Pakistani Father-Son Duo Drives Taxis in Dubai

Feb 20, 2026

76 min

Feb 20, 2026 01:31

Meet Pakistani expat father and son driving Dubai together

## A Journey Across Generations

Umer Zarin, a Pakistani expatriate, arrived in the UAE in 1983. Initially working as a gardener, he transitioned to driving taxis in Dubai by 1996. His son, Waqas Khan, joined him at the Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) over a year ago, making them one of the few father-son pairs in the industry.

## Navigating Dubai's Roads

Umer, now 65, boasts an intimate knowledge of Dubai's streets, claiming he doesn't need GPS. He has witnessed the city's transformation from desert landscapes to a bustling metropolis. Despite the changes, he remains committed to his work, often forgoing trips home to Pakistan to support his family financially.

## Family and Sacrifice

Umer's dedication has allowed him to support his siblings and fund his children's education. His wife and younger son, Abbas, have never visited the UAE, a situation Umer hopes to change.

## Embracing Diversity

Fluent in several languages, Umer values the multicultural environment of Dubai. He shares a home with his son and an Indian roommate, highlighting the peaceful coexistence of different nationalities.

## Lessons for the Next Generation

Waqas, who joined DTC after completing his education in Pakistan, has learned valuable lessons from his father. Umer emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean taxi and being honest, having returned lost items to passengers over the years.

## Looking Ahead

As Dubai prepares for technological advancements like autonomous taxis, Umer remains optimistic about the future. Meanwhile, Waqas dreams of pursuing a career in cricket, hoping to participate in upcoming tournaments.

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