government institutions, educational facilities, hotels, medical facilities and many more. I am at the Sedar Headquarters everyday to ensure the vision we set will continue to develop and thrive for the future. The majority of our team members have been with us for over 20 years, so there is a lot of trust and loyalty, which I think is essential for a company's success. Alongside my team, we continuously work on ways to expand the brand into the market by continuously doing market studies, engaging in team building activities, visiting fairs, promoting the brand in exhibitions, and adding new product lines to keep up with the ever-changing demand. Sedar is known as a pioneer in the window and wall fashion industry, because we work hard at maintaining customer loyalty, which has seen positive effects on the growth of the brand. My father always told me that in order to succeed, you should start small and set goals . As long as you work hard and are confident in what you do, you will grow and succeed. Be wise in the way you think, be passionate in what you do, respect everyone, have a big heart, and listen to what people have to say before responding or taking a decision. As a business owner, you need to be hands on, at least in the beginning to ensure the company culture and rules are understood and met by the team members. Once those are set, the workflow is more fluid and the need to micromanage diminishes. Lastly, I always say that in business you need to take calculated risks to succeed. Without risk you cannot grow, but you need a plan to be able to make the right decisions. I spend my personal time mostly with my family, traveling, treasuring friends - new ones and old- especially childhood and school friends, those friendships are special. My favourite book is 'My Vision' written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in which he details the successful development story of Dubai. He is a visionary, and an inspiration, and the best example to follow.
Tariq Abu Rous
-Rotarian UAE Success Story
50 years of UAE, and I’m part of those 50 years indeed. We were both born in 1971, so we both share the same age.
I’ve lived and loved the UAE for the past 20 years. I work here and I am a resident.
I’ve shared most of my experiences here, the good and the bad. In fact, one of my 3 my beloved daughters was born in the UAE. So, in a way I will always be attached to this country.
U: Under your peace and safety we all live
A: At my heart you will always be
E: Every day I’m proud to be part of this long and challenging journey
I love the UAE leaders and I’ve truly learned a lot from them.
Thank you UAE for everything you have offered me and my family. Happy National Day!
Rashed Al Mohtadi
-Rotarian UAE Success Story
The UAE has always been an advocate for growth, with quotes like “the race for excellence has no finish line “reigning true and clear as a message of will and determination from our leaders. To have been part of the journey that saw the UAE transform sands into skyscrapers has nothing short of magical.
As a Citizen, I was required to serve in the UAE military service and to be quite honest, I did not know what to expect. Civilian and military life are very different from one another, and making that transition was always going to be difficult. Having had experience in wealth management for over 10 years I can safely say that one of the best investments the UAE made in its citizens is implementing the national service. This experience not only increased our pride as nationals and grew our love for our country, but it also bonded us as brothers for life. Men from all over the Emirates from RAK, Sharjah, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain were all suddenly put face to face with their brother from a different background and given the opportunity that would have not been possible elsewhere. That opportunity is to build friendships with one another. The kind of friendship you only get a chance to build once in your life, at school. To establish this kind of kinship is quite unique as it is built on serving our country, and being there for one another throughout the hardship of the military service.
My proudest moment as an Emarati is serving in the National military service. It is a privilege and an honor to say that his is our duty, to give back to a country that has given us so much. As the late John F Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
Musa Al-Sadoon
-Rotarian UAE Success Story
Sometime ago and while living in our own country, the Ministry of Education informed us that our children (being locals) could not enroll in a foreign language school. They had to attend a local language school (this law has been changed since then).
We had to decide where to go. We had lived in five different countries in Europe, the Middle East and U.S.A. We studied all the options including visiting new places and we chose the U.A.E. We thought that we could easily spend six years here until the last child finished high school, and then return to our country.
We moved to Dubai and enrolled the three children in our choice of school. Six years later we were in love with the whole country: the security, the safety, the people (locals and expats), the freedom of choice and the education system. We could not get ourselves to leave.
Here we are, twenty four years after moving to Dubai, all the three kids have completed their education and are happily working here. As much as we love our country, we have never lived this long in one city and we are loving and enjoying every minute of it
Thank God for the UAE and its people.
Hani Tarazi
-Rotarian UAE Success Story
In December 1964, I moved to Dubai to set up Saba & Co. I was fortunate to gain the confidence of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, Finance Minister of UAE. After which, Saba & Co. and Deloitte became the Government auditors for many years until the establishment of Government Internal Audit Bureau.
Since then, new audit offices of Deloitte-Saba & Co. were established in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah and became the official Auditor of those Governments.
Later on, I became the managing partner of Deloitte in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, The UAE has played a major role in supporting my journey throughout the years, and I cannot be the person I am today if it wasn’t for this country. Happy National Day UAE.
Sareh Ameri
-Rotarian UAE Success Story
UAE is home to over 100 ethnicities living together in peace and harmony under the leadership of wise leaders such as HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. UAE has been home for me for the past 16 years; I went to university in Dubai, got married here, and gave birth to my two little children in beautiful Dubai. Can't imagine a better and safer place to bring up my children. Thank you Dubai & UAE for this opportunity. Always prosper and be safe.
Elena Krynytska
-Rotarian UAE Success Story
I'm Elena, Krynytska PR Manager of Rotary Club Palm of Dubai.
I'm very happy that I've lived in Dubai my happiest 8 years so far!
I love UAE from the bottom of my heart and this is my second home!
Emirates is a very safe, Multinational , friendly country with opportunity for everyone.
UAE gave us a great opportunity to open our family business and I became a member of the Rotary Family!
On 2nd of December I'll celebrate 50th Anniversary of the UAE with my friends and family!
I wish UAE growth and prosperity for the next 50th years!
Linda Karam
-Rotarian UAE Success Story
Security. Opportunity. Hope for a brighter future. These ideas to mind for Mrs. Linda Karam when asked about the UAE.
Linda survived a tragically difficult childhood. Supporting her family as the primary bread winner since she was 12, she moved to the UAE in 2001 in search of stability and financial opportunities for her family. Initially a humble Design Coordinator, she demonstrated over the next two decades a single-minded determination delivering on increasingly large and complicated projects. From high-value residences to public spaces, from 5 star hotels & resorts to education complexes and even being called in to deliver for retail and high-end commercial, she has supported many different industries. In Linda’s words, “When I set my heart on a goal, I always achieve it. How and when is not up to me, but I make sure I always achieve it in the end.” She sees parallels with everything the UAE has accomplished over the last 50 years, though of course on a much grander, global scale.
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Linda’s success wasn’t preordained. Yes, the UAE provided unparalleled safety and security for she to pursue her goals. However, working in the male-dominated construction industry meant at every step Linda had to excel to prove her worth. This tenacity, self-belief and deep yearning for individual empowerment is something she has sought to share with as many members of the UAE community as possible. It’s also through the UAE’s welcoming stance towards expats and support of the downtrodden that she has focused on supporting as many disenfranchised people as possible. This is why Linda originally joined Rotary. It also motivated her to lead Rotary Cosmopolitan Dubai in it’s support of Nefsy’s delivery of 50,000 meals to the disadvantaged community. she message to all is not to shy away from challenges. Linda even undertook this challenge while rebuilding her club’s membership after the numbers evaporated prior to her election. It took many sleepless nights and true grit to rebuild the club from scratch. Explaining where she draws inspiration from, she credits the UAE’s leadership. When the leadership habitually set (and deliver on) such ambitious goals, it is natural for this standard to permeate the community’s psyche. What’s more, it’s not enough to just set the goals. Linda believes it’s specifically the Leadership’s record of achieving these goals that is so inspiring for the community. Discussing opportunities today in UAE, Linda is excited and quick to share her appreciation. For example, through the award of Expo 2020 she found more ways to promote the Rotary Cosmopolitan’s profile in the community. Linda devoted months of her personal time developing Rotary’s office so that visitors from around the world could share in her inspiration. She sees this as an example of the UAE, and her club specifically, acting as a catalyst for change around the world. In her words, “The future of the club is as a platform for other inspired change-makers. Community. Connectivity. Scalability!” UAE has blessed Linda with many opportunities to complete large projects and impact many lives, but it’s also brought her closer with other individuals looking to improve their lives. By providing a safe, tolerant, open society where people from diverse backgrounds can converse, Linda has inadvertently been inspiring those around her. Recently, at a community event for women in the construction industry, her heart was filled with joy. A recently graduated lady thanked her for her support which had filled her with confidence. She was being treated as an outsider at work as the only woman and lost confidence. After hearing Linda’s encouragement for the other ladies though, her clouds of doubt were blown away. Linda recalls, “I had told them, ‘You can do it. Believe in yourself. Every marathon begins with a first step, then another, and another.’ and she told me she became so much more confident. She made progress little by little. Soon enough, she was accepted and respected at her workplace by her colleagues.” As Linda gains more recognition for her work in the UAE, from helping her firm win “fit out firm of the year” prize to being featured on the upcoming podcast “Trends in architecture and design”, she appreciates how the UAE made it all possible. In her home country, she had to fight for opportunities. In UAE, everything is possible with hard work and integrity. When talking with many people across UAE, one often hears of the constant evolution and change. Linda certainly has been on the forefront of this, being involved in the development of much of the UAE skyline. However, Linda has a different view. “Yes, many of the businesses change, the people change, the events change... However, the spirit has remained the same. Security. Opportunity. Hope for a brighter future. This is what the UAE means to me.”
Dr. Ram Buxani
- Rotarian UAE Success Story
On July 15 of 1958, my textile and commodity trading firm ITL Cosmos became the first-ever company to be issued with a Royal Decree in Dubai. I hold onto those memories because the launch of ITL (which stood for International Traders Ltd.) was a precursor to Dubai and the other emirates starting to make their mark as a trade hub.
I landed in Dubai on November 18, 1959. It was the time when Dubai had no municipality or any other regulator to officially regularize the business operation. One could hire a shop, put signboard of his choice and start the business.
In 1974 the two-story building in Meena Bazaar was completed on land that was allotted to ITL Cosmos, on a freehold basis But where I and the company take pride is because this area became known as ‘Cosmos Lane’ – and to this day, there are many Meena Bazaar businesses that give their address as such. It was entirely sand and nothing else when we started building the HQ. You see all the subsequent developments and the city spreading beyond anyone’s imagination to what it is now. And what it will be in the future.
But I still keep those two years – 1958 and 1974 – right up there in all the wonderful years, I have spent in the UAE. Because I do believe we did our part in something wonderful.
James Berry
- Rotarian UAE Success Story
In every field of human endeavor, success or failure is directly related to leadership quality.
It is now universally acknowledged that the UAE has accomplished (and continues to accomplish) more than anyone could have expected, by having inspired, caring, inclusive and authentic leadership.
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