When I was coming to Dubai in fact way before that....when I was interviewed I was continously told to be weary about Indians....Its my nature that I dont accept anything until I go through it first...and there were stories by different friends and people I met beware of politics...office politics and you wont move up the corporate ladder....these Indians wouldnt let you and so much to say....here I say...PLEASE THINK AGAIN....
Look at yourself first and then comment on others...yes there might be religious boundaries which you cant cross but you can definitely extend an hand of friendship and just have a good attitude towards them...
I was interviewed by 2 Indians and then again by another in the second interview...I was suggested by people that I should forget about it...you wont get selected...interviews of others are just formalities...I proved them wrong...Allah had kept my RIZQ here so I am here....now I am in a dept which has all Indians including my boss...and I am the only Pakistani and I havent worked in a more congenial environment before...You can learn explore and perform....see I think the problem that we have is we have forgotten that our RIZQ has been written in our fates ....its not people or companies who provide us...with salaries...or bosses who promote us etc etc....its only ALLAH. Once you get in that frame of mind you look at everything differently...more positivity...
I am jumping ahead of myself but I have had no problems with my colleagues as yet....some may say its early days but I have been welcomed in the nicest possible way...Alhumdulillah...
Today, I was invited to a dept BBQ party...everybody was there with their families and kids....and it was a wonderful affair to say the least...there was food of course but there was CHANGE for everyone....families meeting each other...I took my time mixing in but they wouldnt let me be the loner one side...there were games played such as 'Dog & the BONe' and 'PITTOO GARAM'....it was funny at the beginning seeing all grown up people running around but after a while when I saw my boss run around and slip on the grass...it was me who was once again left aside... so I joined in leaving all of my weary brainwashing thoughts aside and enjoyed to the fullest...
I ve got great colleagues...who are taking time out to teach me and train me to the full...so at this moment in time, I dont agree with anyone who has tried to advise of being negative about Indians...its how you behave....you can keep your distance just like you do so with anybody really...and yet make good professional relationships...
After today, I can surely say...its a mixed world out there and you can set your objective straight and chase it also but dont have negative feelings about some nationality before even giving them a chance to welcome you....most of us dont even let the borders of friendship open up....how can we ever get to peace in this world?
So all those people who feel Indians have taken away their jobs...please think real...its Allah who provides for everyone....and if a promotion is there in your fate its gonna come...dont blame it on the Indians....I loved mixing in with office colleagues and their families and children....its nothing different really....all the same culture...mothers respected....bhabis around...children calling you uncle....and then the games....WOW!! It was a very healthy activity....was wishing I had my wife and kid around to boast in cuteness also heheh....but I guess there is still some time in that....
Anyway, just had to let this be on the blog...you ve got to respect to gain respect...you cant let different nationalities hinder your progress....just be honest with your job and let Allah provide...keep the FAITH!!!
Things in place...Alhumdulillah...
DEBIT...CREDIT....Its been that since the day I joined...more with the training...ehehe...I was prepared for this so it isnt really that big a problem. The good thing is I have started to think FINANCIALLY...if there is such a thing...I have never been a FINANCE person professionally so thats an achievement in itself...
Tomorrow, we are supposed to go to eat chinese with all the training participants and my dept colleagues including my manager...its going to be fun and am looking forward to it...
Other than that...I am now a Resident of UAE Alhumdulillah...all procedures complete....so thats something out of the way...I can get on with other stuff now...Inshallah...everything should work out as it has uptil now...prayers required here for ease of completion...
Today Pakistan plays the West Indies to open up the WORLD CUP....unfortunately no TV around to watch so am stuck to my cellphone to at least hear it on the radio...its ok I can manage...but do miss watching...
Anyway, everything is in place....sleep wasnt which I covered up for yesterday...the tough part of settling in Dubai are the timings...its not linked with jetlag as that is not much of a difference than Karachi...its the official work hours of 7:00am to 3:30pm...I love the working hours but the adjustment to them is still on its way....its like your breakfast time goes even earlier hence you get hungry around 11:00am but you actually eat only around 1:00pm then dinner at 8:00pm even though you get hungry by 7:00pm. You can stay up late...late being 10:00pm hehhee....cos you ve got to reach work at 7:00am....so its about switching to almost 3 hours before the normal timings in Karachi...
But overall its positive that you are home by 4:00pm with ample time to relax and do things with family...its more natural to your namaz timings as well so thats a big plus...Alhumdulillah....I have obtained regularity in Namaz and Tilawat-e-Quran...which was my objective since the day I left Karachi...ALHUMDULILLAH....
Havent had the time to wake up the intellectual side of me....its just been to busy...I think once I settle in and get a serious internet connection will I get time to relax and bring out the observant side of me...there is a lot to be said about the culture and environment...the mindsets of people...talking with various people.....taxi drivers, waiters, colleagues...and many more from all over the world gives a great insight to Allah's creativity of people...its amazing....more on this when I am in a more settled frame of mind...
Tomorrow, we are supposed to go to eat chinese with all the training participants and my dept colleagues including my manager...its going to be fun and am looking forward to it...
Other than that...I am now a Resident of UAE Alhumdulillah...all procedures complete....so thats something out of the way...I can get on with other stuff now...Inshallah...everything should work out as it has uptil now...prayers required here for ease of completion...
Today Pakistan plays the West Indies to open up the WORLD CUP....unfortunately no TV around to watch so am stuck to my cellphone to at least hear it on the radio...its ok I can manage...but do miss watching...
Anyway, everything is in place....sleep wasnt which I covered up for yesterday...the tough part of settling in Dubai are the timings...its not linked with jetlag as that is not much of a difference than Karachi...its the official work hours of 7:00am to 3:30pm...I love the working hours but the adjustment to them is still on its way....its like your breakfast time goes even earlier hence you get hungry around 11:00am but you actually eat only around 1:00pm then dinner at 8:00pm even though you get hungry by 7:00pm. You can stay up late...late being 10:00pm hehhee....cos you ve got to reach work at 7:00am....so its about switching to almost 3 hours before the normal timings in Karachi...
But overall its positive that you are home by 4:00pm with ample time to relax and do things with family...its more natural to your namaz timings as well so thats a big plus...Alhumdulillah....I have obtained regularity in Namaz and Tilawat-e-Quran...which was my objective since the day I left Karachi...ALHUMDULILLAH....
Havent had the time to wake up the intellectual side of me....its just been to busy...I think once I settle in and get a serious internet connection will I get time to relax and bring out the observant side of me...there is a lot to be said about the culture and environment...the mindsets of people...talking with various people.....taxi drivers, waiters, colleagues...and many more from all over the world gives a great insight to Allah's creativity of people...its amazing....more on this when I am in a more settled frame of mind...
Nazar....Nazar...
I was recommended by someone as to not open up too much on my blog...as "NAZAR lagti hay"...It got me thinking...I am one of the most paranoid people for Nazar and keep reciting Teesra Kalma and 4 Quls unconsiously....and I didnt think of that...
Where does one draw the line? Does anybody else think the same way? Serious bloggers blog about anything and that include their personal lives as well....
I was thinking about it and I think the recommendation is right....need to be a bit conservative on the blogging...its after all my personal life...more towards life and my version of experiences from now on....
Nothing much to tell today....other than the fact that the training started...and its just wonderful Alhumdulillah...enjoyed as I was getting it heheh...Its almost more fun when its that way...the 9 other people in the training are from various countries so quite an experience interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds....
Continues tomorrow...
Where does one draw the line? Does anybody else think the same way? Serious bloggers blog about anything and that include their personal lives as well....
I was thinking about it and I think the recommendation is right....need to be a bit conservative on the blogging...its after all my personal life...more towards life and my version of experiences from now on....
Nothing much to tell today....other than the fact that the training started...and its just wonderful Alhumdulillah...enjoyed as I was getting it heheh...Its almost more fun when its that way...the 9 other people in the training are from various countries so quite an experience interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds....
Continues tomorrow...
Hum tou hain PARDES mein...
Hum tou hain...Pardes mein...Des mein Nikla hoga CHAAND...
Apni Raat kee CHHAT pay Kitna...Tanha hoga CHAAND...
Yup those are the feelings...the weekend was great, went to sharjah and stayed both chuti nights at a friend's place...watched movies and gup sessions...thursday night all but 3 of our batch mates in Dubai/Sharjah got together...a huge gathering...at a restaurant...it was fun...got to meet everyone...
Second weekend gone...and I have finally managed to meet pretty much everyone...I know...It will get a bit more routine and normal now...I think...training from tomorrow...and lots to look forward to in the coming week...
The plumbing work at the new place couldnt get over with so no safai and no buying of new stuff...but since I got the extension at my temporary accomodation, its not a real issue...I was planning to stay here anyway...but I need to go there everyday to put pressure to get things done quickly....Went to Rashidya today and off to the nearby mall to see what actually is available. It was quite amazing to say the least, every damn thing...even TV, DVD players and grocery and mattresses....one stop shopping it seemed...good to have something like that nearby...
The extra week gives me some time I think to get my advance salary which I had requested for....the delay in plumbing is actually a blessing in disguise...the residence visa has been stamped and I will collect it alongwith my staff id card on the 13th...then I can apply for my family's visa...do pray that it goes smoothly and quickly....
I can also now apply for a driving license and a bank account....driving licenses are tougher to get than before...they take 40 or thereabout driving lessons before you can actually sit for a test...and if you fail the next attempt takes another 6 lessons and a month...each class costs 40-45 AED...so its costly business....anyway everything is happening on its way...this should also...Inshallah...
My newly wed friend who I stayed with over the weekend is planning to buy a car and bring in his wife...we saw some cars today...it was tiring and like accomodation the prices are pretty high on the car end as well....well I shouldnt say high when compared to Karachi cos they are not....but high when it comes to the market that was 2 years back and how it is now....he plans to go for a leasing plan...lease rates are great here....new cars can be got on as low as 4.5% interest over 4 years...its quite cheap...second hand good condition cars depend on the brand but a civic is costing from anywhere between 27k to 35k depending on model and milage...Not thinking about that right now....there is enough going on...already...We just had a heart to heart talking budgets and sanity and I think it helped both of us...nobody else could get it as the situation in life is different for most of our friends...being bachelors...so the conversation helped...
Helped 2 friends move out of a home and shift in a new place as well learning the technicalities of it with shifting trucks and how to get things done etc....lots of happening things and trying to get involved with everything so that I get "HANDS-ON" experience to the full.....heheh...
Well its late and should go to sleep now, happening weekend but a tiring one as well...but just had to blog...hehehe...
Apni Raat kee CHHAT pay Kitna...Tanha hoga CHAAND...
Yup those are the feelings...the weekend was great, went to sharjah and stayed both chuti nights at a friend's place...watched movies and gup sessions...thursday night all but 3 of our batch mates in Dubai/Sharjah got together...a huge gathering...at a restaurant...it was fun...got to meet everyone...
Second weekend gone...and I have finally managed to meet pretty much everyone...I know...It will get a bit more routine and normal now...I think...training from tomorrow...and lots to look forward to in the coming week...
The plumbing work at the new place couldnt get over with so no safai and no buying of new stuff...but since I got the extension at my temporary accomodation, its not a real issue...I was planning to stay here anyway...but I need to go there everyday to put pressure to get things done quickly....Went to Rashidya today and off to the nearby mall to see what actually is available. It was quite amazing to say the least, every damn thing...even TV, DVD players and grocery and mattresses....one stop shopping it seemed...good to have something like that nearby...
The extra week gives me some time I think to get my advance salary which I had requested for....the delay in plumbing is actually a blessing in disguise...the residence visa has been stamped and I will collect it alongwith my staff id card on the 13th...then I can apply for my family's visa...do pray that it goes smoothly and quickly....
I can also now apply for a driving license and a bank account....driving licenses are tougher to get than before...they take 40 or thereabout driving lessons before you can actually sit for a test...and if you fail the next attempt takes another 6 lessons and a month...each class costs 40-45 AED...so its costly business....anyway everything is happening on its way...this should also...Inshallah...
My newly wed friend who I stayed with over the weekend is planning to buy a car and bring in his wife...we saw some cars today...it was tiring and like accomodation the prices are pretty high on the car end as well....well I shouldnt say high when compared to Karachi cos they are not....but high when it comes to the market that was 2 years back and how it is now....he plans to go for a leasing plan...lease rates are great here....new cars can be got on as low as 4.5% interest over 4 years...its quite cheap...second hand good condition cars depend on the brand but a civic is costing from anywhere between 27k to 35k depending on model and milage...Not thinking about that right now....there is enough going on...already...We just had a heart to heart talking budgets and sanity and I think it helped both of us...nobody else could get it as the situation in life is different for most of our friends...being bachelors...so the conversation helped...
Helped 2 friends move out of a home and shift in a new place as well learning the technicalities of it with shifting trucks and how to get things done etc....lots of happening things and trying to get involved with everything so that I get "HANDS-ON" experience to the full.....heheh...
Well its late and should go to sleep now, happening weekend but a tiring one as well...but just had to blog...hehehe...
Life's a toughie!!
Its tough...and unexplainable ....its fluctuating...great at times...mellow and quiet at other moments...but its BUSY...thats one thing thats the same...BUSY!!
There are big time gaps in my posts...as I have just not have had time to do anything other than CRITICAL stuff...here is what I have been upto...
Firstly, WORK ...its great...Alhumdulillah....great team, great boss, great work environment...I have got onto learning about the Airline industry in a jiffy...with my colleagues conducting internal training sessions everyday....I get a big gulp of knowledge everyday and try to digest in the evening...not always possible...but I am trying...its a very interesting industry. Being in the Financial Systems & Procedures dept, I have access to all the business logic and experience I could ever need and hence there are no stoppages in the learning process. I can go up to pretty much anyone and ask what I want. I have never been an accounts/finance person and they all know that. So the stupidest of questions are answered with extreme patience....I am putting in more effort also to put it all together...and Alhumdulillah...I get more confident by the day...a formal training starts next week for 5 days...that should set me up in the role a bit more....lets see...what develops...
Secondly, ACCOMODATION...oh yeah the first big problem in the UAE these days...new place, new environment and the rates going sky high....its very difficult to find a decent place in reasonable rent....bachelors share rooms, studio apts etc...families look for individual studios or partitions in villas...I got great advice from people around me. I had asked for help from Allah from the day I left Karachi and it came a bit slow but when it came....it came in the disguise of angels from everywhere...can't thank The Lord enough....Anyway most people advised that I should concentrate on looking for something near my office in order to save myself from the agony of traffic...Al Rashidiya was the area suitable from every point of view...So there I went searching in a newspapers on Saturday (another recommendation from an old friend) and then also had looked on the Famous Emirates Intranet....calls made...places seen...nothing making sense...frankly speaking....I was on the verge of losing it...I went to Rashidiya directly from office on Sunday and Monday. I didnt know which bus to take and taxis are expensive so I walked...it was at least a 1 hour walk and when I reached there I was told I had come on the wrong way for at least 30 minutes...so a combination of taxi and another 40 minute walk got me INTO Rashidiya. Saw a place...too tacky and uncomfortable...then picked up more numbers from the grocery shop bulletin boards (another recommendation from friends here...) and then went back with no idea...what to do...
I decided I will not take a shared room any more and look for something independent. Bear the extra rent for 1 or 2 months and then bring family. An angel said...I buy mental peace with a few more bucks. It made sense. Later, I could even keep someone with me with my own preference for 2 months if I feel like it, until I am in a position to call family. That was another great advice. On Monday made some more calls and went again...this time in a bus which got me there in 15 minutes...and I laughed over my stupidity the other day...heheh...anyway after being dissapointed again I was 2 minutes from getting on the bus and going back home when I decided, I dont know why, that I will make one more call...and that was the one...SIGN OF GOD....I was waiting for...I liked the place...cosy and independent and at an OK rate as well....furnished with a little furniture too...moreover very near to the bus stop, shopping mall, restaurant, laundry, pharmacy, hospital, post office, bank, western union, park, mosque, you name it...all the facilities one could think of at a 2-5 minutes walk...Alhumdulillah...but what ifs started coming.... Anyway a second opinion is always better....so Allah sent his angel...for that....after lots of positive talk and discussion the DEAL was done....I move there on the 10th...Inshallah...
I have suddenly realized this is going to be a long post hehhe....anyway...
Thirdly, DUBAI....its an ok place....I dont hate it as yet...but havent really fallen in love with it either...miss my wife & kid a lot and just the thought of how tough it is for them...without me there...makes me think twice about everything...I want to enjoy life with them...alone is no longer what I like...I have met a lot of my friends around Dubai in some way or another...been to City Centre in Deira and Pak Ghazi Restaurant in Burjuman area...then have been around RASHIDIYA of course hehhe....the traffic is FAST to say the least...I have been walking to and from work for two days...its a 30-minute walk....its ok for now as the weather is fine...but it will all end when I move in Rashidiya since I will be taking a BUS...Its not a big city but its a city with BIG Buildings and BIG roads...so remembering them takes some time...Driving License and a car is a neccessity here as its costly to more around in taxis and inconvenient in jammed crowded buses...with petrol cheaper than ever...only the license is an issue as it takes some time to get it....otherwise....should be able to get the car soon after the license...other than that...its ok...
I will be doing my first independent laundry this weekend so already taking some directions from my wife via email...unfortunately I do not have external email access from work or the training residence so have not been able to check my yahoo, hotmail or gmail emails....so apologies if I havent replied to any mails...in the past week or so...hopefully nothing important....
Its a gradual process...I have to get an AC, a cupboard, iron & table, mattress & pillows, a laptop & internet connection, washing machine, fridge...etc etc...priority list has been made....step by step...bit by bit...the resident visa process continues in the background...but its more settled now...the mental tension for a living place is gone...Alhumdulillah....I had got an extension on the stay at the training residence also so I will utilize that until my training next week as the training area is very close to my current residence....I can move into the new place in Rashidiya after that...
So it was more about mental pressure than anything, I feel much relaxed now Alhumdulillah...short on sleep but still relaxed mentally...lots of prayers from myself and family back home...and guidance and advice from angels over here worked wonders for me...its all set to be built on now...Alhumdulillah...
This weekend, I ll get some things settled at the new place and get the keys....again Angels will help me vacuum and clean up the area....Its actually getting a bit embarassing now...I have always tried to help people out and never been in a taking help situation too much and he said but I am thinking of this as those good deeds coming back to me... send out prayers for everyone who has helped me here...
I will be trying to blog more regularly now...TRY is the word....rest only Allah knows...if will be able to or not...Salams and wishes to everyone who reads this....thank you for all your prayers...believe it or not THEY ARE WORKING....keep em coming....
There are big time gaps in my posts...as I have just not have had time to do anything other than CRITICAL stuff...here is what I have been upto...
Firstly, WORK ...its great...Alhumdulillah....great team, great boss, great work environment...I have got onto learning about the Airline industry in a jiffy...with my colleagues conducting internal training sessions everyday....I get a big gulp of knowledge everyday and try to digest in the evening...not always possible...but I am trying...its a very interesting industry. Being in the Financial Systems & Procedures dept, I have access to all the business logic and experience I could ever need and hence there are no stoppages in the learning process. I can go up to pretty much anyone and ask what I want. I have never been an accounts/finance person and they all know that. So the stupidest of questions are answered with extreme patience....I am putting in more effort also to put it all together...and Alhumdulillah...I get more confident by the day...a formal training starts next week for 5 days...that should set me up in the role a bit more....lets see...what develops...
Secondly, ACCOMODATION...oh yeah the first big problem in the UAE these days...new place, new environment and the rates going sky high....its very difficult to find a decent place in reasonable rent....bachelors share rooms, studio apts etc...families look for individual studios or partitions in villas...I got great advice from people around me. I had asked for help from Allah from the day I left Karachi and it came a bit slow but when it came....it came in the disguise of angels from everywhere...can't thank The Lord enough....Anyway most people advised that I should concentrate on looking for something near my office in order to save myself from the agony of traffic...Al Rashidiya was the area suitable from every point of view...So there I went searching in a newspapers on Saturday (another recommendation from an old friend) and then also had looked on the Famous Emirates Intranet....calls made...places seen...nothing making sense...frankly speaking....I was on the verge of losing it...I went to Rashidiya directly from office on Sunday and Monday. I didnt know which bus to take and taxis are expensive so I walked...it was at least a 1 hour walk and when I reached there I was told I had come on the wrong way for at least 30 minutes...so a combination of taxi and another 40 minute walk got me INTO Rashidiya. Saw a place...too tacky and uncomfortable...then picked up more numbers from the grocery shop bulletin boards (another recommendation from friends here...) and then went back with no idea...what to do...
I decided I will not take a shared room any more and look for something independent. Bear the extra rent for 1 or 2 months and then bring family. An angel said...I buy mental peace with a few more bucks. It made sense. Later, I could even keep someone with me with my own preference for 2 months if I feel like it, until I am in a position to call family. That was another great advice. On Monday made some more calls and went again...this time in a bus which got me there in 15 minutes...and I laughed over my stupidity the other day...heheh...anyway after being dissapointed again I was 2 minutes from getting on the bus and going back home when I decided, I dont know why, that I will make one more call...and that was the one...SIGN OF GOD....I was waiting for...I liked the place...cosy and independent and at an OK rate as well....furnished with a little furniture too...moreover very near to the bus stop, shopping mall, restaurant, laundry, pharmacy, hospital, post office, bank, western union, park, mosque, you name it...all the facilities one could think of at a 2-5 minutes walk...Alhumdulillah...but what ifs started coming.... Anyway a second opinion is always better....so Allah sent his angel...for that....after lots of positive talk and discussion the DEAL was done....I move there on the 10th...Inshallah...
I have suddenly realized this is going to be a long post hehhe....anyway...
Thirdly, DUBAI....its an ok place....I dont hate it as yet...but havent really fallen in love with it either...miss my wife & kid a lot and just the thought of how tough it is for them...without me there...makes me think twice about everything...I want to enjoy life with them...alone is no longer what I like...I have met a lot of my friends around Dubai in some way or another...been to City Centre in Deira and Pak Ghazi Restaurant in Burjuman area...then have been around RASHIDIYA of course hehhe....the traffic is FAST to say the least...I have been walking to and from work for two days...its a 30-minute walk....its ok for now as the weather is fine...but it will all end when I move in Rashidiya since I will be taking a BUS...Its not a big city but its a city with BIG Buildings and BIG roads...so remembering them takes some time...Driving License and a car is a neccessity here as its costly to more around in taxis and inconvenient in jammed crowded buses...with petrol cheaper than ever...only the license is an issue as it takes some time to get it....otherwise....should be able to get the car soon after the license...other than that...its ok...
I will be doing my first independent laundry this weekend so already taking some directions from my wife via email...unfortunately I do not have external email access from work or the training residence so have not been able to check my yahoo, hotmail or gmail emails....so apologies if I havent replied to any mails...in the past week or so...hopefully nothing important....
Its a gradual process...I have to get an AC, a cupboard, iron & table, mattress & pillows, a laptop & internet connection, washing machine, fridge...etc etc...priority list has been made....step by step...bit by bit...the resident visa process continues in the background...but its more settled now...the mental tension for a living place is gone...Alhumdulillah....I had got an extension on the stay at the training residence also so I will utilize that until my training next week as the training area is very close to my current residence....I can move into the new place in Rashidiya after that...
So it was more about mental pressure than anything, I feel much relaxed now Alhumdulillah...short on sleep but still relaxed mentally...lots of prayers from myself and family back home...and guidance and advice from angels over here worked wonders for me...its all set to be built on now...Alhumdulillah...
This weekend, I ll get some things settled at the new place and get the keys....again Angels will help me vacuum and clean up the area....Its actually getting a bit embarassing now...I have always tried to help people out and never been in a taking help situation too much and he said but I am thinking of this as those good deeds coming back to me... send out prayers for everyone who has helped me here...
I will be trying to blog more regularly now...TRY is the word....rest only Allah knows...if will be able to or not...Salams and wishes to everyone who reads this....thank you for all your prayers...believe it or not THEY ARE WORKING....keep em coming....
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