Marianne Tafani, Dubai, Pilates instructor and educator, @marianne.coreconnect
I grew up in a small coastal town of the South of France called Bandol, where my family is from. I am a Pilates instructor and educator, which means I teach classes, but also workshops and trainings to educate instructors and clients about core-related issues such as lower back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and pre/postnatal fitness. I work as a freelancer and have created my own method, the Core Connect method. But I also collaborate with great places such as the Sports Clinic Up and Running or the Bodytree Studio in Abu Dhabi.
Why I moved
I have been privileged enough to live in the UAE for five years now. My last job before was in Paris, at the French Parliament, at the time of the first terror attacks in early 2015. It was an intense lifestyle and challenging role. Having grown up in the Mediterranean sun, both my husband and I were growing more uncomfortable with the Parisian lifestyle. So when he got an opportunity to live and work in the sun, we decided to move.
About first impression
It was warm, safe and clean. I know it sounds superficial. Many people idealize Paris. However, the reality of life on the ground was not nearly as romantic. So safety, sunshine and cleanliness were radical and welcome changes.
About difficulties
The difficulties I faced were many, of course. Finding a job was not easy, as Ramadan started shortly after I arrived. I was used to a hectic and busy lifestyle so it was lonely in the early days. Even if I started taking Arabic classes six days after landing to meet new people. Adapting to the many layers and versions of the English language was a challenge as well. I had lived in London and Atlanta before, but had never lived with as cosmopolitan a community before, in the sense that language could come as a barrier to communication at times.
About differences
There were too many differences to begin to mention. I think the way Dubai is organized is brand new in terms of urban design that is very different from the European and Mediterranean heritage.
About similarities
There are as many similarities as there are differences. If I were to compare with where I am from, the main similarity is the importance and respect for the family and the elderly I guess. Which is not something you will find in Paris for instance.
About people
I do not judge other lifestyles or cultures, as long as I am welcome by a people and live in an environment that allows me to flourish and grow as a person. They are one of an educated people who invest time and energy in their family, preserving traditions, but are also open to the rest of the world.
What I like there
The possibility to start afresh and success quickly, if you are willing to put in the work and grow your network organically. I love that everything is so word of mouth. It suits my personality. If you do your job well, you know people will eventually find out about your services. And you can grow fairly quickly.
Interesting story
I can tell you one anecdote that has transformed the way we choose the places we decide to live in. During my first pregnancy, we lived on the 69th floor of a beautiful tower in the Marina. We could see all the way to Burj Al Arab, and even Burj Khalifa. The waves crashing against the shore from this up high were a landscape I will never forget. However, one day as I was teaching in JLT, my friends started texting me. My building was on fire, 50 storeys were inflamed. We crashed at friends' for six weeks and it was epic to remove soot from our things. Four years later, we can still smell it on some of our winter clothes even though we have washed these clothes countless times. I am grateful I was working then. But choose your apartment wisely, not just the view is my new motto.
Navine Eldesouki, Dubai, entrepreneur, @coffeewithanexpat
My most recent role is Founder of Coffee with an Expat, a platform for expats locally and globally through FB group Coffee with Expat Women. Locally I hosted events for the expat community inviting speakers to discuss topics important to our lifestyle. It is also a supportive community where women can connect, develop friendships, and expand their network.
Expat life also offers an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and experience, to see a part of the world through living instead of visiting - it’s a completely different perspective. It offers the opportunity to travel to new places, to embrace a new culture, learn a new language, experience different foods, meet amazing people with diverse backgrounds.
September 2020 will mark four years in UAE. It will be the longest country we have lived in over a decade. We moved here for with my husband company and for his career.
About first impression
I had visited UAE a few times for vacation prior to moving here, but my impression of Dubai in particular was a grand, bustling, cosmopolitan city.
About difficulties
It was hot. That was hard coming from Europe and with a newborn baby. House hunting became a challenge because of that very reason. Also driving here was not easy to start with until you get used to how other people drive.
About people
The UAE locals are very elegant and poised. They only make up about 12% of the population in the UAE so you do not really get much opportunity to meet and speak with Emiratis. I was fortunate to be invited into an Emirati home, which was very grand. Emiratis are very proud of who they are and of their country, and their leaders.
What I like there
We are very spoilt in the UAE. The quality of living is very high and there is an abundance of almost everything. From grand malls, countless cafes and restaurants, huge range of entertainment options to choosing the type of lifestyle you want to have. If you are someone, who loves sports activities, or the nightlife, or family orientated, or a foodie etc. you will pretty much live the life you want.
However, I can find these things in my home country, just not at the same standard for many thing. The one thing that I would not have back home which has been a blessing moving here is live-in help.
Interesting story
There are so many, but I have to say one of the highlights was being invited into an Emirati home to discuss Women in the UAE Society and getting an insight into their culture and customs. The women were so proud and inspiring and very successful in their fields.
Rehana Darbar, Dubai, businesswoman, @reykokatay
About first impression
It was “Wow!” I definitely fell in love with many different aspects of the country.
About difficulties
Every place has its pros and cons. For me, the first few things I remember finding a little challenging was one the heat in summer. Second was everything being quite a drive to get to. The third was getting used to my husband only having Fridays off, which is still challenging.
About differences
I actually loved how there are so many different people from different countries and cultures in the UAE since 88,5 % of the population is expatriates. I never imagined I would see such a variety of people from around the globe in first place.
About people
Many people are definitely living an extremely fast paced, luxury standard life. It is almost a “must” to be out not just every weekend but weekday nights too. Coffee shops, malls, tourist sites, shisha lounges are usually full with not only tourists but locals and expat residents as well.
What I like there
The safety is at the top of the list since I come from a high crime rate country where fear is part of life. The one thing that comes to mind is the business opportunity that came my way, which I would never have been exposed to, or been able to access back in South Africa at this time. It has been life changing for me in a variety of aspects like, finances, growth and confidence as a person, health, friendship and so much more. I believe everything happens for a reason and every step, every setback, every hardship and every experience brings you to exactly where you are supposed to be. I love Dubai, I love being an expat. I miss South Africa and my family everyday, but I know I have a bigger purpose. And my journey has only begun.
