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US Expat Living in United Arab Emirates - Interview with Yvette
| Published: | 3 Apr at 9 AM |
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Filed: Interviews,United Arab Emirates
Yvette Ali, a work-from-home professional from the sunny U.S. Virgin Islands, now lives and studies in Dubai with her husband. She is a highly skilled CV writer with a knack for social media, blogging, research, and business consulting. Travel, cooking, and life experiences are her passion. Living in one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in the world has obliged her to ruminate and put pen to paper on her experiences and keen observations about living in a world so distinctively different from the little island rock she comes from. Yvette's expat blog is called From Wet Sand to Dry Sand (see listing here)
Where are you originally from?
United States Virgin Islands
In which country and city are you living now?
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
How long have you lived in United Arab Emirates and how long are you planning to stay?
Back and forth for 7 years. Lived for about 2 years. Duration? We take it year by year.
Why did you move to United Arab Emirates and what do you do?
My husband got a job here. I freelance from home part-time and am an on-line university student.
Did you bring family with you?
My son is in college, but has spent some summers here with me. My stepdaughters also spend summers.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
Very easy because as small as my little island is, it's very diverse. Plus, I've done a good amount of traveling before. The hardest part was getting used to toilet with flushes that are built into the wall rather than beside the toilet. Oh, and those God-awful traffic circles.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
Yes, pretty much. Expats tend to be pretty outgoing and adventurous people. There a lot of MeetUp groups here too. The locals are harder to meet because they don't seem to socialize much outside their group, but the few I have chatted with in public places are always friendly, kind, and helpful.
What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
Shopping is what Dubai is known for most, but I like to explore the city's souks, eateries, and exhibitions. The nightlife is incredible. There are a large array of annual events such a Global Village and the Taste of Dubai. We just attended our first Tennis game recently with Serena Williams. There are concerts of every genre, sports, camel races, the Dubai World Cup and great fares to nearly countries.
What do you enjoy most about living in United Arab Emirates?
The massive international community! It's incredible! There are people here from all corners of the world. At any given queue, you are bound to hear the babble of at least 3 or 4 languages.
How does the cost of living in United Arab Emirates compare to home?
The US Virgin Islands has become a pretty expensive place to live, so many things are actually cheaper.
What negatives, if any, are there to living in United Arab Emirates?
The oven-hot summers and the awful drivers.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to United Arab Emirates, what would it be?
Do your research. It may or may not be for you, even though I've never met anyone who hated it. Perhaps, taking a trip to visit first is always a good idea.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Honestly,I can't think of anything worth complaining about. The country is very accommodating to expats needs, which really has surprised me. The hardest part is how long our flight back home is.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
Ah, good question. I may have a hard time. I don't exactly like it much when I go back to US now. Something has changed in me. I love my country don't get me wrong, but I just see things different now. There is so much out there in the bigger world outside the US borders.
What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
I try to keep it light, fun, witty, and informative. I feel like I have a story to tell every day, but just don't have the time to put pen to paper as much as I'd like.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Via email or twitter.
Yvette is a expat living in United Arab Emirates. Blog description: Life as a Caribbean Expat in the Desert
Here's the interview with Yvette...
Where are you originally from?
United States Virgin Islands
In which country and city are you living now?
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
How long have you lived in United Arab Emirates and how long are you planning to stay?
Back and forth for 7 years. Lived for about 2 years. Duration? We take it year by year.
Why did you move to United Arab Emirates and what do you do?
My husband got a job here. I freelance from home part-time and am an on-line university student.
My son is in college, but has spent some summers here with me. My stepdaughters also spend summers.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
Very easy because as small as my little island is, it's very diverse. Plus, I've done a good amount of traveling before. The hardest part was getting used to toilet with flushes that are built into the wall rather than beside the toilet. Oh, and those God-awful traffic circles.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
Yes, pretty much. Expats tend to be pretty outgoing and adventurous people. There a lot of MeetUp groups here too. The locals are harder to meet because they don't seem to socialize much outside their group, but the few I have chatted with in public places are always friendly, kind, and helpful.
Shopping is what Dubai is known for most, but I like to explore the city's souks, eateries, and exhibitions. The nightlife is incredible. There are a large array of annual events such a Global Village and the Taste of Dubai. We just attended our first Tennis game recently with Serena Williams. There are concerts of every genre, sports, camel races, the Dubai World Cup and great fares to nearly countries.
What do you enjoy most about living in United Arab Emirates?
The massive international community! It's incredible! There are people here from all corners of the world. At any given queue, you are bound to hear the babble of at least 3 or 4 languages.
How does the cost of living in United Arab Emirates compare to home?
The US Virgin Islands has become a pretty expensive place to live, so many things are actually cheaper.
The oven-hot summers and the awful drivers.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to United Arab Emirates, what would it be?
Do your research. It may or may not be for you, even though I've never met anyone who hated it. Perhaps, taking a trip to visit first is always a good idea.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Honestly,I can't think of anything worth complaining about. The country is very accommodating to expats needs, which really has surprised me. The hardest part is how long our flight back home is.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
Ah, good question. I may have a hard time. I don't exactly like it much when I go back to US now. Something has changed in me. I love my country don't get me wrong, but I just see things different now. There is so much out there in the bigger world outside the US borders.
- Visit first, if you are able.
- Do your research.
- Don't go by people's opinions only.
- Keep in mind that you may not get paid for a month or more, so bring enough cash to get you by for a few weeks.
- If you will need a VPN, download it before moving.
I try to keep it light, fun, witty, and informative. I feel like I have a story to tell every day, but just don't have the time to put pen to paper as much as I'd like.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Via email or twitter.
About the author
Yvette is a expat living in United Arab Emirates. Blog description: Life as a Caribbean Expat in the Desert
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