Editor’s Observe: Over time, immigrating to different international locations has change into more and more in style, particularly for Nigerians (and Africans basically). We name it Japan. Over the approaching weeks, Mayowa Adegoke might be working with BellaNaija Options to discover what it means to stay as an African in Dubai. We’ll invite Africans to find out about how they stay, work and reply to social change on one other continent.
This partnership goals to shine a highlight on profitable African immigrants in Dubai, bringing you tales from their every day lives. Learn the ultimate episode right here.
This week, we’re speaking to UAE-based Oliver Nakakande. Oliver is a trend mannequin, content material creator, speaker, occasion host, revealed creator, and humanitarian. She rose to fame as Miss Uganda 2019/21 and made historical past by turning into the primary black lady to seem on the quilt of Miss World journal. She holds an MA in Advertising Communications and Model Administration from Middlesex College, Dubai, and has acquired prestigious honors in trend, charity and public talking.
She based the Oliver Nakakande Basis in 2022 to advocate for training by offering teenage moms in Uganda with the chance to return to high school. In 2023, I additionally revealed my debut novel “Escape: How I Went from Disgrace to Fame.”
Oliver has been featured on a number of platforms together with Lovin Dubai, Khaleej Instances, Virgin Radio, Every day Mail, NTV, Vanguard and extra.
Howdy Oliver!
Hello Bella Naija.
You’ve fairly an in depth portfolio, effectively carried out.
Thanks.
So, how is life in Dubai up to now?
Though the method was not easy, it was total fruitful. I spent most of my twenties in Dubai. As a younger African girl exploring the town, work and examine alternatives, Dubai has challenged me to stage up and change into a extra knowledgeable trendy girl.
attention-grabbing. Inform us slightly about your background and what introduced you to Dubai
I got here to Dubai shortly after dropping my mom in Uganda. To me, it was like a plan to flee the loss I had simply suffered. I wished to stay someplace away from dwelling however not far sufficient to journey backwards and forwards. On the identical time, I had simply graduated with a diploma in journalism and was in search of job alternatives.
What had been the outcomes of this search?
Discovering my first job in Dubai was no joke! I dropped off my resume at varied places of work, acquired tons of of on-line functions, and attended a number of interviews. Sadly, I would not say I like most of my offers. After my three-month visa expired, I made a decision to resume it for an additional three months and take a look at once more. I used to be fortunate sufficient to interview for a gross sales place with an actual property firm and was employed. Since I had zero expertise, I took an actual property course on the Dubai Land Division and certified as a Dubai actual property agent.
As an African, what have been the challenges, classes and highlights of your journey (profession, way of life) in Dubai?
Dubai is stuffed with alternatives, however my challenges outweigh the alternatives. As an African exploring alternatives in Dubai, I noticed that there are a lot of alternatives for individuals of various nationalities and only some alternatives are unique to Africans. I realized excessive persistence, perseverance, and prayerfully searching for breakthroughs.
Have you ever ever skilled any type of resistance due to your race, nation of origin, or accent?
Completely! Particularly when in search of a job, it saddens me that up to now, there are nonetheless many firms that point out “all nationalities besides Africans.”
How did you cope with this drawback?
Every time I discover myself on this scenario, I at all times remind myself of my value and ignore any racial feedback or incidents.
Are you able to share any insights or experiences in regards to the job marketplace for Africans in Dubai?
The job market in Dubai is hard for Africans; survival is just for the die-hard go-getters. It’s straightforward to surrender on job searching and change into a freelancer like me. I used to be fortunate sufficient to seek out one presentable Work led me to depart to proceed my research. After incomes my undergraduate and graduate levels in Dubai, I hoped that it will be simpler for me to seek out higher jobs at affordable costs with out regard to my race; I used to be mendacity to myself.
oops
Beforehand, I thought of myself underqualified, however now that I’m certified, I nonetheless want minimal GCC expertise, which is tough to attain with my nationality.
So it is protected to say you are settled. What do you suppose are the particular components which have contributed to your success up to now?
Regardless of all of the employment points, Dubai continues to be an amazing metropolis to stay and thrive in. I noticed I didn’t want a full-time job to attain my desires; I discovered Dubai’s “gig economic system” labored higher. I used all my skills and developed my private model. I’ve change into a profitable mannequin, creator, presenter, and advocate and I nonetheless have the privilege of having fun with my free time and touring.
Evaluating the life-style in your nation of origin and the nation the place you at present stay, what modifications did you might want to make to adapt?
Uganda and the UAE are very completely different on nearly each stage. I needed to adapt to the new climate, spicy meals, and Arabic terminology, and I discovered it tough to make associates and discover group.
What do Africans pondering of transferring to Dubai want to recollect?
They need to concentrate on UAE legal guidelines, guidelines and rules. I might advise them to analysis way of life, work life, lodging, value of residing and so on earlier than taking a flight. For Africans planning to relocate to Dubai, three key concerns are essential: understanding and respecting native tradition and customs, turning into conversant in Dubai’s authorized and regulatory framework, and making certain a strong plan for lodging, employment and monetary stability plan of. These components are essential for a easy transition and profitable integration into life in Dubai.
I agree. What are the small issues/habits/actions Africans in Dubai can take to assist them thrive?
Africans in Dubai can do that by embracing variety, adapting to native customs whereas sustaining their cultural identification, constructing sturdy networks inside and outdoors the African group, staying knowledgeable about native information and rules, studying Arabic to boost communication, training good monetary administration, Prioritize well being to thrive and be wholesome, frequently be taught and develop abilities, have interaction with the group by volunteering and cultural actions, and respect legal guidelines and customs to keep away from any misunderstandings or authorized points.
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Many because of Oliver Nakakande for having this dialog with us. Catch the following episode on Wednesday. Would you prefer to be featured on BellaNaija or share your article with us? Ship us an e mail: [email protected]
