Ijaz Hussain with his family.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Ijaz Hussain, a 56-year-old Pakistani, considers UAE as his home. All the UAE’s national events are as close to his heart as the those of his country. His family celebrates all of them.

Born in Dubai, Ijaz Hussain is all praise for the UAE.

“All my five children – 4 daughters and 1 son – were also born in the UAE. They love this country as much as I love it. They respect the culture and tradition of this country a lot,” Ijaz Hussain said to Gulf Today.

His father established a restaurant in the early 1960s. In the beginning, there was a great deal of struggle. His mother was a great strength for his family. His parents saved some money and opened a restaurant in Murshad Bazaar. In the same locality, they lived.

He and his brothers also looked after the restaurant. His mother prepared traditional dishes. But when his father died in 1981, he discontinued his study.

“In my school days in Dubai, I was fond of playing cricket. I still remember those old days,” Hussain said.

Hussain joined Lahore Gymkhana team and toured the UK in 1982 where he played a series of County Matches along with Kapil Dev and others.

“When I was young, I swam in the creek between Deira and Bur Dubai along with my friends,” he said.

Hussain did different jobs to support his family. At one point of time, his son completed Mechanical Engineering from UK university’s campus in Ras Al Khaimah. Two of his children did courses in Information Technology and as Chef and are now completing their further studies in Canada.

“My children, who are in Canada and the UK, always remember this country. They always remember their childhood and the lovely moments they have spent here,” he said.

“The UAE gave us everything. We are grateful to this country. I love this country. I salute this country,” he added.