From Dubai’s multicultural energy to Abu Dhabi’s stability and Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty, industry leaders share why the UAE is one of the world’s most exciting places to live, work and build a future
Why the UAE feels like home: Voices from across the Emirates
Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, one theme comes up again and again: opportunity. But beyond ambition, it’s the sense of belonging, diversity and everyday moments that define life in the UAE.
Abdul Nassani, Founder – ALKEMY Salons
“Dubai is like a mother: it always guides you and nurtures you, encouraging you to keep evolving into a better version of yourself.” @ALKEMY Salons
Abdul Nassani – image: supplied
Ajit, Head Chef – Rowley’s Restaurant
“Dubai is a city where dreams and flavours meet, a place where we push the boundaries of creativity every day. It’s not just about food; it’s about celebrating diverse cultures, sharing unique stories through flavours, and building memories around a table. Every ingredient, every dish, tells a part of the city’s story, making it one of the most exciting places in the world to cook and create.” @Rowley’s Restaurant
Ajit – image: supplied
Alaa Alhadad, Entrepreneur – House of Forte
“Dubai is home. Full stop, I came here when I was 10 years old, and this city raised me. This is where I belong. When I look at how this city has responded to every challenge it has ever faced, not by retreating, but by levelling up. I feel like that’s the only response I know, too. Dubai taught me that.” @House of Forte
Alaa Alhadad – image: supplied
Amal Oumasse, AVP Marketing & Communications – Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Africa
“What I admire most about Dubai and Abu Dhabi is their spirit of possibility – cities where cultures meet, dreams are built, and people from every corner of the world can feel at home while pursuing something greater. My favourite moments are often the simplest ones: watching the skyline evolve year after year, sharing a meal with friends from different nationalities, or witnessing how these cities always rise stronger in challenging times. For me, Dubai represents resilience, ambition, and gratitude – a place that gives you the space to grow, while constantly reminding you that the future can always be bigger than yesterday.” @Millenium Hotels & Resorts
Amal Oumasse – image: supplied
Bernard O’Neill, Hotel Manager – Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche
“From weekend walks along the Corniche to discovering new flavours across the city, Abu Dhabi is full of moments that bring us together. It’s a place where tradition and progress exist side by side, and where both my family and I have grown, connected, and built lasting memories.” @Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort
Bernard O’Neill – image: supplied
Carine Harb, Cluster Director – Radisson Hotels
“As a mother, there’s no greater gift than raising your children in a place that inspires them to believe in their future. Dubai gave my family that gift. Seventeen years later, this city isn’t just where we live. It’s where our story grew. It’s where our dreams took shape. It’s home. Thank you, Dubai, for holding our memories and shaping our future.” @Radisson Hotels
Cluster Team – voco Bonnington, Mövenpick JLT, and RIVA Beach Club
“Dubai is a city written in sunsets and skylines. For our teams across voco Bonnington, Mövenpick JLT, and RIVA Beach Club, Dubai represents the ultimate ‘Yes’ – a place where every culture finds a seat at the table. We experience the city through its textures: the crisp, modern elegance of a city staycation and the salt-air freedom of a day at the beach. What do we love most? The resilience. Watching this city evolve over the years has been like watching a friend achieve their wildest dreams. We don’t just work here; we live, celebrate, and thrive alongside a community that inspires us to be ‘daringly different’ every single day. It’s a tribute to the people who make it tick, and we are honored to have been part of the Dubai story for all these years.” @vocoBonnington @MövenpickJLT @RIVABeachClub
Eddy Maroun, Co-founder – Anghami
“I enjoy Dubai with gratitude. For the opportunities it gives us, the people it brings into our lives, and the system that makes everything possible. The infrastructure, the standards, the sense of order, it all creates a space where you can truly focus on building, growing and living fully.” @Anghami
Eddy Maroun – image: supplied
Daniel Hillier, Executive Chef – Sofitel Dubai The Palm
“One of my happy places remains a family picnic at Kite Beach. Fond memories of watching my nephews play and now seeing my two sons grow over the years. With the sunset and the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa in the distance, shawarma wraps shared together make the moment complete.” @SofitelDubaiThePalm
Daniel Hillier – image: supplied
Evan Harrington, Cluster General Manager – Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island & Pullman Resort Al Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah
“Ras Al Khaimah inspires me through its creative heritage… it’s a place where history, craft and landscape constantly inspire creativity.” @MövenpickResortAlMarjanIsland @PullmanResortAlMarjan
Evan Harrington – image: supplied
Garfield Kerr, CEO – Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee
“Dubai has given me a unique chance to build a thriving business and become a global leader in its category… it is now the most innovative coffee destination in the world.” @Mokha1450LuxurySpecialtyCoffee
Garfield Kerr – image: supplied
Giovanni Ledon, Chef de Cuisine – Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm
“I love how people support and look out for one another and I’m proud to call Dubai home. I also enjoy breakfast at Mama’esh – the food and warm atmosphere make it truly special.” @WDubaiThePalm
Image: Giovanni Ledon – image: supplied
Jay Dogra, Marketing Communications Manager – Andaz Capital Gate
“With more than three years here, I am constantly reminded that our true strength lies in how we stand for one another, as one. This unity is what defines us and it is why Abu Dhabi has always remained strong and will continue to do so, unwavering and united.” @AndazCapitalGate
Jay Dogra – image: supplied
Jorge Rodriguez, Chef Patron & Founder – Taqueria Freedah
“Dubai is my home away from home. The city gave me opportunities to grow, learn from many cultures, and open a taqueria. Dubai means hard work, resilience and if you cook from the heart, anyone can join your table. In challenging times, the care from Dubai’s leaders reminds us that we are part of something greater than ourselves.” @TaqueriaFreedah
Jorge Rodriguez – image: supplied
Kyung Soo Moon, Group Culinary Director – Sunset Hospitality Group
“Dubai is a city of vision, ambition, and endless possibility. For someone in the hospitality industry, it’s truly inspiring to witness how quickly the city evolves – from innovative dining concepts to world-class hotels and experiences that set global standards. Dubai is not just a city; it’s a hub where creativity, culture, and excellence intersect, making it an exciting place to live, work, and push the boundaries of culinary expression.” @SunsetHospitalityGroup
Mika Ueda, Restaurant Director – TakaHisa
“Dubai is a truly unique city and feels like my second home… it has given me many opportunities and is a truly unique city where cultures meet. The city also has an incredible food culture. From street food to fine dining, there are endless options and cuisines from all over the world. I really love experiencing so many different kinds of food here in Dubai. This is a city that welcomes those from afar who are ready for new challenges. Dubai is home to people who carry dreams with them.” @TakaHisa
Mika Ueda – image: supplied
Mohamad Chabchoul, Executive Chef – Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
“Dubai inspires me every single day. The incredible diversity of people and ingredients here allows a chef to cook without borders, blending flavours, techniques and stories from different cuisines. In Dubai, food becomes a universal language and a way to connect people, celebrate cultures and share experiences.” @MilleniumAirportHotelDubai
Mohamad Chabchoul – image: supplied
Mwangi John, Chef – ULA, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
“As a chef, Ras Al Khaimah is more than a city to me… it became a part of life. It teaches you to respect ingredients, to be patient, and to cook with heart. @MövenpickResortAlMarjanIsland
Nicolas Madueno, Executive Chef – Taj Hotel JLT
“My favourite thing about Dubai is its multicultural environment and the friendliness and respect that people show to one another. It is a city where you can experience so many different traditions and perspectives all in one place. What I truly enjoy is that you can discover something new every day: a new experience, a new place, or a new culture. It is difficult to describe, but Dubai has a unique energy that keeps evolving, and that makes it a special place.” @TajHotelJLT
Nina Shibly Chamlian, Managing Director – Qraft Qommuniqations
“Dubai is the city where my dreams found their wings. I arrived 25 years ago with hope in my heart and ambition in my mind, and this extraordinary city gave me the space to grow, to build, and to become the woman I am today. It is where I built my career, built my company, created my home, and raised my daughters. For me, Dubai represents courage, opportunity, and the power of believing that anything is possible.” @QraftQommuniqations
Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera
“Dubai represents possibility made real. It is a city that has shown the world how vision, courage and openness can transform a place into a global crossroads of ideas, cultures and ambitions. Few cities in history have had the courage to dream at this scale and actually deliver. Dubai is not just a place where the future is imagined; it is where the future is built, every single day. For me, it represents something deeply personal: the belief that culture, beauty and ambition belong together.” @DubaiOpera
Pieter Van Beugen, General Manager – DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa, Ras Al Khaimah
“What makes Ras Al Khaimah so special is its peaceful and serene atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains, the sea, and lush landscapes, it’s a place where people can truly slow down and reconnect with nature.” @DoubleTreebyHiltonResort&Spa
Pieter Van Beugen – image: supplied
Reif Othman, Founder & Owner – Hotaru Holdings / Sio Ramen Culinara
“My fondest memories of Dubai are the simple ones: eating shawarma in old Dubai, taking the abra from the Old Souk to Meena Bazaar, and watching the sunset over the shipping dhows at Al Ras. These moments capture the spirit of the city I call home – a place where people from all around the world come together as family.” @SioRamenCulinara
Roberto Segura, Founder & Head Chef – CRUDO at Culinara, One Za’abeel
“Dubai is a place where ambition and opportunity meet. It’s a city that allowed me to build my restaurants, grow as a chef, and create a life for my children. My favorite moments are the simple ones sitting by the sea with my kids after a long day, knowing this city gave us the chance to dream bigger.” @CRUDOatCulinara
Samantha Cook, Food & Travel Writer
“What makes Dubai truly special is its incredible diversity. People from all over the world come together here, bringing diverse cultures, perspectives, and stories that enrich and inspire everyday life. It’s also a place where I’ve always felt safe, a city where families thrive, friendships grow, and you can walk through life with peace of mind. But above all, Dubai represents opportunity. It’s a city that encourages ambition, celebrates hard work, and constantly reminds you that anything is possible if you’re willing to chase it.” @SamanthaCook
Samantha Cook – image: supplied
Samuele Baudoino, Executive Chef – Shangri-La and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
“Abu Dhabi is my home away from home. Having lived in eight countries before, I can say without hesitation that Emiratis are among the most gracious and generous hosts. It’s truly a privilege to share this country with them.” @ShangriLaandTraders Hotel
Saria Francis, Founder – Concept Atelier
“Dubai gave me more than a place to live… it gave me safety, belonging, and the confidence to build a future for my family.” @ConceptAtelier
Simone Federici, Founder & CEO – Antonia Group
“Coming from Italy, I brought a simple belief with me: Hard work pays off. Abu Dhabi gave me the opportunity to turn that belief into reality.” @AntoniaGroup
Simone Federici – image: supplied
Tony Haber, Founder and CEO – Alphamind
“Dubai, to me, is also the greatest example of resilience. It teaches you how to adapt, how to stay strong, and how to keep building, no matter the circumstances. In times of uncertainty, Dubai doesn’t slow down, it shows up. As a founder, that mindset has shaped everything I do. And ultimately, it’s the people. The teams we build, the culture we create, especially in our industry. In challenging times, you realise your people are your greatest asset.” @Alphamind
Tony Haber – image: supplied
Vernanne Crisp, Executive Housekeeper – Dusit Thani, Abu Dhabi
“Abu Dhabi means growth, resilience and opportunity to me. Working in hospitality, you see Abu Dhabi at its best. There is a real sincerity in the community, where people look out for one another. It brings a sense of reassurance, stability and respect that allows you to grow and build a life.” @DusitThani
Wadad Zarzour, Chef Patron & Founder – Doughbai
“Dubai is my home, my peace, and where my dreams came true. The city taught me that nothing is impossible. My children grew up in a welcoming, diverse community and the city’s growth inspired my dreams to grow, too. I never felt like a stranger – I felt like I belonged.” @Doughbai
Wadad Zarzour – image: supplied
