Disabled florist Saber Sharef feels 'as free as a bird' thanks to his blossoming career
It's a cold February evening and the air is filled with the aroma of hot food. Loud music is being played. Children are laughing and you can hear the gentle stream of conversations floating around.
In the midst of this carnival atmosphere at the Global Village, stands a cart loaded with plump red, pink, yellow and white rose blooms. Just like the roses he sells are fresh and bursting with life, so is Jordanian Saber Sharef.
Courage
Saber, who has been selling flowers at Global Village since 2001, is an example of courage and determination for each and every one of us who dreams of finding their place in life.
But finding that path has not been easy. Saber, who was born disabled with no legs, works hard for his dreams.
He greets passersby with a smile and is quick to strike up a conversation with whoever stops to buy a rose.
As girls crowd around the cart wearing indecisive smiles, wondering which roses to pick, he speaks with enthusiasm and laughs easily.
Originally from Jordan, and born in Kuwait in 1973, Saber wasn't able to get an education because of the lack of availability of a school for people with special needs.
Later, when his family moved to the UAE, he insisted on being home-schooled. With his extensive efforts and the help of his supportive family, he was able to get a high school diploma by the time he was 29 years. After that he joined a programme at the British Council to learn English, which he speaks fluently now.
It was after he finished his education that Saber discovered his love of roses. In 1991 he started off with a simple stand along Al Rigga Street during the Dubai Shopping Festival. After that, he opened Jabal Al Zuhoor, a flower shop in Al Ain.
Since then, he has been running the shop by himself, for according to him, and even if it gets tough at times, he has the satisfaction of being independent.
"I like to be as free as a bird," Saber says with a proud voice.
He is content with his life. He has strong faith in God and believes that everything happens for a reason. This positive approach in life is what gets him through each day.
"We should never lose faith in God, and nothing can stop a person from making a dream come true," he says.
Engages
Saber engages his customers not only with interesting conversation about the beauty of roses, but also about life, faith and hope.
He loves his job. It is a source of regular income for his family - he wouldn't choose a different career even if he had the option.
"I am truly thankful for this job. It supports me, my wife and child," he says.
Saber is now happily married with a 2-year-old daughter named Zainab, who, as he says, gives meaning to his life.
His face lights up at the mention of his daughter. Saber hopes to raise her to have the principles he has lived with and learnt - strong faith, perseverance and courage.
Stronger
Even though all his life, Saber has faced difficulties and often been discouraged by people, it just makes him stronger and pushes him to try harder.
As people stop at his cart, each with a different story about their lives, Saber's experiences help him find just the right thing to say, to put them at ease and get them to talk.
"I love talking to people and getting to know them. There is so much to see and learn," he says.
