Old Emirati man recalls hardship of life before UAE union. 94-year-old Emirati Ali Al Hassani recalls his life before the union of the United Arab Emirates and gives thanks for the assistance he has received from Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. See more at: http://gulfnews.com/gntv
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00:00I felt the hectic life of Dubai drift away, as I made my way towards the mountains of
00:14Debal Fujairah.
00:19My destination was the home of 94-year-old Emirati Al Hassani, located in a village built
00:26by Sheikh Rashid in the 70s.
00:32Entering the house, I was greeted by Hassani, his 91-year-old wife, and other family members.
00:40I took my seat on the traditional Bedouin floor cushions and listened, as Hassani shared
00:45stories from his life.
01:16Being used to living an active life made it all the more difficult for Hassani to cope,
01:37when four years ago, tragedy struck in the form of a stroke, leaving him paralyzed.
01:44Hassani's family struggled to care for him, and transport him to the city for special
01:48care.
01:49But a blessing came to the family, when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
01:54Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, heard about Hassani's
01:58situation and offered assistance.
02:00As I said my goodbyes, it was clear just how grateful Hassani's family and friends were,
02:28for the assistance that has helped to ease the life of the father figure in this community.
02:34I left the village feeling somewhat privileged to make the 134-kilometer trip back to Dubai,
02:40a journey that used to take Al Hassani eight days on a donkey.
02:45Noor Nazal for Gulf News.