I have a fun #IveBeenInDubaiSince story, if anyone's keen. It involves my father, who worked for @DEWAOfficial at the time and the vision of the Al Maktoums and @HHShkMohd.

A thread.

My dad worked for @DEWAOfficial for about 25 years. My entire childhood was that time. This is back when the only thing near the power plant was the Hilton and Chicago Beach. SZR was a dual carriageway. #IveBeenInDubaiSince

I remember, way back then, we'd pack snacks to visit my dad at the @DEWAOfficial power plant. We lived in Al Naif in Deira and the plant was "far".

That entire area, was outside city limits. I mean, you'd have to drive PAST the Thunder Bowl and Megaplex. Real far.

#IveBeenInDubaiSince

I remember, being about 8 or 9 years old at the time. My dad once took the family out to a work site, for fun. (His idea, not mine)

#IveBeenInDubaiSince

He drove us way into Jebel Ali, but away from the shore and we all got out. Dad, mom and me. From there, we could see the plant, the Hilton and nothing else.

And then he said something that blew my mind.

#IveBeenInDubaiSince

"Son, do you know that @DEWAOfficial is planning for enough electricity for over 200 towers over there?" he said, pointing towards the shore.

"They're going to build hundreds of towers and thousands will live & work there. This is the vision of @HHShkMohd"

#IveBeenInDubaiSince

"Why would ANYONE want to live all the way out here!?" said a very bewildered, 8-10 year old @Malizomg.

#IveBeenInDubaiSince

'That area' as my dad called it, is what we now know as the Marina, JBR and JLT. 200+ towers. Exactly where my dad said they would be.

Heck, I even lived in one of them, much to the bewilderment of young @MaliZomg.

#IveBeenInDubaiSince

I like this story for two reasons. 1) it's an awesome story of my father who was there when the foundations for Dubai, as we know it today, we're set in place.

My father has been here for about 50 years, so I love sharing his little contribution to the UAE.

#IveBeenInDubaiSince

And secondly, it shows you the incredible vision of @HHShkMohd and the Royal Family. I mean, we're talking about 25~ years ago.

They knew then what Dubai could be, as we see it now. And they were planning for it.

And they did it.

#IveBeenInDubaiSince

All 8 year old me saw was sand. They saw towers, residential and commercial, they saw industry and regional headquarter for multinational corporations.

Over 25 years ago.

#IveBeenInDubaiSince

And the best part? My dad was there.

#IveBeenInDubaiSince my father, Nisar Ahmed - DEWA Superintendent, was helping @DEWAOfficial with plans for Dubai's future, helping them fulfill the vision of @HHShkMohd, when all I saw was the sand.

I love Dubai. And I love my dad.

JUST TO CLARIFY, I LOVE MY MOM TOO.

(you know, in case she sees this)