Indian Expat Living in United Arab Emirates - Interview with Mita

Mita is a communications specialist who lives and breathes technology and social media. She enjoys good food, the odd tipple, good company, and a good book. She is a self-confessed TV addict.

She moved to Dubai in 1989 and hasn't looked back. She runs a small boutique communications agency that, surprise, surprise, handles technology clients. Mita's expat blog is called Mita's Views (see listing here)

Here's the interview with Mita...

Where are you originally from?
India

In which country and city are you living now?
Dubai, UAE

How long have you lived in United Arab Emirates and how long are you planning to stay?
I have been living here since 1989 and not quite sure how long I will stay here. I think once I've figured out where I'll stay in the long term, I'll move.

Why did you move to United Arab Emirates and what do you do?
I was going through a separation and needed a fresh start. It was an opportunity offered to me and I thought, 'why not'. I have been working around communications and media since I first landed.

I currently own and run a small communications agency focused mostly on start up businesses and technology companies.

Did you bring family with you?
Not at first. But now I have a brother (and his new bride), my youngest son, his wife and my grandson here with me.

How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
The first six months were tough. I did not know anyone except for one or two referrals from friends and family back home. It was a tad easier since this is such a mixed community and English as well as Hindi is widely spoken here. So language and communications were no problem.

Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
Initially, it was a lot harder. And my job made it easier to meet people and socialise.

This is a largely expat-driven society, so it is easier to socialise mainly with other expats. However, with the advent of social media and a younger, more open Emirati society, I find I have made a lot more Emirati friends too.

What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
- Take a food tour with Frying Pan Tours. It explores areas of Dubai that are not normally on the tourist map and gives you a better flavour of what Dubai is all about

- Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding - gives you a very good insight into the local culture

- Get away from Dubai and check out some of the other Emirates like Fujairah on the east coast of UAE or Ras al Khaimah - a different experience

What do you enjoy most about living in United Arab Emirates?
I love the fact that I live in a melting pot of cultures and this allows me to expand my personal horizons.

How does the cost of living in United Arab Emirates compare to home?
It is a lot more expensive than India but then the salaries are comparatively better here. So there is some parity between earning and expenditure.

What negatives, if any, are there to living in United Arab Emirates?
I think the biggest negative is that I can never really retire here.

If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to United Arab Emirates, what would it be?
Expect the unexpected. Living outside your own country changes you – whether you realise it or not. You realise the difference when you go back to your country on holidays and breaks. You realise that your priorities have changed as have your likes and dislikes.

Just because someone comes from a different background, don’t underestimate their understanding of situations or what you are saying. You should not expect that people understand context immediately either nor assume that they DON’T understand you.

What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
I think I am over the hardest aspect of life. I've lived here for 20 years.

When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
I am not sure I could go back and live in India. I am exploring the options of living in Nepal.

What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?

1. Expect the unexpected. Don't believe everything you read in the media or what your friends tell you. Let it be a guideline and always be prepared for change.
2. Integrate and respect the local traditions and don't be judgemental. You are not at home. You should not expect that people understand context immediately but don't assume that they DON’T understand you either.
3. Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding - gives you a very good insight into the local culture
4. Use the Government sites for guidelines - the e-Government systems in UAE but especially Dubai are quite extensive and functional.
5. Don't rely on international banks - they're just as bad in Dubai as the local banks. Just find one that is convenient in terms of what your employers use

Tell us a bit about your own expat blog.
Its a personal blog and covers things and experiences that interest or (at times) annoy me not just about the community but some personal stuff too.

How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Just message me on Twitter on @mita56 and I usually respond within 24 hours unless its a weekend when I have been known to disappear.

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