A 97-year-old Indian origin man in the United Arab Emirates could become the first centenarian to be driving on Dubai roads in three years as he got his driving licence renewed for the next four years.
The licence of Tehemten Homi Dhunjiboy Mehta, born in 1922, is valid until October 2023, the Gulf News reported.
Coincidentally, the 97-year-old Prince Philip, the husband of British Queen Elizabeth II, has willingly surrendered his driving licence, weeks after the duke miraculously escaped unhurt in a terrifying accident that injured two women in another car.
Mehta, a Kenyan of Indian descent, lives alone and is in no haste to hit the roads as he thinks cars make people sluggish. He likes to walk – sometimes up to four hours daily.
The Dubai resident since 1980, who never married, last drove a vehicle in 2004. He currently uses public transport or travels around on foot.
“Don’t tell anyone. It’s the secret of my robust health and long life. And yes, I don’t smoke or drink,” he says as he chuckles.
Mehta took up an accounting job at a five star hotel where he worked until 2002 when a regular background check of employees revealed his age and he was asked to put in his papers.
“I was 80 then with no family and nowhere to go so I dug into my lifetime’s savings and bought a one-bedroom apartment in the city to secure a life-long residency in the safe environs of Dubai.
“I have been living as a loner for the most part of life as I never got married. I have a younger sister in the UK who I visit every summer but I banished all thoughts of relocating there after I was mugged in London in broad day light some years ago. I can’t imagine that happening in Dubai so I would rather stay here,” Mehta said.
All of his friends are long dead and the lone support he has is from members of law firm Al Midfa and Associates whom he contacted in 2004 to help draft a will.
-Sowmya Sangam
