How Dubai changed the life of these expats

Dubai - Expats recount their experience of Dubai and how it has transformed their lives

Dubai is a city of dreams. It's lavish lifestyle and lucrative jobs lure people from all across the world. Every day, thousands of jobseekers arrive in this city to fulfil their dreams.
While some fail to accomplish their goals, there are many for whom the Dubai effect has been nothing less than life-transforming.
Take the case of Advin from Philippines. Before moving to Dubai, he had simple goals in life. He wanted to be a public school teacher in his hometown and settle down in life.
But his life changed forever the day he arrived in Dubai, three years ago.
"This city taught me to dream big. When I landed a good job here, I gained confidence. I didn't know I could do so well professionally," said the 23-year-old who works in a publishing house in Dubai. His family lives in Philippines.
He says Dubai expanded his horizons, making him think big. "Dubai helps you to recognise who you are. And this is what I like the most about this city."
While Advin came here looking for opportunity, here are others who land in Dubai out of necessity. For thousands of Syrian expats living here, Dubai spells safety and security.
21-year-old Yazen Al Melhem from Syria came to Dubai after he was forced to quit college following the ongoing conflict there.
Even though he could not afford to complete his education, he got a decent job here as a butler in one of the leading Dubai hotels.
"For me, Dubai is a place that helped me get a stable income, which is difficult in Syria at this time. I have a secure future here," Yazen told Khaleej Times. He has been living in Dubai for 5 years now.
Thirty-year-old Shadi too moved his family from Syria to Dubai as he feared for the future of his children.
Shadi, who runs a business here, says Dubai is safer than any European country. "Also, I do not need to fear for the education and career of my children. This place guarantees both."
For 27-year-old Areeba, on the other hand, Dubai has brought her closer to Islam. She says the place drastically changed her as a person.
"I was influenced by the culture of this place. Even though I am a born Muslim, Dubai helped me learn and follow Islam," Areeba, who hails from Delhi, told Khaleej Times.
She never wore a hijab or abaya before moving to Dubai. "But when I looked at women here dressed modestly in abaya, it really attracted me. Also I was able to avail free Islamic classes."
One of the biggest things that Dubai teaches expats is tolerance. Expats who spoke with Khaleej Times said that, before coming to Dubai, they never imagined living peacefully among people from so many communities and religions.
"Dubai teaches us that humanity is above all cultures and religions. We live in harmony with people from other countries because we treat each other as humans first," said Sayeda, a school teacher who hails from India.
Areeba added that she was able to make friends with people from different countries, a fact that she enjoys the most.
"You learn about different cultures, religions, food, dress code, music, festivals and so many others things."
Has the city changed you in any way? Let us know in comments below.
(Some names in the story have been changed on request.)
sana@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai