Long due recognition: UAE's AA hero

The founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the UAE has been nationally feted for 30 years for helping addicts find their lives again.

In his first public appearance, Tom L., 64, was presented with an award this week by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi National Rehabilitation Centre.

After years of selfless service, it is the only time that Tom has agreed to be photographed and identified.

In contrast to a time when a small group met quietly to respect Muslim views about alcohol, the centre has recognised Tom and AA for "continuous outstanding contribution towards recovery".

The well-attended awards ceremony was a bit overwhelming for a man who once struggled heavily with the bottle to the point that he lost his job, his family and friends in the late 1960s in India.

"It came to a point where I was living in the streets in Mumbai. I was 26 and didn’t have any hope," he said in an interview with XPRESS. "Then one day I had a spiritual awakening."

On July 20, 1970, Tom attended an AA meeting and his life was transformed forever thanks to the 12-Step Programme and a new relationship with his "higher power".

In 1975, he moved to Abu Dhabi as a labourer and two years later, he founded the very first AA meeting in a small room in Deira.

"There was a need for this meeting for myself and for others as well," he said, seated in his spacious villa.