2 Years in Abu Dhabi!

I arrived in Abu Dhabi 2 years ago today. Time flies! To celebrate this annual milestone, I'd like to answer some of the more frequent questions I receive. 

Why did I make the transition to Abu Dhabi? 

I decided to come to Abu Dhabi because I had no reason to say no. 

• Healthcare and our society are becoming more global, very rapidly. From my previous international experiences, I knew that the learnings and experiences I receive here could not be easily replicated elsewhere, yet, transferrable everywhere. 
• I am working with the same healthcare system, Cleveland Clinic, and can grow within the organization while being challenged in a new environment. 
• At the time, my family and I could travel freely. Typical of most parents, my mother was here within two months of me moving away. In my first year alone, I had ten visitors. I am thankful for living somewhere that everyone wants to visit! This trend made my transition easier. 
• Lastly, who doesn't want to live in Abu Dhabi (or Dubai, where most people believe I am)?!

What is it like to be a Black woman in the Middle East?

Honestly, I feel my nationality and gender much more than my race. Certain things flow differently than what I'm used to because I am a woman. Although this can be frustrating, I understand that I am a guest in another country and culture. On the other hand, some items are more streamlined because of my nationality. I know that this is a privilege and can be felt in many countries we travel to. 

There are a few Black leaders who are in leadership roles at my organization. Given this, it's consistent with our representation in senior leadership roles in the US. The difference is that Abu Dhabi is exceptionally diverse; our organization alone has over 120 nationalities represented. There's much diversity in experience, thought, and cultures amongst our teams, which has made this experience enriching and has vastly expanded my learning.

Some of the items I think about the most are: 

1. Ensuring that I am valuing every day of this unique experience.
2. Leaning into the language and culture of this region. 

Regarding the latter item, it was only this year that I began to take Arabic lessons seriously, primarily done at work with my team and peers. This single-handedly brought my direct reports and I closer than ever. We began to understand each other more by explaining cultural meanings, phrases, mannerisms, and intention. It also made me vulnerable in a way that I wasn't before; it took me way out of my comfort zone. I am used to getting things right, so when I say something with a crass or vulgar translation, it's beyond embarrassing (reminding me of the early days in China)! ...and my team is not afraid to tell you the harsh truth.

Nonetheless, I spend all week adding new words, phrases, and sentences to my whiteboards. We top it off with a weekly quiz in our team meetings; my manager, Ben, and I go head to head. Whenever I have the opportunity to, I speak with everyone in Arabic. Even one of my colleagues has insisted on no longer speaking to me in English (thanks, Rasha!). I must say that all Arabic dialects are different, which presents new challenges. Thus, I know a little bit of each: Emirati, Jordanian, Lebanese, and Egyptian Arabic dialects. 

As I close out this second year, I am incredibly proud of the growth I have experienced personally, professionally, physically, and mentally. I remind myself each day to take advantage of the opportunity to live and work here. There's no place like home, and there's no place like Abu Dhabi, either!