In a moving celebration of heritage and community spirit, Dubai Airports recently honored one of the emirate’s earliest arrivals in a gesture that touched hearts across the nation. As part of the UAE’s “Year of Community,” this act went beyond formality—it represented decades of dedication, belonging, and shared progress.
The story centers on Haj Jamaluddin, an esteemed educator and founder of Al Hilal English High School in Dubai. His journey with the city began on February 26, 1965, when he first set foot in the Emirate after arriving from Mumbai by sea. At that time, Dubai was just beginning to shape its identity. There was no established port, and the city’s modern skyline was only a dream.
Sixty years later, Haj Jamaluddin’s son wanted to honor that pivotal moment in his father’s life—not just as a memory, but as a meaningful tribute. He envisioned his father receiving a formal Dubai entry stamp for the first time, symbolizing a lifetime of loyalty and contribution to the city that had become their home.
Thanks to the support of the team at Dubai Airports, this deeply personal wish became reality. In an emotional moment, Haj Jamaluddin received the commemorative stamp—an acknowledgment of both his journey and the role he played in Dubai’s growth.
“This stamp isn’t just ink on a passport,” said Haj Jamaluddin. “It’s a tribute to a life journey, to everything Dubai has given us. My son wanted to honor those decades, and Dubai Airports made that dream come true.”
Haj Jamaluddin is a prominent figure in Dubai’s education landscape. Since founding Al Hilal English High School in 1984, he has helped shape the futures of thousands of students. Today, the school serves over 1,700 boys and girls and is known for its accessible tuition and strong academic values. His educational philosophy is rooted in a simple yet powerful belief: “Money isn’t everything—knowledge is the strongest weapon.”
More than just an educator, Haj Jamaluddin is also a respected social figure whose story is woven into Dubai’s community fabric. He credits his strong sense of belonging to the inspiring leadership of the UAE, particularly the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whom he fondly recalls seeing at work sites in the early hours of the morning.
“He was always among the people,” Jamaluddin reminisced. “And today, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum carries that same torch. That’s why Dubai is what it is today.”
To further celebrate this meaningful occasion, Dubai Airports also arranged an educational visit for students of Al Hilal School to Dubai International Airport (DXB). There, they explored behind-the-scenes airport operations and learned how the airport serves as a global bridge connecting communities from around the world.
This heartfelt initiative is more than a ceremonial stamp—it’s a reminder of the human stories behind Dubai’s transformation, and the enduring values of inclusion, gratitude, and shared progress that continue to define the UAE’s journey.
