American expats share their thoughts about living in the UAE

"I made the decision to move to Dubai in January 2016 and it has been nothing short of an incredible journey. Coming from a small town Nanty-Glo, Pennsylvania, the UAE is something I would not have dreamed of. I have had some of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life. Not only have I met some incredible individuals in the UAE, but I have also had the opportunity to travel the world and expand my knowledge of different cultures and way of life. One of my favourite things about Dubai are the different accents you hear, the number of languages spoken, and the variety of nationalities you will come across. I'm not sure how long I will live in Dubai - being away from my family - but I can say that moving internationally has allowed me to grow and expand my knowledge far beyond anything. I wouldn't have ever experienced this new culture if I hadn't made that move. Opportunities here are endless. Thank you, Dubai."
Gary Petersen, Chief Operating Officer, American Hospital, Dubai
"I moved to Dubai in January, 2016, to serve as the C.O.O. at American Hospital, Dubai. Prior to this relocation, I researched the history of the UAE, the remarkable Emirati people and the visionaries that created the American Hospital Dubai over 20 years ago. I viewed this opportunity as a gift. Living and working with people from almost every country around the globe provides an amazing mosaic of culture, language and perspective. I am not aware of any other place that offers such an extraordinary experience, and I am truly grateful."
Valerie Bradley (centre), Engagement Manager, The American Business Council in Dubai
As with many expats, I was drawn to the UAE by stories of high-speed professional growth, luxurious lifestyles and convenient travel opportunities across the Eastern hemisphere. Upon my relocation from Virginia to Dubai in early 2014, I quickly learned that living and working in the UAE would open me to more incredible experiences than I could have imagined. I have had the wondrous opportunity to befriend people of all nationalities - each retaining and sharing their culture with others, whilst working and living together in total harmony in the UAE. I have enjoyed the richness of history and culture here -learning more about this nation through conversations, exploration and taking part in local protocol and tradition. I have had the pleasure of experiencing this warm and welcoming nation, which continues to focus on advancing the happiness, health, education and well-being of its inhabitants. All in all, some expats will find themselves as temporary visitors, others will establish homes and raise families along the beautiful coasts or inland in the desert, but all who experience life in the UAE share a uniquely enriching experience that remains for a lifetime.
Logan Oliva, Assistant Director of Sales, Hotels - Claviger Middle East
"Words certainly aren't enough to fully describe my experiences in Dubai. But Dubai has been home to me for over four years now, and I can honestly say that my time here, working and living, has changed my life forever. The memories I've created, opportunities I've come across, experiences I've had, and friends I've met will truly last a lifetime. When people ask me when I plan to go back to the U.S., I say going home is in my long-term plans. But when I sit back and think, I am already home. I'll always bleed red, white and blue, but the red, white, black and green does now and always will have a special place in my heart!"
Eric Clark, Executive Vice President for Business Operations, NAWAH Group of Companies
"Before moving permanently to Dubai from Washington, D.C., I always thought - and wrongfully so, I now admit - that America's capital city and its commercial sister city of New York were the crossroads of every major world decision and development. From policy decisions negotiated in Washington's power corridors to companies and their innovative products publicly launched via Wall Street and its vast funding streams, I previously believed that I was living in the world's epicentre. But after moving to Dubai, I quickly realised that the UAE - with its capital city of Abu Dhabi and its financial sister city of Dubai - is truly at the centre of the world, literally and figuratively. Intellectually and artistically, commercially and diplomatically, I absolutely cherish the opportunity to live, work and play in one of the world's most alluring and universally appealing places on Earth."

source: Khaleejtimes