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Expat stories. What’s yours?
‘MY CHILDHOOD WAS A BIT ROUGH ON THE FINANCIAL SIDE’ - TOUFIC KREIDIEH, BRANDS FOR LESS CEO
‘I WAS A CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF’
‘I STARTED OUT AS A LUGGAGE PORTER’
JAN HANAK Radisson Blu hotel Dubai Deira Creek general manager
– CHERYLE DIAS FOUNDER, INTL FASHION WEEK DUBAI
ALEXANDRA KELNER: FROM HOTEL HOUSEKEEPING TO GM MAN QUITS PRIESTHOOD PLANS OVER LOVE
From the publisher
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STAFF BOX Publisher Gabriel John Rimando
Editor Jojo Dass
Sales and Marketing Manager Elaine Anne ‘Bella’ Marbella
Contributing Writers Joshua Trias Amanda Hensley Zainab Shahid
Did you know that Jan Hanak, Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek general manager started his career carrying the hotel guests’ luggage? Or that Brands for Less CEO, Toufic Kreidieh had a childhood that was “a bit rough on the financial side”?
Graphic Designer Allan Caragao
Photographer
‘I STARTED OUT AS A LUGGAGE PORTER’ - JAN HANAK Radisson Blu hotel Dubai Deira Creek general manager PAGE 6
International Fashion Week Dubai has editions in Paris and Milan; the world-renowned event is also set to open in New York and London this year. Did you know that Cheryle Dias, founder and managing director started out as a Dubai construction company customer service staff in 2002? While at it, know that Time Asma Hotel’s general manager, Alexandra Kelner, was previously a hotel housekeeping head and, she tells Dubai Vibes Magazine, “Being the person at the back of the house, I generally had less opportunities.”
Than Dumas Find us at https://www.dubaivibesmagazine.ae/ https://www.facebook.com/DubaiVibesMagazine.ae
dubaivibesmag dubaivibesmagazine DubaiVibesMagazine.ae Dubai Vibes Magazine
Toufic Kreidieh CEO and co-founder of Brands for Less (BFL) Group shares how it all began- PAGE 10
This and more as DVM pays tribute to the expats who helped build this city.
ON THE COVER Most hotel general managers begin their journey to the swivel chair from below – either as a concierge, front desk staff or luggage guy. Jan Hanak, general manager at Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek, went through almost all these “hardship posts,” as they are oft-called, while at the same time pursing his studies in Prague.
Read on.
– Cheryle Dias, founder and managing director International Fashion Week Dubai shares her life’s journey - PAGE 22 w w w. d u b a i v i b e s m a g a z i n e . a e |
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COVER STORY
‘I STARTED OUT AS A LUGGAGE PORTER’
JAN HANAK
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek general manager By Jojo Dass
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Most hotel general managers begin their journey to the swivel chair from below – either as a concierge, front desk staff or luggage guy. Jan Hanak, general manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, went through almost all these “hardship posts,” as they are oft-called, while at the same time pursing his studies in Prague – a Disneylandish place nicknamed “City of a Hundred Spires,” and popular among tourists for its UNESCO sites, baroque buildings and the Old Town Square. “I started in the hospitality (industry) as a luggage porter in 1998 in Prague,” Hanak tells Dubai Vibes Magazine, referring to his first hotel job, which was at Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel in Prague.
“Then,” he added, “I went through various positions in front desk as receptionist…night manager… night auditor.” Through all these, Hanak, who was born in Prague, as well the birthplace of one of the 20th century’s literary giants, Frans Kafka, successfully pursued a degree in Economics with a major in Finance at the Czech University of Life Sciences’ Faculty of Economics and Management. “I wanted to move toward that field, actually,” recalls Hanak. “(But) at the time, the hotel offered me the revenue management post,” he said. Following this, Hanak was transferred to London as revenue manager at Radisson SAS Portman Hotel from 2005 until 2008 before being promoted as executive assistant manager in 2009.
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COVER STORY
‘Do your best and do not be afraid to ask questions. Bring new ideas to the table and do a little bit extra than what is expected from the job. I believe that by doing these, the opportunities will be available.’
First GM assignment Hanak’s first assignment as general manager was at Radisson Blu Hotel in Belfast, Ireland, where shortly thereafter he also became head of Park Inn Belfast. He was 32. Hanak was then assigned to Russia where he oversaw a successful renovation project at the -842room Park Inn Sheremetyevo Airport Moscow. He became the cluster general manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport and the Park Inn by Radisson Pulkovo Airport St. Petersburg. Following this, Hanak flew to Dubai three years ago where he took the helm at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek as general manager. His primary task: Oversee the big renovation project at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, the city’s first five-star hotel, which was built in 1975. “Being in a hotel of this kind, the oldest five start hotel in Dubai, is an honor and also a responsibility,” said Hanak. “As a team, we always make sure that we meet the guests’ expectations, which are very high,” he said. Hanak said the project was halted last year due to Covid19- quarantine measures. “We paused it because of the situation. But this year, I am happy that we can start refurbishment very soon and we expect that to be finished in the third quarter,” said Hanak. Day begins Most people probably wonder how a hotel GM’s day begins. Hanak’s starts with a “little sport,” as he calls it. “Probably swimming,” he said, “then have a healthy breakfast with the
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family...have a little chit-chat with the kids before they go to school because not always could I manage to be home before they go to bed.” Arriving at work, Hanak would buckle down with the team for the daily morning briefing. Dubai has been gathering steam and so they have to keep up or be left behind. “I love Dubai. I have also been looking after the Middle East market when I was in London. At the time, I have been coming to Dubai very often and used to stay in this hotel (Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek). “I remember chatting with my colleagues who would asked if I would be willing to move here,” recalls Hanak. Like most hoteliers, Hanak said he believes Dubai is definitely on the rebound.
Advice Looking back, from tending to luggage and now running a hotel, Hanak believes he would not have made it without resolve. His advice? “Do your best and do not be afraid to ask questions. Bring new ideas to the table and do a little bit extra than what is expected from the job. “I believe that by doing these the opportunities will be available.” Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, which was built in 1975, is the city’s first five-star hotel. Golden meal As such, it is also home to the city’s oldest and most authentic Persian restaurant, Shabestan, described by Hanak as their “jewel of the crown,” which is celebrating it’s 37th anniversary this year with a special golden menu.
“When I see different industry reports and our internal ones as well, I could clearly see that Dubai is on the route to recovery well ahead of the other markets,” he said. He further explained: “I think due to the fact that Dubai took a very pragmatic approach in terms of the necessary precautions coupled with the focus on vaccination and the promotion of the market, the city is shaping up well; and with Expo 2020 coming, I am sure Dubai will soon be recovering fully.”
Built in 1984, Shabestan has been a favorite of many royal families, including Dubai’s very own ruling family. Chef Abol Fazl Shirazi, head of the culinary team, curated a special menu infused with -23carat gold. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek is set within the cultural and art districts of the city and located next to traditional souks such as the gold and spice markets. It also is a few minutes away from the Burj Khalifa, shopping malls, and the iconic Dubai Frame.
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PICTURE THIS
PENSIVE by Dennis Dela Cruz
THE MOVERS
‘Looking back, my childhood was a bit rough on the financial side; I had to work many jobs to have enough money to get by and help my mother.’
Toufic Kreidieh CEO and co-founder of Brands for Less (BFL) Group
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‘No shortcut to success’
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s lads growing up in Lebanon, Toufic Kreidieh, along with his buddy, Yasser Beydoun, vowed to hit it big someday. They have been coming up with business ideas anyway and could not wait rolling it out so they could finally live a better life. “Looking back,” Toufic recalls, “my childhood was a bit rough on the financial side; I had to work many jobs to have enough money to get by and help my mother.” “During those times,” Toufic added, “I wanted to grow up and do something big not only for me, but for my family, too.” Fast-forward to the present and – voila! Brands for Less (BFL), a chain of off-price retail shops selling branded clothing at affordable prices across 74 stores of which some 41 are in the UAE: 32 in Dubai and nine in Abu Dhabi. Plans are afoot to bring the UAE number to 52 by yearend. At the helm are Toufic as CEO and Yasser, who sits in as BFL Group co-founder and managing partner. “Both Yasser and I wanted to make a mark for ourselves, and we believe that we can contribute to a bigger cause. Despite our humble beginnings, we worked very hard and slowly built our business,” Toufic said. ‘Treasure hunt’ The business partners saw an opportunity in the UAE – and a challenge too. “When we expanded to the UAE back in 2000,
Yasser Beydoun
we knew we had to come up with something more original. Everyone who has stepped into the UAE sees it as a land of great opportunities, and the only way for us to enter the market and become a successful brand is to offer something that will interest its buyers,” says Toufic. That is why, he said, they came up with the unique “treasure hunt” business model, which encourages customers to come back with the promise of exceptional pieces at discounted prices — up to 80 per cent off the original retail price for fashion designer brands. “Seeing the joy on people’s faces while browsing through the shops and getting the dream item for themselves contributes a large part to my definition of success. This feeling makes us work even harder to achieve more and come up with innovative ideas to support this ideal,” Toufic said. Asked what keeps them going, Toufic said, “the easiest answer would be success.” “But after opening our first Brands for Less store, we sensed how people appreciated us for who we are and what we can offer them. With that realization, I can say that it’s the people we serve that is the primary motivation for us to expand and to keep introducing more branded products and improving the quality of our services. “We aim to make our affordable branded items available to as many people as we can and to stay as one of the leading off-price retailers in our current markets and, in time, the rest of the world,” he said. w w w. d u b a i v i b e s m a g a z i n e . a e |
Toufic Kreidieh
Toufic said they decided to embark on this type of business because “customers tend to give high preference to branded items.” “There is a certain reputation and quality assurance that brands provide, and customers want that. However, these are generally expensive, and not everyone would want to pay or can afford the full price. “We saw this dilemma and observed that this is a need that no one else is catering to, at least not in the way that we do. So, we founded BFL Group with the mission to offer branded merchandise at a competitive rate, which people can afford,” Toufic said. Having become quite successful in the road he has taken, Toufic has some life lessons he wants to share: “I learned that there is no shortcut to earning respect from people. How you get respect from your team is the same as in any other relationship. You earn it over time. “However, it starts when you communicate your values very clearly and articulate a clear vision for the organization. People will respect you more as you live those values every day and deliver results.” Toufic and Yasser have also never failed to look back to their humble beginnings and are actively involved in the education of more than 100 children in Lebanon. “Whenever we have the chance to help others who are in need, we aim to do so to the best of our capabilities,” Toufic said.
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THE MOVERS
‘It blew my mind! I knew I had to be part of this story’ Larry O’Reilly, CEO of ARHT Media, talks about the groundbreaking hologram technology that, he says, ‘humanizes digital communication.’
Larry O’Reilly, CEO, ARHT Media
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sed to be when holograms were the stuff of sci-fi movies – from Star Wars to Total Recall, Resident Evil and Minority Report.
Bruce Willis, a cab driver, would come home to a female hologram in “The Fifth Element,” and so did Ryan Gosling, who had “Joi” in Blade Runner 2049. These days however, hologram technology has shot out of the movie houses and into real life, being put into practical, game-changing use redefines digital communication into its most revolutionized form thus far. “I was introduced to the technology and it blew my mind. I couldn’t get over how real it looked and sounded. I knew I had to be part of this story,” Larry O’Reilly, CEO of ARHT Media, tells Dubai Vibes Magazine. He added: “ARHT Media›s technology is beneficial to mankind in a variety of ways. We make busy people way more productive and by reducing the need for air travel, we have a significant positive impact in reducing carbon emissions. Our technology humanizes digital communication – I find all of this extremely exciting.” O’Reilly was recently in Dubai to introduce their company’s
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groundbreaking technology. “The response has been incredibly positive. Dubai is very much a tech-forward marketplace, eager to adopt new technologies to improve guest experiences. So, we believe the adoption of our offering here will happen quickly,” he said. Holograms, O’Reilly said, have been used in live theatre for over a century, usually casting a shadow or as a ghost. But it “took off in popularity,” as O’Reilly puts it, after iconic rap star, Tupac Shakur, who died in a drive-by shooting on the night of Sept. ,7 1996 in Las Vegas, was “resurrected” at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.
‘Dubai is very much a tech-forward marketplace, eager to adopt new technologies to improve guest experiences. So, we believe the adoption of our offering here will happen quickly,’ Entertainment aside, hologram technology has found a new niche: the MICE or Meetings, Investment, Conferences and Exhibits industry. Says O’Reilly: “While we have done activations
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in the entertainment space, we are really focused on making the most in-demand people around the world more efficient by eliminating the need to travel in order to share their expertise.” The cornerstone of their company’s technology, the CEO said, is the ARHT Engine software which enables them to take large data packs of video and audio and transfer them anywhere on the planet in 0.3 seconds or less. “When the presenter appears life-sized, life-like and with no noticeable latency, the audience have the feeling that the person is actually in the room with them. We call this, ‘creating presence,’” he said. O’Reilly said challenges remain. “It takes time to change the behavior of enterprise organizations. If they are used to flying everywhere for meetings, it takes time for them to change that behavior,” he said. However, he added, the pandemic “has forced everyone to embrace technology to communicate, and business travel will never go back to the way it was in 2019.” O’Reilly said the technology is transforming the way executives communicate. “I am going to be on this path for a while,” he said.
Lawyer leaves private practice to help his country
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UBAI, United Arab Emirates – For most people, being a lawyer is just about all they could wish for in life. What with being paid by the hour and a dolce vita lifestyle? Such is not the case however, for Atty. Muhammad Khomaini, Director of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in the UAE. “I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to do something for my country. I left private legal practice so that I could make a contribution to my country,” said the -37year-old official, who holds a Master’s degree in Comparative Law from the International Islamic University - Malaysia.
‘Back in Indonesia, we have different languages, cultures… even time zones. But one thing I can say is that there is unity among us. We are different but we are one.’
Atty. Muhammad Khomaini, Director of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in UAE.
The father of three children, who has just recently arrived in Dubai to take on his new job, said he had been practicing civil law for a year before he joined ITPC, a non-profit government organization under the supervision of the Directorate General for National Export Development of Indonesia. Both institutions are part of global trade network under Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade (MOT). w w w. d u b a i v i b e s m a g a z i n e . a e |
What caught his interest? “This was a new thing for me,” said Khomaini, who first worked at MOT’s legal bureau, where he drafted regulations, and soon after specialized in import-export policies. Khomaini enjoys living Dubai, an international city home to over 250 nationalities. He explains: “Back in Indonesia, we have different languages, cultures…even time zones. But one thing I can say is that there is unity among us. We are different but we are one.” And this pretty much sums Dubai up: Different people working as one in the spirit of tolerance. “The UAE is a unique country. It is very tolerant. The Emiratis are very polite towards people of other nationalities,” said Khomaini. “In the four months that I have lived here,” he added, “I see that there is democracy.” Khomaini meantime said he envisions his contribution to his country by way of boosting exports. “I am happy to be here because I can make that happen here – get more Indonesian exporters into the UAE market,” he said, noting that the Indonesian community in Dubai is “not too big and still growing.” Exports and agreements Indonesia is the world’s fourth largest exporter of coffee beans.
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THE MOVERS
Alexandra Kelner: from hotel housekeeping to GM
‘Being the person at the back of the house, I generally had less opportunities.’
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Alexandra Kelner, TIME Asma Hotel general manager, and her all-woman team.
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he hospitality industry, they say, is a man’s world, where top posts are dominated by men.
Recently however, there have been more and more women breaking the glass ceiling, and Alexandra Kelner, who recently assumed post as general manager of the four-star TIME Asma Hotel in Dubai’s Al Barsha shopping district, is among them. What made her story quite unique is that she was a dark horse coming from behind, if you will, at the housekeeping department. “I believe working in the hospitality industry requires lots of dedication, persistence and commitment regardless of gender, especially if we have a passion for what we do,” Alexandra, born in France, tells Dubai Vibes Magazine. “I started my career in the housekeeping department, and being the person at the back of the house, I generally had less opportunities compared to those who were working front of house,” she said. There’s more! Alexandra will be leading a management team of women. TIME Hotels’ CEO Mohamed Awadalla, said it has always been integral to their corporate strategy to diversify our workforce and offer
equal opportunities to all members of staff. “Under the leadership of Alexandra, all areas of the hotel operation will be managed by women, from HR to sales, F&B, finance, front office and housekeeping – even our executive chef is a woman. “I am sure that this talented all-female management team will provide inspiration to all women who want to carve out a successful career in hospitality,” said Awadalla. To this end, Alexandra said she is “beyond grateful for the trust that the executive team of TIME Hotels has placed in (me), under the guidance of CEO Mohamed Awadalla.”
‘I’ve been in Dubai for over 14 years now and I do not have a specific area or place that I can categorically call my favorite. It is very difficult to have one, when the city always has something new and exciting to offer.’ Alexandra said she is very excited to be leading the team. “Of course, we are still in the soft opening period and that involves a lot of hard work preparing for the grand opening. But so far, the experience has been rewarding and I am looking forward to welcoming our first guests to w w w. d u b a i v i b e s m a g a z i n e . a e |
TIME Asma,” she says. TIME Asma Hotel held its soft opening last month. Alexandra had worked in Algeria for two years as part of the pre-opening team of Sheraton Oran Hotel & Towers in Oran, prior to coming to Dubai. She has been with TIME Hotels since August 2010, where she worked as executive housekeeper and moved up to become rooms division manager. Prior to that, she was assistant executive housekeeper at the five-star Grosvenor House Hotel for three years from 2007. Alexandra has been in Dubai since August 2007. She said her initial plan was to stay for two or three years. “But, I guess, fate had other plans for me. Obviously I’ve stayed a lot longer and Dubai has become my second home,” she says. “Dubai is amazing! I love the constant change here, it’s so vibrant and it’s a place where everything is accessible. It is a very diverse, clean and safe city that’s always striving to be the best with a variety of initiatives for the hospitality, tourism, real estate and other sectors. Dubai is a truly unique city, welcoming all nationalities for both work and leisure, creating a melting pot of cultures,” she says.
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THE MOVERS
Ananda Shakespeare The ‘accidental PR’ Former journo talks about how she wound up being on ‘the other side’ (…and a bit about Dubai)
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“I loved journalism,” Ananda tells Dubai Vibes Magazine. “I’d never thought I’d leave that job.” The road she’s travelling on came to a fork one day when someone in London recommended her to another someone looking for PR; that someone eventually became her first client and is still is to this day, seven years later.
‘It’s not for the faint-hearted. You have to roll with the lows. It’s a roller coaster of a city, great for entrepreneurs and those who are able to adapt to the working culture here. Hard work, tenacity and flexibility are required to thrive in Dubai.’
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he calls herself the “accidental public relations exec.” And here’s her story.
Ananda Shakespeare, who set off in this world to become a BBC journalist, took a sabbatical and found herself running her own show, having set up a PR firm that she has been running for the past five years.
Ananda who have been to a place “where the sun shined all night during midsummer and the days were dark all day in winter,” said she loves the expat life, “exploring other countries and being surrounded by different cultures.” Dubai, she says, is “an expensive city for some things.
“I love PR and what I do,” says Ananda, a British brought up in a historic village in Buckinghamshire, studied in Manchester and worked in London before moving to Dubai.
“But if you visit small restaurants, visit public beaches, do road trips, visit the national museums and historic places, it can be done on a budget.”
“It’s a natural leap from journalism to PR, and winning clients and securing coverage for them in the media gives me a real buzz and sense of achievement. Each day is exciting and rewarding,” she added.
Ananda, who has lived in four countries and travelled the world, says the Dubai Creek and the desert have cast a spell on her.
According to reports, more journalists have been transitioning to PR through agencies or corporate communications posts because they find the job more challenging in that public relations cover a more diverse task than news reporting; PRs wear multiple hats, from being news and speech writers to editors, event planners, project managers, counsellors, trouble-shooters, and strategic thinkers. Dubai Meantime, Ananda, A.K.A. Sister Rock during her DJ days, says Dubai, her second home for the past 17 years – time that “feels like five seconds” – is a “city full of opportunities.” But, she cautions, there’s a caveat to it. “It’s not for the faint-hearted. You have to roll with the lows. It’s a roller coaster of a city, great for entrepreneurs and those who are able to adapt to the working culture here. Hard work, tenacity and flexibility are required to thrive in this dynamic city,” she says. w w w. d u b a i v i b e s m a g a z i n e . a e |
“I love wandering round the textile souq, going for coffee, taking an abra to the Gold Souq. It’s fun to pick up incense and jasmine necklaces from near the Hindu temple and soak up old Dubai. “I also love the desert, camping, road trips and staycations. The UAE is such a versatile country, you can be on the beach one minute, then in a mountain area the next or inland at the beautiful UNESCO World heritage city of Al Ain, where you can see the ancient irrigation system – falaj – walk among date plantations, drive up the peak of Jebel Hafeet and visit a camel market all in one day,” she says. Ananda had lived in Brussels and studied at the University of Lapland in Finland for a year where she would walk or bike over frozen lakes to get to her class. She has also launched two environmental charities and currently run two non-profits.
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THE MOVERS
‘My day starts at midnight’ Joyce Cheng says she’s a night owl who likes ‘stuff that feeds my mind and fuels my creativity.’
‘Early in life, I learned how to earn a living. As I was very persistent to chase my dream, I tried everything – from sewing bridal gowns to hairdressing, bookkeeping, massaging… the list goes on. I guess my will power, positivity and zest in life have taught me how to survive wherever I am, wherever I chose to be.’
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s an operations manager at one of largest spa chain in UAE, Joyce Cheng’s days are always full of surprises. “There is no mundane day for me. Each is a chance to run with the wolves,” she tells Dubai Vibes Magazine. Joyce, who finished Bookkeeping in Malaysia before studying fashion, beauty and wellness in Singapore, said her job gives her the opportunity to do various functions – from training therapists to assisting with customer complaints and everything else in between. “It is rarely boring. My job continuously fascinates me,” she says. Joyce, who has been calling Dubai home for the past 10 years, had also stayed in Paris, London and Abu Dhabi. “It is a beautiful city, very cosmopolitan,” she says of Dubai. “Lots to explore; same in the UK. You have chance to meet good prospects for business and interesting people from all walks of life. You will learn a
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lot from this city because of its diversity,” said Joyce. She had previously gone to Hong Kong to pursue fashion designing and stayed there for two years. Joyce’s life journey began one day when she realized she would have to do it all by herself if she was to get to where she wants to be. “Early in life, I learned how to earn a living because my parents didn’t support my career choice,” she shared. “As I was very persistent to chase my dream and make it a reality, I tried everything from sewing bridal gowns to hairdressing, bookkeeping, massaging…the list goes on. “I guess my will power, positivity and zest in life have taught me how to survive wherever I am, wherever I chose to be,” Joyce added. And so, with an insatiable hunger for knowledge, she has developed the habit of spending hours at night surfing the net for things to learn. “This might sound unusual, but my day starts not like most people’s. Mine starts at
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midnight. I am a night owl, a late sleeper. I’m fond of ‘googling stuff’ like how-to tutorials, discovering the latest beauty or art products, and more. “I like stuff that feeds my mind and fuels my creativity. Apart from it, I make sure all things are prepared before I close my eyes. Then, I wake up late in the morning like say around 10am. I check my phone and email and sometimes have little snacks before I jet off to work,” she says. And finally, asked which part of Dubai is her favorite, Joyce has this quirkily witty reply: “My bed.” “I’m busy at work. So, after a long day I just simply wanted to rest. But if I have the luxury of time, you can find me in the beachside with a glass of rose wine,” she says. Joyce is one of the pioneers who opened Dreamworks Spa, and has 10 branches in Dubai under her belt. She is a licensed medical massage professional and certified fashion designer, hairdresser, and cosmetologist.
STORIES
Meet Jessy and her dog, Duke After a long day’s work, nothing beats coming home to her Golden Retriever ‘He is definitely my stress reliever. He keeps me in good company through everything.’
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ork never stops in Dubai. There is always something to do in this big expat enclave that never sleeps – and it’s all about deadlines. It’s in the work culture in this city of the brave new world. People get by and for Jessy Chami, director at a reputable public relations firm, nothing beats coming home to her Golden Retriever to remind her there’s life after a grueling, long stressful, day’s work. “He is definitely my stress reliever. He keeps me in good company through everything,”
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Jessy says. Jessy arrived in Dubai 13 years ago fresh out of college in Beirut, Lebanon. “I moved here in Dubai due to the economic situation back in my country. I love it here. I have lived here since I was almost 19,” she says. Indeed, Dubai has been second home to her. “The city gave me everything: a good job, stability, peace of mind, security – everything that, I unfortunately couldn’t find in my own country, so far,” Jessy says. And her job? “I love everything about it. Connecting with people…engaging with new
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ones,” she says. Jessy says one of the nice things about Dubai is that it can be an expensive and, at the same time, not really that expensive at all, a city to live in. “If you know how to spend and have fun at the same time then you don’t have to worry about it being expensive,” says Jess, who has lived most of her life in the new Dubai but once in a while swings by the old one by the Creek to visit the souks and all other attractions.
Girl next door advocates sustainable fashion
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orn and raised in Dubai, Deepthi Chandran Joyau, a frequent shopper, always found great comfort in buying clothes regularly at a discounted price. After ending 15 years in the corporate world, she wanted to explore, learn and get creative by shifting her lifestyle to include more sustainable choices. During this time, Deepthi, founder of Only Ethikal, a sustainable fashion e-commerce platform in the UAE, realized there is a lack of awareness about the need for sustainable fashion and the impact today’s global fashion industry has on human rights and our environment. This led to the idea of creating Only Ethikal, a platform that could bring together ethical brands and connect them with people who wish to shop, both casually and sustainably. Deepthi, who started her career as an accountant, shares how it all started: “Before 2019, I celebrated when I found a good garment at a cheap price, completely unaware of what goes behind making it available at that price,” she said, recalling that it was a year earlier when she got caught of “a lot of talks on sustainability,” which caught her attention. Deepthi did her homework and learned about how the current fashion industry works, which she was “alarming.” It was also “unsettling,” she said, “to realize how I was a part of this big problem.” “Before then, I never checked if I was wearing synthetic or a natural fabric as long as the price was low,” said Deepthi. “During this time, many of us (including myself) found the options available for sustainable fashion as expensive,” she added, further sharing that it is when she came across some of the makers in India, with whom she works with today. “These makers were already mastering the concept of sustainable fashion and offering quality designs at affordable prices. Only Ethikal was created from there, where I wanted to create a space to bring sustainable brands together so that more customers can include
Deepthi Chandran Joyau
sustainable fashion in their wardrobe,” she said. Deepthi said part of Only Ethikal’s mission is to give back. “We have, therefore, committed %1 of our earnings to One Percent for the Planet every year since 2020,” she said. One Percent for the Planet is an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes. Their mission is to «build, support and activate an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet.” Only Ethikal curates from brands that believe
“Before 2019, I celebrated when I found a good garment at a cheap price, completely unaware of what goes behind making it available at that price,”
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in defining fashion through the stories each piece of clothing narrates, giving it not only a purpose, but also a trend. All designs produced are traded ethically and are made from sustainable fabrics by workers skilled in the craft of making designs. Deepthi views Only Ethikal as a platform that can bring a positive change in people’s wardrobe and have an influence on consumers to make conscious choices when they buy clothes. By choosing sustainable fashion, Deepthi feels she has grown closer to many cultures, processes, people and most importantly the piece of clothing itself. She believes that each design on her website speaks a unique story and creates awareness in its own way. “Pre- and post-production waste are two major concerns in the fashion industry, and we are focused on controlling this by making clothes on order and also by ensuring that we have partnered with the right brands who are recycling or upcycling their cutting room waste,” Deepthi said.
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STORIES
‘I started out as a customer service staff.’ – Cheryle Dias founder and managing director International Fashion Week Dubai
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nternational Fashion Week Dubai, which will have its 12th season this November, is among iconic events the city is known for. But did you know that the woman behind this very successful event, now also being held in major European cities, started out as a construction company customer service staff? It was 2002 and having just arrived in Dubai, Cheryle Dias had to begin somewhere. “I am a very passionate person. I am focused. I make things happen,” says Cheryle. “I started as a customer service staff. I sat at the reception and handled queries from clients. After my three-year contract expired, I jumped to a shipping company where I became general manager, owing to my degrees,” she added. Cheryle has an MBA with a major in marketing. She also has a master’s degree in Fine Arts with major in fashion designing and textile. ‘Fashion is my passion.’ Eight years on, Cheryle started pursuing a career in fashion designing, landing different jobs till she finally launched her own label – Cheryle Dias Bridal and Couture, which is currently available in
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Paris and in several Dubai fashion houses. “Fashion is my passion,” says Cheryle, who is from Goa, a Portuguese colony in India that gained its independence in the 1950s. “I enjoy every bit of it,” added Cheryle, a happily married mother of three kids. Cheryle said a fashion trend is a matter of taste and originality. “You can make a trend by styling yourself and people will follow,” says Cheryle. “Nothing is fixed. It’s how you style yourself.” She said designers struggle with so many thoughts in mind whenever they launch their label. “How should it be done? Will the marker accept it? There are so many things in your mind when you launch a label? How do you start? Starting is very critical for fashion designers,” Cheryle says. Cheryle word-of-mouth marketing got her to where she is now. Words of advice “I started with bridals. It became my identity,” she says. “Then, I started getting inquiries about evening gowns and so I did evening gowns. It’s a step-by-
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step thing and soon I was getting inquiries about ready-to-wears. It’s all word-of-mouth. It’s very important for a fashion designer to market herself or himself,” Cheryle added. Marketing yourself as a fashion designer is just half the work, says Cheryle; the other half is knowing who your market is, she added. “It is also very important for a fashion designer to know her or his target market,” she says. But how does one develop a market? Cheryle says endorsement by influencers and celebrities help. “But if you don’t have the capacity, you will need to make use of the social media, which is very, very important for a fashion designer” she says. There’s a bit of caveat though, she said. The design can be copied but not to worry, Cheryle said. “They can’t copy all. They can’t copy what’s on your mind. You are the creator and you can keep creating,” she added. International Fashion Week Paris will have its fourth season come September this year; Milan will have its fifth also in September; while New York and London will finally have their inaugural edition likewise in September.
‘I sat at the reception and handled queries from clients. After my three-year contract expired, I jumped to a shipping company where I became general manager, owing to my degrees. Then I started pursuing a career in fashion.’
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STORIES
Sari Ammar: Enjoying the best of two worlds in Dubai The ‘passionate traveller’ calls the city home ‘I sometimes crave going to Old Dubai and be in connection with the culture and the history. Other times, a walk on the marina is what I need. I enjoy riding the bike in Al Qudra in the silence of the desert.’
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ike most cities around the world, Dubai has the old and new parts of it; and for Sari Ammar, living in the city is like enjoying the best of two worlds.
“Each area of Dubai has its own essence,” Sari, who was recently appointed director of sales and marketing at Millennium Place Mirdif, tells Dubai Vibes Magazine. “I sometimes crave going to Old Dubai and be in connection with the culture and the history. Other times, a walk on the marina is what I need. I enjoy riding the bike in Al Qudra in the silence of the desert,” says Sari, who moved to Dubai from Lebanon in 2001. “Dubai has been my base for the past 20 years. I have been working in different international hospitality chains between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I have been in charge of many regions throughout my career and GCC has been one of them. The job enables me to travel to different places and coordinate with all travel
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markets around the world,” Sari says. Being in the hospitality industry and, at the same time, “a passionate traveler,” as he describes himself, Sari has been in many places around the world either for professional or personal visits. “I get to meet people from all around. I get exposed to different cultures and I become part of a bigger family,” he says. But at the end of the day, it’s Dubai where he comes home to. “Dubai is a very special place for me. I don’t feel like an expat in Dubai. It is the home where I have the comfort, the safety, the diversity and the respect for whoever is living in this city. I value being part of the development of Dubai,” he explains. Sari says he is very excited about his new job. “My biggest professional accomplishments to date have been in setting up successful rewarding commercial structures,” he says.
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“The hotel, with all its assets, is very promising in terms of location and market offerings in that unique area. The company›s mission aligns with my own professional values and I believe together with the team we will achieve great results,” Sari added. Millennium Place Mirdif, the new four-star hotel property development in Mirdif Hills community by Dubai Real Estate Co., will be featuring 248 keys of which 116 are rooms and 132 are residential apartments, along with a variety of dining options including Hunter & Barrel from Australia, Batchig “The Lebanese-Armenian Restaurant,” Habanos Cigar Lounge & Bar, The Urban Bar, G-Level an allday dining restaurant and the rooftop pool bar, gym, spa and multi-purpose meeting space. Sari will play a pivotal role in developing key sales & marketing strategies to drive commercial productivity and growth for Millennium Place Mirdif that is due to open in Q4, 2021.
Photo by Tawpee Comeso
Rupert and his abra crossings Yes, he saw it all happen, sitting on the abra, crossing the Creek every day for five years until 1998 when he finally got a driver’s license and explore more of the city that the abra had introduced him to.
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ide the abra and let Dubai cast a spell on you. This perhaps explains why most people who used to cross the Creek on the abra – for work or as weekend warriors – have stayed on through the years. The spell just wouldn’t go away. It’s in the breeze caressing your face; the view from the other side; the wooden, motorized boat crossing the water with nothing but bare essentials – not even a rope or some kind of railing to hold on to as you sit next to each other on a bench for the -15minute ride; and of course, the water itself, calling on you to frolic. That spell. Rupert Fernandes, 62, born and raised in Mangalore, India, arrived in Dubai 27 years ago when he was 35, and worked as a marketing agent. The abra, he said, was a daily thing for him as he raises a family in the city – his daily grind at the time, if you will. Unbeknown to Rupert, the spell caught up with him and carried him through the years. “What I love the most about Dubai is the abra. I used to ride the abra twice a day. Back then, the fare was just AED.50 fils,” recalls Rupert, who now heads a reputable company’s logistics and freight forwarding division in the Jebel Ali industrial zone. Indeed, Rupert is always reminded of
the Creek and his abra rides whenever he sees his two daughters: the eldest was born in 1993 at around the same time he arrived in Dubai; the second, in 1996 at which time he was already busy making a living, with the abra becoming a regular fixture of his working class life. Along with his rides on the abra are memories of how Dubai was during those days. “I have seen how Dubai grew. I saw it all happen. I absolutely feel I have become part of this city’s growth,” says Rupert. Yes, Rupert saw it all happen, sitting on the abra, crossing the Creek every day for five years until 1998 when he finally got a driver’s license and explore more of the city that the abra had introduced him to. Rupert’s wife works at the same company. His two daughters are now living their own lives in Melbourne, Australia. The couple is looking forward to being reunited with them in the future and tell them about the abras on the Creek, among other stories. Indeed, for generations, the abra has been the lifeblood of Dubai. Those wooden boats have been there since the days when there was nothing much on both sides of the Creek but a number of houses and merchandize shops lit only by flickering lanterns. And the stories have been passed on and on.
‘What I love the most about Dubai is the abra. I used to ride the abra twice a day. Back then, the fare was just AED.50 fils.’
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STORIES
Aaron and Ahquiben: ‘Dreams are expressions of your potentials and they give voice to your talents.’
From being tailors to designers and finally, to having their own label, Aaron shares the secret to their success.
Aaron and Ahquiben Cadenas
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aron and Ahquiben Cadenas were dreamers, who believe it was not enough to just dream big. They knew they had start somewhere; and so at 15, while most boys their age were indulging themselves in fun things, the two left their hometown in Bohol – parents and nine siblings behind, too – and took their chances in the big city, Manila. It was 2007. “Working as assistants to a fashion designer,” recalls Aaron, “we discovered our talents in designing.” And so began the twins’ narrative about success stories often having roots in humble beginnings. They soon were working for a company producing clothing apparel for big brand names like Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan New York, among others.
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“That gave us an idea and the determination to go abroad. It was 2012,” said Aaron, now 30. He added: “I arrived in UAE on February ,22 2012 and worked as a tailor operator in Ajman. It was my humble beginning and by grace, I was promoted as assistant fashion designer.” Three years later, Ahquiben – or Ahqui as the twins’ circle of friends calls him – would join Aaron and the two would work together in boutiques and various big name couturiers; Aaron as assistant designer and Ahqui as tailor, with both eventually levelling up as fashion designers having various stints including one for a royal family. This chapter in the twins’ lives had a lasting impact on their career. “It enabled us to grow by leaps in the fashion industry,” says Aaron. Until finally, the inevitable happened: The twins launched their own label – Aaronic
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Atelier. The rest, as they say, is history. Looking back, Aaron said he had come to a point where he almost lost hope. “However, I believe that no matter what you’ve gone through or are going through, you must move on. The world does not stop for you. But the beauty of it is that it also always beams a ray of hope. Likewise, don’t lose faith in God,” says Aaron. The twins don’t stop dreaming big. “In few years’ time,” Aaron said, “we will go back to our family and bring our own brand, Aaronic Atelier, to the Philippines, starting it in our hometown Bohol. “We also want to open a school, where we could share our knowledge to the younger generation who are dreaming of being in the fashion industry,” said Aaron.
EVERYDAY PEOPLE
‘Prayer, a cup of coffee… and I’m off to work!’ Stellamaris Kioko of Kenya’s Kamba tribe hopes to one day have her own fashion label.
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‘Engaging different people in a conversation makes my day easy, and the fact that I am far from my family, sharing smiles with them makes me feel as if I am home; my job is my second home.’
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tellamaris Kioko gets up in the morning, shakes off the sleepy head in her and starts going about her morning ritual of prayer, a quick shower and a cup of coffee. “Then I’m off to work,” she says. It’s her daily grind, if you will, and she really doesn’t mind, she said. Stella, as her peers fondly call her, arrived in Dubai two years ago to try her luck in the city. A high school graduate, Stella speaks good conversational English. These days she can be seen standing next to a vitrine cabinet at a cosmetic shop where she works as sales staff. What keeps her going? “My job and my family back home,” Stella says. “My life has not been easy,” said Stella, “But I keep on hoping that one day I will achieve my dreams.” Hers is the story of most of Dubai’s everyday people – the ones you see at the store, or sitting next to the Nol card window at the metro; the waiter at the restaurant…the sweaty Indian guy at the shawarma café…the Nepalese at a Carrefour counter…and more. “I like my work very much,” says Stella, adding that she especially like interacting with customers. “Engaging different people in a conversation makes my day easy, and the fact that I am far from my family, sharing smiles with them makes me feel as if I am home; my job is my second home,” says Stella. Dubai is her first city away from Kenya and she loves the place. “I can confidently say Dubai is my second home. The security makes us feel confident about our safety,” she says. But, you can’t have your cake and eat it too; Stella says housing in the city centers is expensive. Can’t complain though because she makes up for it by unwinding at Dubai’s marina area on weekends or during day-offs. “It’s a breathtaking place. The view and all... beautiful place to relax your mind,” she says. The Kamba tribe is one of the largest ethnic group in Kenya. There is a small community of Kenyans in Dubai.
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EVERYDAY PEOPLE
‘Yes, that’s my real name, Blessing. I love to be a blessing to everyone.’
They call him ‘Blessing’ Indeed, Dubai is blessed to have a man named Blessing
Blessing Chikwe, 37, from Nigeria has been in Dubai for some 10 years of which eight were mostly spent in the hospitality sector where he took on security jobs. A burly guy, who loves his wife more than anybody or anything else (he’d give the word to her except that it’s not his to take) and will move mountains for her, Blessing likes it when people get fond of his name. “Yes, that’s my real name, Blessing,” says the guy who could easily pass for a football or rugby player. “I love to be a blessing to everyone,” he added. Blessing said working in an environment of people belonging to different nationalities, as in the case in Dubai, gives him a sense of unique joy. Every day is a learning experience, always a surprise would pop up. Blessing was among those hit hard during last year’s quarantine measures put in effect to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. He got things turning around thought and is now a freelancer engaged in organizing events.
‘My journey in life is to work for a better life’ Shehab Eldin Mohamed, the ‘cool dude,’ is happy tourists are back
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He works at a travel agency. At the height of last year’s quarantine measures, he was a hairline away from giving up hope. Shehab Eldin Mohamed, born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, arrived in Dubai two years back and soon after was buckling down to work. But like thousands of expats in the city, he lost his job last year during the height of the Covid19pandemic. So much was lost that he ended up unable to keep up with his rent, thanks to the room owner, he was able to survive harsh times. These days, Shehab is almost always in all smiles. Working at a travel agency, things have started to get back to normal. “My journey in life is to work and fight for a better life,” says Shehab, who indulges himself to Turkish coffee in the morning before going to work. His job, Shehab says, has made him realize he has nothing else to hold on to in life. Having been in Kuwait City and Doha, Shehab says Dubai is “really expensive.” “But we deal with it,” he said.
Degree holder leaves her country because jobs were scarce Ornella Audrey Ngoh Ekongolo explains why she took a job as a waitress in Dubai despite her academic background. ‘In my country, I wouldn’t have had the chance to even be a cashier. I have never been able to put my toes in because I didn’t have anybody inside. And that›s why I am here. At least here, you can find a job with your own potential, and it’s encouraging.’
She holds a Master’s Degree in banking and finance but couldn’t end up with a suitable employment in her country because she “did not have anybody inside.” Instead, she took on a job as a call center agent for a Paris-based company. Finally, she decided to try her luck in Dubai, where she has been working for a year now as a waitress and a go-getter: Ornella Audrey Ngoh Ekongolo. “I like it at the end of the month when I receive notification that am not more broke,” Ornella said, referring to her paycheck. She had to start somewhere and so didn’t wince a bit at the thought of doing menial work
despite her diploma. “In my country,” Ornella explained, “I wouldn’t have had the chance to even be a cashier.” She said she tried internship at a commercial bank, but in vain. “I have never been able to put my toes in because I didn’t have anybody inside,” Ornella, a single mom, lamented. “So, you can just imagine, if it›s so hard to have an internship. What more a good job? Everything is locked,” Ornella said. Dubai, on the other hand, offers a promise, she said. “This city has it very clear: Come, work, help us to develop our world, and go back home when you think you’ve finally made it good. Once w w w. d u b a i v i b e s m a g a z i n e . a e |
you›ve got this, once your brain has digested this information properly, you’ll know how to get by...or at least you should try,” Ornella said. “And that›s why I am here. At least here, you can find a job with your own potential and it’s encouraging,” she said. Ornella said Dubai, aside from being a safe place to live in, is very cosmopolitan, “which makes it more interesting.” “It’s like being in many countries in one place and discover other cultures – all that without traveling...it’s a ‘world map,’” she says. Ornella is from Cameroon.
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EVERYDAY PEOPLE
‘Meeting people from different countries with different cultures makes me feel privileged’ Awungjia Ngosong, from Cameroon, says he got a job two weeks upon arrival in Dubai back in 2011 ‘I thank God for his grace upon me because my journey to Dubai in search of more opportunities wasn›t that tough; coming here with a two-month visa, I was able to secure a job in a week’s time.’
A Awungjia Ngosong
wungjia Ngosong left his home in Cameroon some 10 years ago to try it out in Dubai. “It›s not always easy to leave a developing country in search of greener pastures keeping in mind all the challenges along, being your first adventure and not knowing what›s out there for you,” says Awungjia. “I thank God for his grace upon me because my journey to Dubai in search of more opportunities wasn›t that tough. Coming here with a two-month visa, I was able to secure a job in a week’s time. Can›t thank God enough,” he added. Awungjia works at Dubai Duty Free as a dedicated merchandiser.
“I do love a lot of things about my work and it›s a privilege by the grace of God to be part of Dubai Duty Free team,” he said. “The most important thing I love about my job is the fact that being in sales and working in the airport, I do have the opportunity to meet people from different countries with different cultures, and that makes me feel privileged because I do learn a lot of things from them,” Awungjia added. He said Dubai’s being one of the safest cities in the world is among main reasons behind it rapid growth and the increasing number of people visiting the city every day.
‘What keeps me going is the security and the humble, hospitable Emirati people.’ Mohamed Amine Zouhri, from Algeria, says it has been his goal to work in Dubai. ‘I think it is wrong to say that Dubai is an expensive city; in my personal opinion, for example, there are -7star and -3star hotels, choose the one according to your ability.’
M Mohamed Amine Zouhri
ohamed Amine Zouhri, who’s from Algeria, set off in 2009 to work in Dubai. Today, he is among the really lucky ones to have landed a job at a reputable company where he is currently employed as beauty advisor for a perfume label. “The things that makes me happy and love the most about my job is that I am an employee in one of the best airport and duty free in the world. And also, what makes me love my job is that I get to work with employees of different nationalities,” Mohamed said. He said he grew up in a city back home, loving sports, running and swimming. “When I got my baccalaureate degree, my w w w. d u b a i v i b e s m a g a z i n e . a e |
ambition was to choose the Arabic, French and German translation department. My goal is to work in Dubai, one of the best cities in the world,” Mohammed said. They say Dubai is an expensive city to live in. Mohamed says it’s actually a matter of choice. “I think it is wrong to say that Dubai is an expensive city,” he says. “In my personal opinion, for example, there are -7star and -3star hotels, choose the hotel according to your ability (to pay).” Mohamed says he likes the Creek more than any other place in Dubai. “I see the originality,” he explains.
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EVERYDAY PEOPLE
Supermarket merchandiser takes Dubai one day at a time Anees Farhat, from Tunisia, arrived last year; he says he plans to discover the entire city.
Anees Farhat, who’s from the historic, beautiful city of Tunis in Tunisia, arrived in Dubai on Oct. 11 last year just as the city was beginning to spring back to life following months of quarantine measures implemented to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Three months later, Anees got himself a job as a merchandiser at a supermarket. “There were no jobs back home and so I decided to try Dubai,” Anees said. He
said he actually got several employment proposals in the city but thought he’d take the merchandiser slot offer for a range of reasons. Be that as it may, Anees says he has yet to fully enjoy Dubai and discover the city. “I plan to do so, maybe a road trip. Right now, I am just too busy a work,” he said, in between sips of Turkish coffee. Anees Farhat
Indonesian aircraft supervisor enjoys Dubai’s mixed nationality set-up Priyadi Munadi of Indonesia has been to 24 cities, but none quite like Dubai, he says. ‘Working with a team of mixed nationalities gives me access to learning how to accept differences…I become more tolerant and respectful.’
Priyadi Munadi, who hails from Jakarta in Indonesia, is an aircraft supervisor who arrived in Dubai 10 years ago. “I supervise the turnaround of an aircraft, leading a team to unload and load the aircraft, liaising with the pilot about the loads information as well as ensuring weight and balance of aircraft,” Priyadi said. As such, Priyadi’s job takes him everywhere. “I’ve been to 24 cities, and worked in Doha and Kuala Lumpur,” he said. But none of these cities were quite like Dubai, especially considering the city’s multi-ethnic set-up, he said. “Working with a team of mixed
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nationalities gives me access to learning how to accept differences…I become more tolerant and respectful,” says Priyadi. Priyadi has a wife and children back home, and they keep him going despite the erratic schedule at work and the distance away from them. Priyadi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. He says he “really enjoys music festivals,” and has been in the city long enough to know where the best bargains are. “Dubai may perhaps be expensive but for the tourists; I know where to buy things,” he says.
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Priyadi Munadi
‘It’s family more than anything else’ Amir Rafiq, holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering from the US; he prefers to stay in Dubai because here is where family is. ‘All my family is here, so I had to wrap up my business in the USA and return to UAE.’
Amir Rafiq
Amir Rafiq, epitomizes the strong family ties that Asians are known for. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering from the US and has established a business there but decided he’s move back to Dubai. He explains: ‘I went back to Dubai because my parents’ applications for visas for in the USA were rejected. Everyone in my family is here in UAE, so I had to wrap up my business in the USA and return to UAE.” The Rafiqs were from Pakistan. Amir has moved on and is now engaged in his passion for emerging technologies in the IT field. In all, he says, he has been in Dubai for some 30 years all together, including time
spent during his school days. “Dubai is my first city away from home. But I have worked in Dallas, Texas. Yes, Dubai is expensive, but I get by fine. It’s not that expensive as New York or California or Vegas,” says Amir. Amir runs two businesses in Dubai. “I have a staff to handle most of my daily operations. I basically just oversee the money flow,” he says. Amir says he is always mesmerized by the New Dubai. “The structures are intriguing,” he says, referring to the architecture of the skyscrapers in that part of the city, aptly called the “Manhattan of Dubai.”
Mosarof’s steady progress: from cleaner to lifeguard The expat from Bangladesh says there is no other way but up. ‘I started out with a cleaning company, then became a spa attendant, a lifeguard and a guest relations staff. Next time, I’ll be the supervisor.’
Mosarof Hossain arrived in Dubai from Bangladesh on May 2012 ,7 and was soon working as a cleaner. “The moment you get here,” he says, “you waste no time looking for work.” “You can’t be choosy; just get whatever comes your way,” Mosarof, who now is lifeguard at a five-star hotel, added. “I started out with a cleaning company, then became a spa attendant, a lifeguard and a guest relations staff. Next time, I’ll be the supervisor,” he said, beaming with confidence.
Mosarof says he loves his job in the hospitality sector. “I enjoy meeting different people and making new friends every day,” he says. Which is why, they say, Mosarof is always seen with a smile on his face. Another reason for that infectious smile is Dubai itself, he says. “I enjoy living here in Dubai. The rules and regulations are good. The government is also very kind to expats,” Mosarof said.
Mosarof Hossain
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EVERYDAY PEOPLE
‘I’ll open my own gym when I finally go home for good’ Dante Alvizo Gordonas, pursued a degree in forestry back home, but since forests there were being denuded, he decided to take up his dream job as gym personal trainer in Dubai instead. ‘There’s not too much lumber in the forests anymore back home so I decided I’d be a personal trainer, which is what I have actually wanted.’
Dante Alvizo Gordonas
Dante Alvizo Gordonas, who hails from Surigao del Sur province in the Philippines, came to Dubai in 2003, leaving behind plans to be a forestry officer and moving on to grab a job as a gym personal trainer instead. “There were no more trees in the forests back home. It wouldn’t have been a promising job,” Dante said. He was pursuing a degree in forestry but decided to drop it, pack up and fly to Dubai. And he is very much happy with his job. “Body building is my passion, which I get to do while making a living as a personal trainer,” he said. He gets a rush dealing with hotel guests – the gym is in a five-star hotel. “Engaging with people of different nationalities is fun,” Dante said.
He said Dubai has never ceased to amaze him. “From a vast desert to an international, state-of-the-art cosmopolitan city with skyscrapers and all, it’s a wonderful place to be,” Dante said. “Also,” he said, “food is not that expensive compared to how it is back home where you use up a big part of your salary on meals alone and end up with no savings – a hand-to-mouth existence,” said Dante, father and breadwinner, married to a lovely wife and father of two kids. Working abroad for the past 18 years, Dante said he is giving it at least three or four more years before going home for good. “I will settle down in Philippines and open my own gym. I also plan to go farming,” he said.
Ex-motocross racer says life is like a track – full of ups and downs Kenneth Kigozi of Uganda sold his bike so he could come to Dubai and try his luck. ‘Sometimes you fall off your bike, but get you get up to be back in the rat race again.’
Kenneth Kigozi
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Kenneth Kigozi was a motocross racer back in Uganda. But sold his bike so he could come to Dubai and try his luck. He has not totally abandoned the sport. He said getting back on the race track is his “biggest wish.” “But it’s a very expensive sport. It requires a lot of investment to have sponsors I didn’t have that money,” says Kenneth when asked why he sold his bike for Dubai. Kenneth, who has been in the UAE for the past seven years, had worked in Sharjah for four years as a building security guard during which he finds time to do some sport activities whenever free. “I’m personally a sportsman. I can do everything competition wise, even jeyskiing,” he says. Kenneth, who had been to Nairobi, Kenya twice in 2( 2013) for a motocross competition, says life is like a race track:
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“It is full of ups and downs. Sometimes you fall off your bike, but get you get up to be back in the rat race again. “In motocross, we have a saying that if you fall down five times, stand up six times. It is never about falling, but rather rising up every time you fall down.” Aside from being a racer, Kenneth also trains. “I had some Arab friends who liked my skills and I was like a trainer to them. They even give me a sport bike,” he said. Kenneth, who describes himself a positive person, says his journey in life started like anyone else’s: “A slow ride, as in your childhood in your life; but as you grow up, you realize you don’t know what comes ahead – it may bring screams of fear or laughter with tears.” Kenneth these days works as a real-estate broker.
EVERYDAY PEOPLE
Love, made in Dubai Chinechetam James Anoti, from Nigeria, went to Dubai to seek greener pastures and met the love of his life in the city; they got married in 2019 ‘I must say that God has blessed me in Dubai. I got a job and met my love interest here in 2017 and we got married in 2019.’
Chinechetam James Anoti, who is from Nigeria, arrived in Dubai on Jan. 2014 ,15. Currently working as barista in Dubai’s Marina area, James, a high school graduate, left his country to seek greener pastures in this expat city. He eventually got more than what he had prayed for. “Life has been ups and downs, I can›t complain,” he says, adding: “God has been merciful and loving. I left my personal business in Nigeria on Jan. 2014 ,15 and went to Dubai. “I must say God has blessed me in this city. I met my love interest here in 2017 and we
got married on Sept. 2019 ,21,” referring to Diane, also from Nigeria and who was working in sales at the time. Diane is currently in Germany as a student; James said he will fly there to be with her again in a few months. James’ first job was something he did not like, he said. “I worked 13 hours roundthe-clock.” That all changed when he managed to move to a new employment. Now, he is looking forward to a better life than home, thanks to the city. Chinechetam James Anoti
Quitting priesthood plans over love Jerome D’Sa, from Mangalore in India, has been living in Dubai for the past 22 years. He shares the changes that have transpired over time. ‘I aspired to be a priest. But, I had to give up in the end as I happened to fall in love with a beautiful girl and wanted to live a life with her.’ Jerome D’Sa, who hails from Mangalore, a sea port in the Indian state of Karnataka, had wanted priesthood. But something happened and all that changed. “I aspired to be a priest. But, I had to give up in the end as I happened to fall in love with a beautiful girl and wanted to live a life with her,” says Jerome. Jerome holds multiple degrees – A Master’s in Commerce from Loyola College, a private Catholic higher education institution in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; a Bachelor’s Degree in Education; and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy and Theology from a famous college in Pune, Maharashtra. “I tried a teaching career for a few years and later came to Dubai where I initially worked as accountant before later on venturing into printing sales,” says Jerome.
For the past two years, James has been living alone, calling office his second home because “it’s a place full of laughter and fun and I always want spend much time there.” This is so because his wife had to accompany his son, who wants to persevere in his studies in the medical field, back in Mangalore. “Now, I live alone, cook my own food and living a simple life,” said Jerome. Times have changed a lot, said Jerome: “Twenty-two years ago, my salary was AED1500. Of this amount, AED500 used to go for food and living whereas the rest went to savings. “As of now, pre-Covid I used to earn about AED27,000 in good months but saving is same as I used to do when I was making AED1500 as my salary.”
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Jerome D’Sa
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