As part of a new segment of our newsletter, we are highlighting a member of the BCB team. This month we are starting with our newest team member, Emma Kirkman, Business Operations Manager.
Whilst I have lived in the UAE for over 6 years, it is still a country that surprises and excites me on a daily basis. Whilst the UAE is a relatively young country, and does not have the established histories of many major world players, it has other unique attributes. One of the values quoted most often by the UAE leadership is tolerance; tolerance for other cultures, societies, history, expertise and ideas. It has allowed Dubai, and the UAE, to flourish into the country that it is today.
When many of my family and friends ask me about the UAE, its often about what Emiratis are like, how do I have to dress and do I not spend all day on the beach? What many people don’t realise is that life in Dubai means dealing with many different nationalities every day. Emiratis are in fact a minority in their own country, but they are still endlessly welcoming and understand the value that expats have provided to their economy.
Apart from the weather (as any Brit loves to discuss), I find it fascinating to talk to the people that I meet on a daily basis about their story; what has brought them to Dubai, and more importantly what has made them stay. Reasons are wide and varied, but often the progressive nature of the country, the opportunities and the weather play a key role. However, as I write this we are in our 5th day of rain in the last 10 days!
My background of working in media, and also having spent a number of years living in Abu Dhabi, give me perspectives on both cities that many residents of the UAE do not have. From seeing first hand how Abu Dhabi’s diversification strategy is impacting the wider economy, to understanding the wide implications of the different jurisdictions between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, both cities have their own unique personalities that help form part of this diverse country.
