Sher Akbar Afridi is a long-time resident of the UAE who is celebrating 60 years in the country. His journey began in 1964 when he arrived in the Trucial States on a ship from Karachi. At that time, there was no air connectivity to the region, so the journey had to be made by ship, which took three days. Afridi’s father arranged a visa for him under his sponsorship, and he arrived in Dubai at the young age of 17 with just a passport and a visa.
Reflecting on his arrival in Dubai, Afridi recalls how he saw the different Trucial States from the seas and witnessed Dubai’s development over the years. He remembers when Dubai was walkable, and today, the development and world-class infrastructure have transformed the city. Upon his arrival, Afridi sought employment and found himself in the construction sector, working on projects such as the UAE’s first concrete road from Baniyas to the old Airport.
Afridi had the opportunity to meet the late UAE rulers, including Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Shakhbout, during his time working in the construction sector. One memorable experience was when Sheikh Zayed offered them water during a journey to Abu Dhabi for a project approval. Afridi eventually transitioned to the retail sector, working at Majid Al Futtaim’s business establishment. He then ventured into entrepreneurship, starting a car wash business and later a travel agency, which he still actively manages today.
Despite facing setbacks along the way, Afridi’s commitment to social service has remained strong. He has assisted earthquake victims in Pakistan and helped prisoners in Dubai return home. His dedication to giving back to the community is essential to him. Afridi’s family ties in the UAE run deep, with all six of his sons proudly calling the country their home. Three of his sons have even found roles within the government sector, contributing to the nation’s progress and development.
As Afridi’s family prepares to honor his 60th anniversary in the UAE, he reflects on his legacy and the generations that have followed in his footsteps. His children and grandchildren have been raised in the UAE and continue the journey that his father started, making them the fifth generation in the country. Afridi finds joy in the company of his 23 grandchildren and takes pride in the lasting impact he has made during his 60 years in the UAE.
