‘I struggle to climb onto my bed. Today I went up Burj Khalifa’
Differently-abled youth, friends gifted trip by Dubai travel agency after video went viral
Iusually struggle to climb on to my bed. Today I went up the world’s tallest tower.” That’s how Indian tourist Alif Mohammed described his tryst with Burj Khalifa during his first overseas trip.
The 20-year-old youth of determination, his mother and his two classmate-friends are in Dubai, courtesy a Dubai travel agency owner who was touched after seeing a viral a video of the three friends from Kerala, India.
In the video, released in March, Mohammed, who was born with undeveloped limbs, is seen being carried around his college by his friends Aarya and Archana.
For the two girls — and the other college mates — this was nothing out of the ordinary. Almost every classmate in their 70-strong batch at DB college in Shasthamkotta in Kerala lend a hand to carry Alif around the campus.
However, when Mohammed uploaded the video to his Instagram page, it quickly went viral. The camaraderie, kindness and love on display touched many hearts on social media.
Soon, a Dubai-based Malayalam radio station reached out to Mohammed for an interview where he talked about his lifelong dream to visit Dubai.
Afi Ahmed, managing director of Smart Travel, Dubai, was among those who had tuned in to the station, and he knew he had to reach out to the youth. “When I heard that, I knew that I had to bring him and the girls to Dubai.”
Ahmed has not only flown in the trio and Mohammed’s mom to Dubai, he is personally accompanying the group on all outings, to ensure they have the time of their life.
“I think good deeds should be celebrated. That’s the only way to preserve humanity and inspire more people to do good,” he said.
Mohammed and his friends are doubtless over the moon. From a visit to Burj Khalifa to desert safari, a complete Dubai experience awaits them.
A fun gang
“All the boys in the college offer to carry him, but he only wants the girls to carry him,” Aarya teased Mohammed, while Archana giggled. The three were enjoying mandi at a popular restaurant in Karama.
Their deep friendship and camaraderie is immediately evident through their banter, interactions and exchanges.
For three years, the three, along with 67 other classmates have been through thick and thin together. “My friends are my strength,” said Mohammed. “Throughout college, no matter what I need, my friends have always been there to help me.”
The three who just completed their bachelor’s in commerce, say it was love at first sight with Dubai and are hoping that the visit also lands them jobs here.
“My 15-year-old sister and 10-year-old brother were excited for us, but disappointed that they couldn’t come to Dubai,” said Mohammed. “I promised them that if I land a job, the first thing I will do is bring them here. I hope some day I can fulfill that promise.”
My friends are my strength. Throughout college, no matter what I need, my friends have always been there to help me.
Alif Mohammed
No time to worry
“But we are not thinking about all that now,” said Archana. “We are soaking in the sights and sounds of Dubai. We know it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and are enjoying ourselves. We will take care of other issues later.”