Arriving in Madinah, the son of a UAE resident who died in a Saudi bus accident reflected on his father’s character, saying he was a man who never caused harm.
“Son of UAE Resident Killed in Saudi Bus Accident Reaches Madinah: ‘He Never Harmed Anyone’”
The son of an Indian expatriate from Abu Dhabi, who was among those killed in Monday’s devastating bus accident in Saudi Arabia, has travelled to Madinah to provide DNA samples needed to identify his father’s body. Abdul Gani Shirahatti, a long-time UAE resident of nearly 20 years, was one of 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims who died after their bus crashed into a tanker on the route between Makkah and Madinah.
Gani’s son, along with his elder brother Farook, flew to Madinah from Hubballi, Karnataka, late on Tuesday after being informed of the tragedy. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Farook explained that the family is working closely with Saudi officials and has already given the required DNA samples so that his father’s remains can be formally identified and the final rites carried out. “We are awaiting further information from the authorities. Our DNA samples have been collected,” Farook said.
Gani departed Abu Dhabi on November 9 for what was supposed to be a brief Umrah pilgrimage. He had been employed as a driver at a hotel in the capital for 18 years and had lived in the UAE for nearly two decades. “He travelled alone from Abu Dhabi and later met up with a group of close family friends from Hyderabad, as they had coordinated their pilgrimage plans together. After completing the Umrah rituals in Makkah, he boarded the same bus as the group to make the journey to Madinah,” Farook explained.
“That was the very bus that met with the tragedy. We never expected such a thing to occur during a sacred journey,” Farook added.
Prior to moving to the UAE, Gani had spent several years working in Saudi Arabia, during which he had already completed both Hajj and Umrah. His brother remembered him as a dedicated, gentle, and sincere individual whose life was largely devoted to providing for his family in Karnataka.
Gani leaves behind his wife, three daughters, and a son. Two of his daughters are married. His son, who is currently in Madinah, works part-time at a clothing store in India after completing a diploma in electrical studies. “The children were very close to him,” Farook said. “He spent all these years working in Abu Dhabi for their sake.”
Tragic twist
In an unfortunate turn of events, Gani’s wife had intended to accompany him on the Umrah journey. “Her passport didn’t arrive in time. Otherwise, she would have traveled with him,” Farook explained. “We are trying to remain strong, but she is completely devastated.”
The family shared that Gani had planned to stay in Madinah for a few days, return to Abu Dhabi to complete his work duties, and then travel to India for a long-overdue vacation with his loved ones. “He told us he would be back soon after Umrah. We were all waiting for him,” Farook said.
Instead of preparing for his return, the family now finds themselves in Madinah, anxiously awaiting the completion of the official identification process. Farook mentioned that they have been receiving support from friends, community members, and authorities, but the waiting has been long and agonizing.
Gani had regarded Abu Dhabi as his second home for almost twenty years. He remained loyal to his job, working at the same hotel for 18 years, and built a stable life to provide for his family. “He led a simple, honest life. He never caused trouble for anyone and always worked hard,” Farook added.
