Manjuran Joseph Jacob, an Indian expatriate, has spent nearly five decades in the UAE. When he first relocated from Muscat to Dubai in 1978, he had no idea where his journey would take him. Now, 46 years later, as he prepares to leave the country, he admits he is still not mentally prepared for the final goodbye. Despite this, he anticipates that he will likely return to the UAE in the future.
During his time in the UAE, Manjuran has built a home and a lifetime of experiences that have shaped who he is today. He reflects on how he has spent more time in the UAE than in his home country of India. Over the years, he has seen significant changes in his life, transitioning from a bachelor to a grandfather with grown-up grandchildren. He acknowledges that leaving the UAE is not just about departing a geographical location but saying goodbye to a part of himself that will always be connected to the country.
Manjuran’s wife, Alphonsa Jacob, shares a similar sentiment about their life in the UAE. She recalls the challenges of balancing work, household responsibilities, and raising children in the early years of their time in Dubai. Despite the difficulties, she acknowledges the growth and development they have experienced in the city. As they prepare to leave, Alphonsa looks back on how they have witnessed the city’s evolution and prosperity over the years.
The couple credits the Dubai government for its exemplary job in developing the city and providing outstanding safety, infrastructure, and public amenities for its residents. They also reflect on how they have benefited from Dubai’s prosperity, allowing them to travel to India more frequently and reconnect with family. While preparing for retirement and their eventual departure from the UAE, the couple expresses gratitude for the memories, experiences, and unique vibe that the city has offered them over the years.
As they bid farewell to the UAE, Manjuran and Alphonsa acknowledge the mix of emotions that come with leaving a place that has been their home for decades. Despite the nostalgia for familiar places, people, and experiences, they express their readiness to keep coming back to the UAE for visits. Their story is a testament to the deep connection and lasting impact that the UAE has had on their lives, shaping their identities and leaving them with a sense of belonging in this dynamic and thriving city.
