Gardener hits a barren stretch

Dubai: Ali does not even know his full name. The gardener from Pakistan knows he has two extended names in his passport but he has no clue. "For me, I am Ali and that is it."

Ali said he is poor and he thinks the rest of the world is also getting poor.

"That is what they are saying when I ask to be paid for my job."

He complained that even rich people are paying him less these days. Ali ekes out a living by tending to gardens in private villas. He said he has not got a new job in the last three months.

"Many people are even telling me that they do not need me any more and that their maids can take care of the garden. Worse, people who promised me Dh300 are giving only Dh200," he said.

Ali has heard about people losing jobs but he does not know why. He guesses that may be due to the fact that the arbab (boss) also does not have the money to pay.

Ali said if "rich people" do not have enough money to spend on their gardens, there is no point for him to keep looking for a job.

"My visa is expiring soon and I am thinking of going back," he said.

War or peace, global recession or growth, inflation or deflation, people on the fringes seldom comprehend the changing facts of life. All that matters to them are their dear and near ones and the rise and fall in the prices of essential goods. Gulf News finds out what world economic crisis means to the low-income sector and how it has affected them. And it seems for many ignorance is really bliss.