UAE-based father of 12 loses count of grandchildren

Mahmoud Abdullah

Mahmoud Abdullah came to the UAE in 2000 to start his own butchery shop and continue the job that his family has been practicing across generations.
Originally from Aleppo, Syria, Abdullah said being a butcher is not merely a job, but a passion that he practices every day.
"If you love what you do, you'll be happy in your job and home. It's the job I took from my parents who inherited it from their parents," said Abdullah.
Currently owning 'Al Jenoub Meat Shop' in Sharjah, Abdullah, 54, is in the UAE with three of his sons and his wife.
In total, he has 12 children: Seven daughters and five sons, who are all married except his youngest son who is 18 years old.
When asked how many grandchildren he has, Abdullah laughed and said, "I lost count of them, you have to give me some time to do the math and get back to you."
He noted that when he first came to UAE, he was accompanied by one of his sons before the other two joined him later after the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011. They help him out in managing the meat shop.
In his neighbourhood, Abdullah is known for his smiley face and outgoing attitude. His favorite compliment is when someone tells him he looks young.
"My mother always told me I look like 27, and no matter how much I grow old, I'll remain 27. So that's the age I tell people," he laughed.
And his dream in the UAE is simple.
"This country has been very generous to us and we want nothing more than its safety and security," he said. "We have been incredibly happy here and may this kind of life last forever."
His children are residing in different countries between Iraq, Syria and Turkey. Abdullah looks forward to reuniting with them someday.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com