Ahmed Salem AlZaabi - in pictures

Ahmed Salem AlZaabi was born to an Emirati father and Indian mother in Maharashtra, India, in 1976. All photos: Ahmed Salem AlZaabi
Ahmed Salem AlZaabi was born to an Emirati father and Indian mother in Maharashtra, India, in 1976. All photos: Ahmed Salem AlZaabi
Mr AlZaabi was taken care of by his mother, Khurshid, after his father left for Abu Dhabi
Mr AlZaabi was taken care of by his mother, Khurshid, after his father left for Abu Dhabi
Mr AlZaabi grew up poor and did not have new clothes or shoes to wear
Mr AlZaabi grew up poor and did not have new clothes or shoes to wear
When he was eight years old, Mr AlZaabi's father returned to India looking for him, which changed his life
When he was eight years old, Mr AlZaabi's father returned to India looking for him, which changed his life
Mr AlZaabi says it was a dream to have his father take him around and buy him everything he wanted before he returned to Abu Dhabi two weeks later
Mr AlZaabi says it was a dream to have his father take him around and buy him everything he wanted before he returned to Abu Dhabi two weeks later
Mr AlZaabi's father then brought him back to Abu Dhabi when he was 12, where he was granted Emirati citizenship and enrolled into a government school
Mr AlZaabi's father then brought him back to Abu Dhabi when he was 12, where he was granted Emirati citizenship and enrolled into a government school
Mr AlZaabi says he is proud to be an Emirati as well as Indian, and that his loyalty is split between the two countries
Mr AlZaabi says he is proud to be an Emirati as well as Indian, and that his loyalty is split between the two countries