Kerala’s early expat Krishnan holds driving license older than UAE itself; journey begun at 19

It was on December 12, 1968, when Krishnan of Pandaravalappu in Kannur’s Ezhilode became one of the earliest Malayali residents to step foot in the UAE. In effect, he arrived even before the UAE was formally established. Now aged 76, Krishnan marks half a century since receiving his UAE driving license, a milestone he shares with immense pride as one of the earliest Keralite expatriates.

He obtained his first license on August 31, 1975 in Ajman, during a time when the UAE did not require visas and driving licenses to originate from the same emirate. Training could take place anywhere in the UAE. Krishnan practiced driving at the garage in Dubai where he worked, so he needed little formal preparation before taking the test.

All preliminary tests, including parking, were held within the compound of the Ajman police station. The final road test was also near the station, and Krishnan passed on his first attempt. The fee at the time was 35 dirhams. His original license was a handwritten document in Arabic. He submitted a black-and-white photo taken at a studio in Dubai, and the license was issued to him by a police officer at the Ajman station—moments he recalls with great joy.

The license was initially valid for one year, later renewed for three, five and then 10 years. His first car was a 1968 Austin Mini Mk—a memory that stays with him. Krishnan has witnessed the rapid transformation of the UAE in his lifetime.

He has been progressing in his life which started from a garage by running his own workshop since 1980 in Dubai.

In 2023, his wife Lalitha passed away in Dubai. He is survived by three children: Prabhat Krishnan, Praveen Krishnan and Priya Krishnan.