Jumaa Ali Al Marashda, the son of an Emirati who spent three decades in Africa, has shared the incredible story of his father’s resilience. Jumaa, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 96, led a life filled with challenges and adventures that rival those of a Hollywood thriller. Born in Sharjah’s Kalba city, Jumaa grew up as an orphan living with his grandfather and started working in fishing at the age of 18. During a time when the UAE was not yet unified, Jumaa embarked on a journey by sea to expand his livelihood beyond the region.
In 1942, Jumaa left Kalba on foot towards Ras Al Khaimah, navigating an era with no modern roads or vehicles. He embarked on his first sea journey on a cargo ship, transporting coal and firewood to neighbouring areas. This journey set the stage for numerous other maritime adventures, including a perilous trip to India where they faced a powerful storm that forced them to discard half of their cargo to safety. Despite these challenges, Jumaa and his companions continued their trade, showcasing their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
After successfully completing several trading missions, including transporting oil barrels to India and red bricks to Tanzania, Jumaa eventually settled in Madagascar. There, he mastered the French language and Zanzibari Swahili, establishing a successful trading business and forming strong relationships with the local community. He even married a local woman and had a son named Ali, solidifying his ties to the African continent.
Despite spending years in Africa, Jumaa never forgot his homeland in the Emirates. Through British radio broadcasts, he kept up with the news of his country and tried to correspond with his sister in Kalba, albeit unsuccessfully for many years. However, with the development of the Emirate of Sharjah, Jumaa’s sister was finally able to secure a passport for him and his son, allowing them to return home after 34 years away. The journey back was not without its challenges, as Jumaa faced detainment in Yemen due to issues with his passport, but eventually made it back to the UAE in time to witness the raising of the national flag.
Jumaa’s remarkable story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. Against all odds, he overcame countless challenges and hardships to create a life for himself in Africa while never forgetting his roots in the Emirates. His journey, filled with adventure, perseverance, and resilience, is a reminder of the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Jumaa’s legacy lives on through his son, Humaid, who continues to share his father’s untold story of courage and resilience with the world.
