Working for a salary fit for a king

Dubai: Sergeant Ahmad Mohammad Sulaiman Al Aasi started working for Dubai Police in 1969 when he was "either 19 or 20 years old" and "when there was no air conditioning in Dubai", as a guard shifting between the Police Ports Station in Bur Dubai, and Deira.

"My living conditions weren't so good, and working in the police paid very well so I took a police job," said Al Aasi, who is now "about sixty — not sure".

What he does remember very well, however, is how much his salary was the year he joined: "exactly 280 Gulf Rupees", he said. "Fit for a king!"

Asked how much his salary could buy back then, he said it was a millionaire's salary that left him with huge savings even after monthly expenses such as food and lodging were paid.

Having started his job living in the police station, Al Aasi moved to Satwa and built a house after getting married.

"It was good back then," he said. "Life was good. We didn't have air conditioning or fans then but we never complained. We didn't know any better. We were comfortable," he said.

Forty years later, Al Aasi is father to 11 children, all of whom are educated.

But he says that much more has changed since then.

"Now, there is air conditioning everywhere. In cars, in restaurants, in homes... everywhere. And there are so many buildings and hotels," he said.

He vaguely remembers the transformation of Dubai Police to what it has become now, including police chief Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan. "I remember the first head of police was a British man followed by Abdullah Belhoul and then Dahi. He is a good man. He has done well," he said.

Al Aasi now works as a driver for the police and says he lives a comfortable life.