Editor’s Word: Over time, immigrating to different international locations has turn into more and more fashionable, particularly for Nigerians (and Africans usually). We name it Japan. Over the approaching weeks, Mayowa Adegoke shall be working with BellaNaija Options to discover what it means to be African in Dubai. We are going to 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 each day lives.
This week we’re working with Thousand Banjos, a advertising and marketing and communications strategist with in depth expertise within the Center East and Africa. She runs a podcast sequence, “Exploring Objective with Temi,” centered on serving to girls make a distinction and stay significant, genuine lives. get pleasure from!
As an African, what’s life like in Dubai?
It was very attention-grabbing and totally different from after I was dwelling and dealing in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE in 2018. Beforehand, Dubai was primarily thought of a brief residence, however now an increasing number of expats are transferring right here for numerous causes. Many individuals are drawn to the town due to its greater high quality of life, handy location to journey and financial advantages. Individuals are attracted by greater wages and tax-exempt standing, in addition to a safe atmosphere to boost a household. As an African expat, I’ve discovered dwelling in Dubai to be an amazing expertise. Town has a various inhabitants, about 85% of that are expats, and may be very welcoming. It was nice to see the massive participation from African professionals, enterprise homeowners and freelancers. There are lots of African retailers across the metropolis providing acquainted groceries and meals, making a welcoming ambiance for my household to return to Nigeria.
Inform us a bit of about your background and what introduced you to Dubai
I’ve over eight years of expertise in advertising and marketing, inventive model administration, company and client communications, world/native occasions and disaster communications. I graduated with honors in Administration from the College of Kent and acquired a BA in Mass Communications from Redeemer College. Since 2018, I’ve lived and labored in three international locations outdoors of Nigeria. I began in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, moved to Ankara, Turkey for a yr, after which moved to Qatar. I moved again to the UAE in 2022 and have been dwelling and dealing in Dubai ever since. Like all over the place else I’ve lived, I got here right here due to work, and I at present work in communications on the Center East and Africa (MEA) workforce at a world hospitality firm. My initiatives centered on the African continent, which was a rewarding expertise.
Inform us about your skilled journey again dwelling and now in Dubai
I lived in Nigeria and held numerous positions with Heirs Holdings and Transcorp Motels Plc. Serves as their pioneer advertising and marketing and communications govt. My story with Heirs Holdings may be very attention-grabbing. After finishing my Masters within the UK, I moved again to Nigeria seeking my massive break. To be trustworthy, I’d have appreciated to have been in a administration place in one of many Massive 5. I used to be delighted to interview with Heirs Holdings as it’s a nice firm, however my first position in 2016 was as a Buyer Relations Officer – Receptionist. It was a really humbling expertise, however I accepted the position wholeheartedly. I all the time open myself as much as new challenges and ensure I’m current. Six months into this position, I used to be seconded to the College at Buffalo as a digital advertising and marketing advisor to work on a number of initiatives, and my profession took off from there. I nonetheless keep in mind when Transcorp Motels Plc moved to Abuja and I observed the chance to enhance and implement key initiatives to additional place the corporate as a number one hospitality group. Though it had damaged data for excellence and execution on the time. I pitched the concept to the management workforce and have become the primary advertising and marketing and communications supervisor for this publicly traded firm.
This led me to a profession in hospitality. I joined my present firm as a graduate administration trainee, which is why I moved to the UAE in 2018. The appliance course of is rigorous and thorough. I submitted an internet utility and needed to full a psychological check – verbal and quantitative reasoning, a HireVue interview (pre-recorded), a stay on-line interview, after which an evaluation heart in Turkey. The evaluation lasted two days and evaluated roughly 15 potential candidates from the Center East and Africa area. We accomplished group and particular person workout routines and shows, and I used to be chosen as one in all 5 contributors that yr. I’ve been working for a similar firm for six years.
What challenges do you face as an African in Dubai?
One of many largest challenges many expats face is discovering significant connections—with mates and even romantic relationships. After doing this for about six years, I grew to become extra vocal about looking for actual connections and speaking to mates again dwelling to attach me with folks they could know from wherever I lived. I additionally made positive to become involved in my group, together with church and social teams, which allowed me to satisfy new folks and make connections. It’s also vital that you’re seen as somebody who provides worth and is useful in your social circle.
That is actually useful. What in regards to the highlights?
One of many best highlights of dwelling and dealing in Dubai as an African is that it permits you to expertise a wide range of cultures and locations all over the world. I’d say Dubai is a melting pot and a hub. If used accurately, you possibly can construct wealth and alter your life.
Are you able to share any insights or experiences in regards to the job marketplace for Africans in Dubai?
I’ll give attention to Nigeria as I’m most accustomed to this market. The present state of affairs is tough because of the strict immigration insurance policies and measures carried out by the authorities when it comes to border management and employment. Issues are much less versatile than they have been six years in the past, however corporations are nonetheless recruiting and processing purposes from certified candidates. The job market is very aggressive with a big pool of expert labor, which may be irritating for Nigerians and a few African international locations. Working for a multinational group with a confirmed monitor report will increase the chance of employment in Nigeria.
What limitations, if any, have you ever encountered when it comes to employment, profession development, or entry into sure industries or positions?
I consider that the upper up your place, the much less vital your technical experience is. It is not about how arduous you’re employed, it is about how good you’re employed and the way you’re perceived amongst totally different groups and folks you work together with. Discussing with mates right here, I discovered that it has turn into tough for middle-level administration to modify to new industries. It is suggested to discover a profession coach as a result of that is an ever-changing employment atmosphere.
It’s secure to say that you just’ve settled in and turn into profitable in Dubai. What do you assume is the particular component of your success story?
I consider the primary secret to success lies in your prayer room. Whenever you stroll with God, talk with Him, and ask Him for assist, favor, and steering, He’s by no means flawed and all the time on time. One other vital factor is your connections. I’m surrounded by robust, good folks I can belief. This takes lots of effort and time, and that you must be very cautious about your circle of mates. I’ve by no means been afraid to ask for assist, and I accomplish that usually now as a result of there’s a lot to do and study that I merely can’t be all over the place on the similar time and wish my help system. As well as, private {and professional} improvement are additionally essential. You must be always engaged in classes, coaching, studying and unlearning. This course of could also be uncomfortable at first, but it surely’s usually rewarding. You must turn into a grasp of your craft. You must reveal and pursue excellence.
Evaluating the life-style in your nation of origin and the nation the place you at present stay, what modifications did that you must make to adapt?
The very first thing I’d say is to give attention to my funds. It’s simple to get swayed by the glitz and glamor of Dubai and never lower your expenses. The emirates already help you earn greater than you possibly can earn again dwelling, so it is vital to reap the benefits of this and keep away from life-style inflation as a lot as doable. I opened funding accounts, created a funds and tracked the place my cash was going. I ensure to stay inside my means and set clear, achievable objectives and budgets to realize monetary freedom and independence. I additionally bought a life insurance coverage coverage on prime of the one provided by the workplace so as to add a pleasant cushion. I usually focus on wealth administration with mates and am always on the lookout for the perfect alternatives doable. I believe it’s additionally vital to be versatile and open to different folks and cultures. Be keen to make new mates outdoors of your race and all the time look so as to add worth wherever you possibly can.
What are some issues that Africans seeking to immigrate to your nation ought to bear in mind?
The UAE is a rustic with a excessive ethical and worth system. Though it’s primarily populated by foreigners, they take their tradition and customs very critically, and also you should be keen to abide by the principles they set. The tempo in Dubai may be very quick and it is simple to get distracted. It’s vital to have a plan and set clear objectives for the kind of life you need and work in the direction of attaining that aim. You needn’t stay within the fanciest neighborhood or drive the latest automobile. What it’s best to care about is what’s in your checking account, the legacy and influence you need to obtain, and enhancing the lives of your loved ones again dwelling. I’ve heard so many tales about coming right here and having nothing to indicate for it. Subsequently, it is very important regulate the prize. Relying in your wants, there’s one thing for everybody. For these contemplating a transfer, Dubai can also be a secure place to boost a household.
