How UAE changed this Pakistani truck driver's life

From a truck driver to the proud owner of his own truck, the UAE has changed the fortunes of this man.
Meet Ghulam Rasool Sajaad, 63, who has been driving heavy trucks in the region for about two-and-a-half decades, first in Oman and now in the UAE.
Thanks to his hard work and the opportunities that became available as a result of the UAE's rapid progress, he now owns a Volvo heavy truck, something he couldn't even dream when he first started driving in Oman in 1992.
Hailing from Gujrat district in the Punjab province of Pakistan, Ghulam says he wasn't able to save much there and left Oman for the UAE in 2004. For twelve years, he earned RO150 (Dh1,500) per month and there was not much change in his circumstances, he told Khaleej Times.
Within the next 12 years, he has not only made a life for his family members in Pakistan, but has been able to own his own heavy truck that keeps earning him money every month.
"I worked in Oman for twelve years and then came to the UAE as a truck driver without much savings. I got my Oman truck driving license converted into a UAE heavy truck driving license in 2004. After some time, I stopped working as a driver for another company," Ghulam says.
"In the UAE, I amassed all my savings and took a bank loan to purchase a truck that cost me more than Dh 100,000. Ever since I invested in the truck, there has been no turning back. I have made enough money to build three good houses in Pakistan, get my three daughters married and purchase some property as well," a contended truck driver told this website.
"I have seen many ups and downs in UAE business over the last 12 years. Earlier, it was a hectic schedule, making 8 trips per month to Oman that helped me make a reasonable profit and saving," he said.
"Now, I can take out time to take rest, cook my own food, and to even interact with friends," he says, adding that he is happy making four trips per month.
"I am earning enough money to repay Dh3,000 bank loan instalment and send money to my family in Pakistan," he says.
"When I first came to the UAE, I did not have anything except an Omani driving license. Now I have made everything - three houses in Pakistan, purchased a certain amount of agricultural land, and could meet the expenses for my three daughters' weddings. I work only six months in a year, and for the rest of the year, I park my truck in a garage in Al Qouz," he says.
"My driving licence, issued in 2004 is valid till 2024, and I am optimistic about my truck business prospects in Dubai," he adds.
"My younger daughter is studying in the school. Even though I could not complete my schooling, I am giving her good education," he says.