For most people, a place of work is where colleagues engage professionally, however for Dubai-based mom and son Shaila Thayil Kunju Muhammad and Shafeek, it is a space where their own family bond deepens. Both taxi drivers below the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), they not share their profession however also appearance out for each different and exchange advise on navigating their regular routes. Their connection turns into even more profound all through Ramadan, as they observe the holy month collectively—fasting, getting ready food, and praying side by side.
After a long day of using, Shaila, 53, returns home by way of mid-afternoon to prepare iftar, the meal to break the fast. Shafeek, 31, who works the same hours, joins her in the kitchen, helping with the preparation of biryani, samosas, pakoras, and other light dishes.
“It’s a unique kind of bonding for us,” Shaila stated in a phone interview from their domestic in Muhaisnah. “We rapid collectively, put together our food collectively, and also pray together.”
A Career Shaped by way of a Mother’s Influence
In most families, career choices are frequently inspired through fathers. However, in Shafeek’s case, his mom was the guiding force to become to be a taxi driver. Shaila, a DTC veteran with almost two decades of enjoy, endorsed her son to join the company 3 years in the past, assisting him locate his way at the back of the wheel.
Shaila’s journey to achievement in Dubai changed into a ways from easy. Originally from Kerala, India, she arrived in the UAE in 1999, four years after the death of her husband. With two younger sons—Shafeek, then just a year old, and his elder brother Shajudeen—she needed to step up as the sole provider for her family. Leaving her children in the care of her family back homex, she took on numerous jobs to support them.
Her first job in the UAE changed into as a domestic worker for an Arab own family in Sharjah. Despite the demanding situations, she remained decided to construct a higher future. She cautiously saved money to sign up for using college and efficiently received her license in 2002 on her first attempt.
Her driving abilities quickly led her to a higher-paying task as a family chauffeur. However, her profession honestly took off while she noticed an commercial for female drivers at DTC’s Pink Taxi carrier. Seizing the opportunity, she implemented and turned into ordinary. Since then, she has built a reputation for being a accountable, warm, and expert motive force, competencies that she passed down to her son.
A Respected Role Model
Throughout her 19-year tenure with DTC, Shaila has maintained a spotless driving report, freed from accidents or predominant visitors violations. “I drive safely and responsibly,” she proudly said. “I always desired to be a function model for my sons.”
Her dedication and resilience have not most effective formed her career but have also motivated her children’s achievement. Her elder son, Shajudeen, pursued a career as a picture designer for a sales company in Dubai, at the same time as Shafeek observed in her footsteps as a taxi driving force.
Shafeek acknowledges his mother’s guidance in helping him adapt to the activity. “Mama knows Dubai like the back of her hand,” he stated, crediting her for teaching him how to correctly navigate the city’s roads and customer service expectancies.
Although Shaila manages her obligations nicely, she remains mindful of her health. She has diabetes and frequently video display units her blood sugar ranges, but she does not permit it deter her. With her transition to a limo driving force role at DTC, her workload has eased, allowing her to preserve operating properly into her 60s, if possible.
A Joyful Eid Reunion
Beyond their expert achievements, family stays at the coronary heart of Shaila and Shafeek’s lives. Days before Eid, the mother-son duo traveled back to Kerala to reunite with their cherished ones. For Shaila, the ride become mainly thrilling, because it intended reuniting with her 3 grandchildren—two from Shajudeen and one from Shafeek.
Despite the years of difficult work and sacrifice, she reveals immense satisfaction in seeing her family grow and thrive. Her story is considered one of perseverance, love, and an unbreakable bond between a mom and son who no longer best percentage a career but additionally existence’s maximum significant moments together.
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