Dubai fulfils a son’s wish with commemorative passport stamp for his father after 60 years

In a heartwarming gesture that reflects the spirit of the UAE’s Year of Community, Dubai Airports helped make a son's simple wish for his father come true by securing something that he never had - an official airport-entry stamp into Dubai.

Haji N. Jamaluddin first arrived in Dubai from Mumbai by ship on 26 February 1965. He still remembers the moment clearly. There was no port at the time, and the city was just beginning to take shape. Six decades later, his son wanted to mark the occasion by giving his father a new Dubai entry stamp, symbolising not just a physical arrival, but a lifetime of dedication to a place that became home.

Haji N. Jamaluddin shows his passport.

With support from the team at Dubai Airports, that thoughtful idea was turned into action. "This new entry stamp isn’t just a mark in a passport – it’s a tribute to everything Dubai has given us," said Jamaluddin. "My son wanted to honour the years I’ve spent here and with the help of the Dubai Airports team, he made that possible."

A respected educator, chairman and founder of Crescent English High School, Jamaluddin has shaped thousands of lives since opening the school in 1984. With more than 1,700 students enrolled today, it remains one of the most affordable private schools in the UAE. His philosophy is simple: “Money is not everything. Education is the best weapon for enlightenment.”

A proud contributor to Dubai’s social fabric, Jamaluddin credits much of his passion to the leadership of the UAE, especially the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whom he saw regularly visiting worksites in the early morning hours. “He was always among the people and now His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is continuing that legacy. It’s what makes Dubai what it is today.”

Students from Crescent English High School were also invited to Dubai International (DXB) for an educational tour.

Students from Crescent English High School were also invited to Dubai International (DXB) for an educational tour. The visit offered them a unique behind-the-scenes look at DXB’s operations and the opportunity to learn about the vital role the airport plays in connecting communities across the world.

It was heart touching how Dubai Airports made it happen and gave the family a moment of belonging and a lifetime of gratitude.