Recounting the years: Saadat Hussein's journey in the UAE since 1979

Khaleej Times

24-03-2025

Saadat Hussein moved to Dubai in 1979, and since then, the city has been his home. He began his career as a marketing executive at Al-Futtaim Motors - Toyota before transitioning to banking, joining Mashreq Bank (then known as Oman Bank). Over the next 32 years, Hussein held various positions at the bank, ultimately retiring in 2017 as regional head for Asia in the financial institution's division. With over three decades of service, he is regarded as one of the most experienced members of Dubai's banking community.
Now working as a financial consultant in Dubai, Hussein reflects on the city's remarkable transformation in the business sector as well as the ever-growing Pakistani community.
'When I first arrived, Dubai was very different and sparsely populated,' he recalls. 'There were only two main districts — Deira and Bur Dubai — where most commercial activities took place. Expats preferred to live in these areas to be close to their workplaces.'
At the time, key projects such as Al Ghurair Centre, Deira Tower, Mansoor Tower, Hyatt Regency and Galleria were under construction, while landmarks like the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Municipality building were completed and awaiting their inauguration by Queen Elizabeth II in February 1979.
'There were only two five-star hotels in the city, and Dubai did not have a single shopping mall until 1981, when Al Ghurair Centre opened. It quickly became a central hub for shoppers,' he says.
In those early days, all major banks, government offices and multinational companies were concentrated in Deira. Most prominent UAE nationals, businessmen and expatriates also lived in Deira and Bur Dubai, making them the most sought-after localities.
Healthcare, Transport and Education
Despite Dubai's small size at the time, Hussein notes that healthcare services were always of a high standard. 'Medical facilities in the UAE were excellent, and healthcare was free for all residents, including expatriates.'
Public transport was reliable and affordable, with people commuting across the city and to other emirates via taxis and buses. However, international schools were limited.
'Until the early 1990s, expatriate families struggled with schooling options,' he says. 'Some of the well-known schools at the time included the American School, Dubai College, Emirates International, Indian High School, Pakistan School, Our Own English High School and Choueifat. Many expats sent their children back to their home countries for education due to the lack of schools.'
Today, the UAE offers world-class education at all levels, with a wide range of international curricula available.
A Global Hub
Until the mid-1990s, more than 75 per cent of residents and tourists in the UAE were from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. However, the demographics changed rapidly in the late 1990s as more people recognised the UAE's potential.
'The UAE became an attractive destination for professionals due to its global connectivity, safety, security, modern infrastructure and tax-free working environment,' Hussein says.
Today, the country stands as a global business and tourism hub, with a diversified economy and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Land of Opportunities
'The UAE is a land of opportunity for anyone with the ambition to grow in their field,' he says.
'The country provides excellent infrastructure and extensive support across various industries, including trade, business, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, education, hospitality and healthcare.'
With the job market expanding and the expatriate community growing each year, Dubai continues to attract talent from around the world.
For Hussein, Dubai is more than just a place to work — it is home.
'This city has given me the opportunity to excel in my career and raise a happy family with my wife and two sons. Dubai's journey has been extraordinary, and I feel privileged to have witnessed its growth first-hand.'