My Journey Relocating to Dubai: A Blend of Challenges and Rewards

On August 28, I arrived in Dubai, ready for a new adventure. Initially, my HR advised me to settle down for a week before starting work. However, fueled by my blind confidence, I thought finding housing and a car would be simple. So, just three days after landing, I jumped into my new job! 🎉

The Reality of Relocation

Little did I know, my eagerness would lead to a series of unexpected challenges. I faced a dramatic housing search, which almost fell through right when I was about to sign a lease. Coupled with the extreme weather, my body was in a state of distress. There are countless details about this journey that I wish to share as they serve as valuable lessons. My experiences might resonate deeply with others who are considering such a move. 🥹

Work Life in the UAE

Despite never having visited the UAE before relocating for this job, I haven’t been disappointed. 🤔 Our company has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as the “Best Workplace in the Middle East” and the “Best Workplace for Females.” The atmosphere is vibrant, with colleagues from all over the world, although there remains a significant presence of traditional attire amongst the workforce.

One of the biggest perks here is the flexible work hours. If you start work at 8 AM, you can leave as early as 3 PM, which feels like you gained an extra day! 😳 This flexibility has made my transition much easier and more enjoyable.

Generous Benefits and a Supportive Environment

Contrary to some negative comments I’ve seen online regarding holiday policies, our company clearly outlines 25 working days of vacation plus public holidays. This means weekends don’t count against my leave, which makes the time off feel even more rewarding. If one works on weekends for more than four hours, they can request a day off with pay! On top of that, there’s a generous two-week “work from anywhere” policy and reimbursement for return flights home. The company even provides free books and lunch! These thoughtful perks truly win over employees. ❤️

A New Experience in a Multinational Company

This job marks not just my first position in the UAE but also my first authentic experience in a multinational organization. My previous role was in a China-based firm in London, but this company has realistic KPIs that genuinely motivate marketing professionals. I’m thrilled to finally be part of a team where marketing isn’t solely driven by aggressive sales targets. It’s a breath of fresh air! 😭

A Focused Work Culture

The work culture here is very focus-driven; aside from completing tasks, there’s minimal gossip and drama. It allows me to concentrate on my work and unwind at home without feeling overwhelmed by interpersonal issues. Additionally, there’s a strong sense of pride in our organization during company town halls. Interestingly, we are a non-profit organization working towards beneficial projects across the Emirates. ✅

Looking Ahead

In three months, I’ll share another update on my experiences and insights as I continue this journey. I can’t wait to delve deeper into everyday life here, including all the ups and downs that come with it. This has truly been a rollercoaster ride! 🥹

Stay tuned for my next update! 🌟

#MovingFromLondonToDubai #DubaiJobs #OpportunitiesInDubai #TravelInUAE #LondonVsDubai #ExploreNewJobs #JobHunting2025