A Journey Through Homes

I have lived in 26 different homes across 46 years, yet I found stability through 12 years at the same school in Abu Dhabi. Despite constant relocations, that consistent school environment kept me grounded.

My earliest memories include a flat on Nadi Syahi in the Tourist Club area, where my grandfather ran a small grocery shop downstairs. I remember waiting for the school bus during early winter mornings, the world still dark outside, and visiting a newly opened Baskin Robbins, where I obtained complimentary orange-flavored ice cream repeatedly on launch day.

Our subsequent moves included villas on the Corniche, a home near the passport office, an ADCO compound where I managed neighborhood football games, and multiple Al Karama residences — including a three-story villa that formerly housed the Chinese embassy, where my father built me a rooftop room.

Childhood creativity flourished indoors. My sister and I converted a half-circle window into a football goal, invented tryouts with backstories for imaginary players, and constructed cities using fragrance bottles as skyscrapers. We performed plays from books for visiting relatives and created our own magazine inspired by Majid, selling puzzles to each other.

Daily rituals centered around school bus commutes, mandatory lunch completion, and a cherished one-hour cartoon block from 4–5 PM. Holiday activities included watching Kuwaiti comedy productions and extended imaginative play sessions.

Looking back, I realize that home isn't lost in the shuffle. It exists within our stories, our invented games, and our relationships — the things that transform any location into belonging.