From Brave Beginnings to Second Home

When I came to Dubai in 2012 I, like many others, had a plan to stay for three years and then reassess my options. Maybe a year and a half or two years down the road, that thought simply vanished. I reckon it was because deep down I knew I won’t be going anywhere. Did I think Dubai will become my second home? Definitely no.

Brave Beginnings

Before I moved to Dubai, I was only living in Poland. Some people saw my decision to move to a completely foreign country as a very brave decision to make. Dubai wasn’t as popular back then as it is now, so I must admit it was a bit of a journey into the unknown. Nevertheless, I never saw it as an act of bravery. Perhaps I was focused on the excitement of all the possibilities and opportunities that decision could bring.

I remember when I was brand new in Dubai and I’d ask people I met how long they had been in Dubai (standard question to ask when you meet someone here). Of course, the answers varied but whenever I heard anything above 10 years I was extremely impressed and couldn’t imagine myself staying for such a long time.

Yet, here I am today.

Dubai’s Evolution and My Personal Journey

Dubai has changed immensely since my arrival on 1st August 2012. Just to give you one example of this change is how Ramadan was celebrated back then. During my early days in Dubai, restaurants would only open at Iftar time. Time Out Dubai was listing a handful of restaurants that were open during the day so that you could place and collect your order! Otherwise, you had to cook for yourself. Fast forward to today, Ramadan is a completely different experience with restaurants operating as usual throughout the day.

As Dubai progressed over the years, so did I.

I built my career.

I met incredible people, some of whom become friends for a lifetime.

It’s no exaggeration to say that I’ve built a whole new life here, and Dubai has become my second home.

However, what I’m most proud of is how I’ve changed.

Dubai’s Charm: A City Like No Other

Living in a city with over 200 different nationalities and a mix of so many cultures expands your perspective and opens you up. Very quickly I’ve become more accepting and understanding. Experiencing various customs and celebrations from different cultures has broadened my worldview. I’ve learned that there’s more than one way to see things.

I’ve become more positive, focusing on the blessings in my life rather than dwelling on things beyond my control and gratitude has become a key aspect of my daily routine.

Today marks the start of my 12th year in Dubai, and just like back in 2012, I’m still excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead for me in this vibrant city.