When Umer Zarin first arrived in the Emirates back in 1983, the Dubai Taxi landscape looked completely different. He began his journey as a humble gardener before, in 1996, finding his true calling behind the wheel.
Now, 4 decades later, his eldest son, Waqas Khan, has joined him to navigate the very same busy city streets. This heartwarming family bond highlights the incredible spirit of the expat community that keeps the vibrant city of Dubai moving.
A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
Umer has spent over 30 years working the demanding night shifts to support his beloved family back home in Pakistan. His hard work paid for his children’s education and helped build a stable future for his many younger siblings.
Despite the long years of separation, he remains a proud and dedicated driver for the Dubai Taxi Company today. He knows every single corner of the city by heart and doesn’t rely on a modern GPS navigation system.
Words of Wisdom for the Road
Stepping into his father’s professional shoes required more than just driving skills for the young and ambitious Waqas Khan. Umer insisted on passing down a strict set of values to ensure his son represents the company with true pride.
- Cleanliness First: A driver must keep the vehicle spotless, inside and out, to ensure every passenger feels comfortable.
- Rule Following: One should never bend the traffic laws because safety is the most important part of the daily job.
- Unwavering Honesty: Returning lost items to passengers is non-negotiable and builds a lasting reputation of trust within the community.
- Human Connection: Treating every passenger with kindness is essential, as humanity is far more important than any particular nationality.
Witnessing a Changing Urban Skyline
The veteran driver has watched massive highways emerge from the desert sands while towering skyscrapers rose into the open sky. He remembers when the base fare was tiny, a time before Dubai became a global, modern metropolis.
Today, he manages a flexible on-call service while his son handles the standard Dubai Taxi routes across the emirate. They break their Ramadan fast together at home before heading out to serve the city that they both love.
Conclusion
The story of Umer and Waqas is a powerful reminder of the human connections found within the Dubai Taxi Company. While technology like autonomous vehicles begins to change the industry, the soul of the service remains with the drivers.
Their legacy of hard work and honesty continues to inspire a new generation of professionals on the road today. What do you think about this Pakistani family’s journey? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for the latest sharp insights, exclusive UAE updates, and global automotive trends that matter.