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Father's Day special: Lessons from dad

UAE residents remember the special touches and life lessons their fathers imparted - and how these changed them for the better

Let's admit it. Dads are amazing. But somehow, when it comes to raising children and teaching them  by example, it's usually mums who get all the credit. So this week, we spoke to UAE residents about those tiny nuggets of dad wisdom that we so often take for granted. From teaching their children the value of generosity to making sure their sons and daughters never take life too seriously, these are the real legacies fathers leave behind. And the wonderful traits they will always be remembered by.
"Learn how to play an instrument"

Clare Greenwood,
events director at Q Communications
I love my job, but it can be stressful at times. What's really important to me is having interests outside of work to clear my head. Luckily, when I was 12, my dad asked me if I wanted to learn a musical instrument. I had absolutely no idea what instrument to start with so I asked my dad what his favourite instrument was. He said it was the oboe, so that is what I started learning! To this day, I still play the oboe. It's the most amazing feeling to be part of an orchestral group. I look back on those first lessons and am so glad that I persevered. It's all thanks to the support of my dad.
"The sky is not falling on your head"


Akanksha Seth,
marketing executive
My dad has always been one the greatest teachers I've ever had. The biggest life lesson I've taken from him is to keep calm and collected in the face of adversity. That things may not always go as planned, and mistakes will be made. That though I may feel anxious now, this time will pass. He has taught me that I have absolutely nothing to fear.
"Do what you love and love what you do"


Chris Lambert,
senior account executive with a PR company
My brother and I grew up in an extremely liberal family. Our lives were never predetermined for us and our parents never told us what we should be when we grew up. I think that shines through with both my brother and myself. We have taken completely different paths in our careers and lives, but the one thing we have in common is that we love what we do and are always up for trying new things - both important lessons from my dad. I think it's important because so many of us go through life in jobs we hate, thinking that's the best it can be, but it's not. Do what you love and love what you do. Thanks Dad!
"Women are an unstoppable force"


Hollye Enser,
student
I'm lucky enough to have my very own superhero. He taught me that life without fun is no life at all. That working hard is great, but being able to go out, having an amazing time, meeting incredible people and travelling to as many places as I can are the ultimate tools to success. He taught me that women are an unstoppable force with the ability to influence and teach and change so much around them, and that we are all worth more than what we think of ourselves.
"Never stop learning"

Francisco Cañete Alvarez,
full-stack developer
There are dozens of important lessons I learnt from my father, but the most important of them all is to never stop learning. There is always something interesting out there that you probably know nothing about. Since I was a kid, I've seen him learning all kinds of things, from how to play an instrument to coding a computer program. He was always reading and trying things out. I hope when I get to his age I'm able to keep up with new things as he does today.
"Learn to give first"

Marouane Al Mandri, student
My dad taught me that the only way to get something I want is to be able to learn how to give first. The lesson could be applied to anything. If you want to get more love, give more love. If you want to be happier, make others happy. If you want money, you should know its value, and be willing to give more to people in need. It is a golden rule that works all the time.