Mohammed Al Jaeedi. KT Photo: Shihab
Mohammed Al Jaeedi missed the opportunity to become a pilot after a severe head injury affected his memory, walking, and speaking abilities. A decade later, the young Emirati is employed full-time, works as a freelance photographer, and is a kart racer. In 2013, Al Jaeedi had just finished his first two months at the former Al Ain Aviation Academy, aiming to apply for Etihad’s pilot program upon graduation, when he was involved in a car accident.
“The impact struck my head and spine — specifically C4 and C5,” said the 31-year-old. “It impaired my memory. I can recall very little over extended periods. I also lost my balance. I can move my limbs, but I cannot walk, so I had to leave the academy.” His sister encouraged him to continue his education rather than remain idle at home. She enrolled him at UAE University, where he completed his foundation courses in less than a year and selected mass communication as his major.
However, he had to withdraw from university due to “psychological stress” and his father’s passing. “I experienced a long period where I was just at home, not working or studying. During my free time, I practiced kart racing at Al Ain Raceway.” After years of practice at Al Ain, Yas Marina Circuit, and Dubai Autodrome, Al Jaeedi decided to pursue another hobby. He began volunteering by providing photography services at community events and races.
As his photography skills improved and he gained confidence behind the camera, when people asked him to share their photos, he inquired about their willingness to pay. “Initially, they laughed and said, ‘Why would we pay you? Anyone can hold a camera and take a photo.’” Despite the negative responses, he persisted with his passion. He attended events across all emirates and took photos for free until he met his first paying customer at a Sharjah car show in 2019.
“I photographed him with his modified car, and he paid Dh5,000 for three pictures. I wasn’t sure if he genuinely liked them or felt sorry for me,” he said, recalling the moment with a laugh. “When I asked why he paid so much, he said I deserved every dirham.” Al Jaeedi says he doesn’t harbor resentment about the early rejections. “In fact, I’m grateful; they made me more determined to secure a full-time job and hopefully marry one day to live my life fully.”
Post-Covid, the Abu Dhabi resident switched jobs for a while. He worked as a social media manager at a Dubai company and then as a photographer at an architectural firm. “I did what was required of me despite the very low salary. I managed social media accounts, created content, took footage, and they paid me just over Dh2,500.” Although he felt the pay did not match the tasks, he accepted due to financial constraints. “With their salary and the Dh5,000 from Nafis, I had around Dh8,000 in total.”
He eventually left that job and continued his job search. Last year, he attended the Industrialists Career Exhibition in Abu Dhabi and was promptly offered a job after impressing a top government official with his determination — arriving alone on a wheelchair to secure a livelihood. “My memory is very weak since the accident; I don’t remember the details of that day. I only recall going to the fair and then starting this job. I was a trainee initially and became a full-time employee in April or May.” Al Jaeedi now works as a receptionist at an international company in Mussafah, practices photography part-time, and races in his free time.
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