A great Interview with Long Time Resident in UAE Hassan Kutty
After 40 years working at the club, Kerala native (india) hassan kutty is finally retiring to his family in india. Recalling memories from his time to in UAE.
The UAE wasn’t as well known back in 70s as it is now. Did you know much about the country before you arrived?
I didn’t know much about the UAE but in india… I didn’t seen many people coming back home from here with a lot of money. I came by ship, it took five days from Bombay to Dubai. I started working in the Dubai Police Canteen in 1976 and  a year later I joined the club to do stewarding – setting up for birthday parties, Light, Sound and other everything.
What was your first impression of Abu Dhabi when you Arrived?
It was very nice. It was like  a small village, there were only two or three buildings on the Corniche. Like the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. After the 85s there were a lot of changes in Abu Dhabi, a lot of Development.
What is your Favorite Memory?
Hamdan Center is my favorite, everyone came to the hamdan area because all the post was delivered here at this time, we had no mobiles or telephones but everyone had a box there. By 5pm or 6pm everyone, more than 500 people would be there to get letters from family, from home and from friends.
How do you fell now that you are retiring?
I am happy, after 40 years of working I can relax and see my wife and family in Kerala. All my memories will be from the club, the staff. I have met very nice people, and many locals who have become my friends.
What has been your favorite part about living in Abu Dhabi?
The club, the committee, some locals  and guests, the staff and all the support they give my family and I have a lot of friends here and people have asked me for my email or told me to call them when I leave. I will miss them. I only 24 years in Karla and then 40 years in Abu Dhabi, so it became my home! I have loved living here.