Reflecting on 3 Years As An Expat in Dubai, UAE

Moving to the Other Side of the World

In August of 2021, I decided to move over 10,000 kilometers from Canada to Dubai in pursuit of the next stage of my career. Working in the water park and entertainment industry, it made sense to go where the water slides were, leaving behind the rain of Vancouver for 50 degrees and clear skies. Bringing with me three suitcases, my dad and I set out for what promised to be the adventure of a lifetime.

And what an adventure it was. I spent over 1,000 days ‘in the desert,’ a place so foreign at first, yet it quickly became home in its unique way. The journey was filled with joy and growth, but not without its share of challenges—like battling homesickness on tough days and navigating the 12-hour time difference that meant work calls often stretched late into the night, with meetings at 9 and 10 pm. But for every obstacle, there was a wealth of incredible experiences that far outweighed them. I forged a new circle of friends, people who became like family, and it was during this time that I met my better half, a connection that changed my life in more ways than I could have imagined.

Living in the Middle East gave me a newfound sense of independence, one that continues to shape who I am today. At work, I was responsible for spearheading the development of marketing strategies aimed at driving the company’s growth across both the Middle East and Europe. In this role, I planned and executed events that fostered deeper connections within the industry, while also building lasting relationships with key players.

One of the highlights was getting to know the water park operators, a diverse and passionate group of people to be able to relate to them on social media and grow a vibrant water park community that expanded to over 6,000 members. Through this, I not only enhanced my professional skills but also played a key role in shaping an industry network that continues to thrive. These experiences taught me how to lead with initiative, connect across cultures, and contribute to something larger than myself.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

While work was exciting and I welcomed its new challenges, there were also parts of Dubai that I wasn't overly fond of. Over the three years, here are some of the biggest things that left an impression on me:

The Nature

If you're moving to Dubai, one of the biggest reasons tends to be for the weather. Winter doesn't exist here, so you're left with a wardrobe of shorts and t-shirts. Moreover, you have one of the prettiest deserts in your backyard not too far from the city. An hour's drive brings you into Ras Al Khaimah which features Jebel Jais for camping, ziplining, and hiking. An hour in the opposite direction brings you to Fujeriah for snorkeling, scuba diving, and some of the coolest forts you'll see. So yes, I missed my Pacific Ocean and Rocky Mountain range, but you can't say that the UAE doesn't have an incredible offering in terms of nature.

Entertainment

Working in the theme park industry means I've got a soft spot for rides and attractions. And when it comes to the UAE, we’re completely spoiled for choice. The country is a true playground for theme park and water park lovers. Take Aquaventure World—it's not just one of the biggest water parks in the world; it’s packed with three towers of water slides, lazy rivers, and play structures. And if that’s not enough, you can hop on a quick day shuttle to Yas Island, where four world-class parks are ready to welcome you between Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. I also have a personal soft spot for MOTIONGATE Dubai. The park offers an incredible Halloween experience and some of the best themed rides in the region—rides that, in my opinion, can rival those of Disney and Universal. From the immersive DreamWorks-themed lands to the excitement of the Hunger Games attractions, MOTIONGATE excels at bringing popular franchises to life.

Bigger is Better

One of the things Dubai is most famous for is its unparalleled luxury and guest service. This reputation is evident in every corner of the city, from its seven-star hotels to its shopping experiences. One of the most iconic and touristy examples of this is the Dubai Fountain. Located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain comes alive every evening, dancing to different songs every 30 minutes from classical symphonies, Arabic ballads, or pop hits, the show never gets old.

For the best views, head to the back of the Nike store in Dubai Mall, where you can avoid the usual crowds and still get a fantastic view. Another great option is Time Out Market, where you can enjoy a meal while watching the fountains dance outside. And if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience, the park in front of the Dubai Opera House provides an elevated spot to take in the show.

However, as glamorous as Dubai is, sometimes bigger isn’t always better. Case in point: the storms. While the city is known for its sunny, dry weather when it rains, it rains *hard*. The infamous "Great Flood of 2024" was one of those moments that reminded everyone that nature doesn’t play by Dubai’s rules. I was traveling home from an Eid trip just as the storm hit. What should’ve been a routine journey quickly turned into a travel nightmare. A two-hour delay at the airport was followed by an hour-long wait to deplane, and after finally disembarking, I found myself stranded in the airport for six hours. And the surprises didn’t stop there—when I finally grabbed a cab, my fare was six times the usual rate, thanks to the flooded streets. I guess Dubai never does anything small, even when it comes to its storms!

Multi-Cultural

One of the most unique aspects of Dubai is over 80% of the people living there are expats. This creates a vibrant culture from its food to its festivals. One of my favorite things to do in the city is to visit Old Dubai and walk through the narrow alleys of the gold and spice souks. The atmosphere is so different from the modern part of the city—it feels like stepping back in time. I love taking the abra across Dubai Creek where for just a dirham or two, you can experience a peaceful ride across the water, surrounded by views of both the old and new city. When my dad visited, I wanted to give him a uniquely Dubai experience, so I took him to a camel race. What people don't know about my boyfriend is he is a social animal, and somehow got us into the Arabic news truck covering the race. Driving side by side with the camels is certainly something I'll never forget.

Another highlight for me was experiencing the seasonal events, such as the Sharjah Light Festival, which illuminated the city with stunning displays, and the annual Iftar meals during Ramadan. After a day of fasting, Muslims break their fast at sunset, and I had the opportunity to attend a few memorable Iftars. One was at the Oaks Ibn Battuta where we sat on the ground under twinkly lights accompanied by traditional music, another at Expo 2020 beneath the waterfall, and a special one with my work team, watching the cannons fire before enjoying a feast of local delicacies. These gatherings were rich in tradition, reflection, and a sense of community that left a lasting impression.

These experiences—whether exploring the old souks, navigating the bustling markets, or taking in a camel race—show just how diverse and dynamic Dubai is. It's a city where tradition and modernity coexist and where, no matter where you're from, you’ll find a piece of home while being exposed to something entirely new.

The City That Never Sleeps

Being in Dubai, a central hub connecting East and West, has allowed me to visit places I once only dreamed of. With flights constantly departing, I found myself exploring diverse destinations like Kenya, Nepal, Tanzania, and India—all with affordable fares. The city’s non-stop pace also means next-day deliveries, often arriving by noon, making life easy peasy.

Dubai also champions fitness and sustainability, hosting the annual Dubai 30x30 challenge, which encourages residents to stay active for 30 minutes daily for 30 days. This includes free events like spin classes in vertical towers and 3km runs on Sheikh Zayed Road. The city transforms into a fitness playground, offering opportunities to stay active while exploring its unique locations.

What's Next?

Our decision to leave the city was ultimately driven by the intense heat, distance from home, and realization that we are not big city people. We felt the need to regroup and recalibrate. First, we’ll head to Northern Ireland to reconnect with my partner’s family, then to Amsterdam for IAAPA Expo Europe and to visit my dad.

After Amsterdam, we realized we weren’t ready to settle anywhere yet, so we decided to "glam-pack" through Southeast Asia. While doubts about this unconventional decision creep in, I’m excited to explore Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

There’s a thrill in the uncertainty, and I’m eager to embrace what this adventure brings!