Step 1: Convert the fraction to a ratio. "Mei Ling = $\\dfrac{5}{8}$ of Ahmad" means Mei Ling : Ahmad = $5 : 8$.\n Step 2: Use units. Let Mei Ling = $5$ units and Ahmad = $8$ units.\n Step 3: Total. $5 + 8 = 13$ units = $\\$208$.\n Step 4: Find $1$ unit. $1$ unit = $208 \\div 13 = \\$16$.\n Step 5: Find Ahmad's amount. Ahmad = $8$ units = $8 \\times 16 = \\$128$.\nCheck: Mei Ling = $5 \\times 16 = \\$80$; total = $80 + 128 = \\$208$ ✓; ratio $80 : 128 = 5 : 8$ ✓. Answer: $128