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‘Every Bead of Sweat Brings Me a Step Closer to My Dream’

dubai — Big dreams come true only in the City of Gold. Like the Arabian fables, out on a journey to find those riches, Mohammed Sagheer left Pakistan a year and a half ago. One can find Mohammed on his crane placing the foundation blocks of a hotel on the Ajman Corniche.

“I wanted to drive a trailer but the company, Rambo Transport, that hired me insisted that I become a crane operator,” he says.

With the determination to overcome all odds he accepted and began training to obtain a special licence. “I would walk all the way from the Geco roundabout in Sharjah to the police station for my tests,” he recalls.

Mohammed yearns to be with his family, but is aware that his only chance to earn lies in the desert sands. “I, too, long to be with my family, but I know the situation back in Pakistan. I will never be able to become anything there.”

Knowing that every bead of his sweat is a step closer to his dream, Mohammed toils tirelessly each day without pausing, even over the weekend.

“The more we work, the more we earn. I work on Friday as well, and am paid for my services,” he points out.

While his basic salary is Dh3,300, overtime earning fetches him an additional Dh2,000.

“Back home, my parents and siblings rely completely on me. A major portion of what I earn, I transfer to Pakistan and retain Dh1,500 for my monthly expenses,” he says.

Since most of his time is spent at the work site, Mohammed does not get time for recreational activities. “I’m not interested in going to the park or wasting time,” he points out.

He heads home in the evening to a room in Sharjah, shared by eight others. “At the end of the day I am only left with time to clean and cook food for myself,” he adds.

This is a life Mohammed has chosen for himself and hopes to become a “big man” some day. Despite having the opportunity to study further, the idea of making money and serving his parents was always his priority.

“I could have studied further as both my siblings have degrees. But because I wanted to start earning quickly, I quit my studies after the 6th grade,” he says.

However, Mohammed regrets his hasty decision sometimes, as he feels education could have secured him a better job.

“I know I should have studied further, but I am happy with what I have. Just sometimes when my friends send me messages I have to find someone to translate it for me,” Mohammed adds.

Four years hence, Mohammed says he still sees himself working in the UAE as a crane operator. He hopes to visit Pakistan and get married.

“Currently, I am working on a three-year visa. Once that expires, either the same company will renew my visa or I will be transferred to another company. I want to continue with Rambo Transport because my boss is quite compassionate,” he says.

What makes Mohammed stand out is that his monetary vision has not made him forget his roots. “Once I acquire all that I want, I will help those who are unfortunate in my country to realise their dream the same way I did,” he hopes.