Lessons from My Journey in Dubai

It was in October 2003, at the youthful age of 24, that I embarked on a life-altering journey to Dubai. As I celebrate two decades of living and working in this remarkable city, I'm reminded of the profound transformation that this chapter of my life has brought.

Dubai, a vibrant melting pot of cultures and aspirations, has been more than just my home; it's where I've grown, evolved, and forged lasting connections with people from diverse corners of the world. Their stories, perspectives, and shared experiences have indelibly shaped the person I am today. In the few paragraphs that follow, I invite you to join me as I distill the quintessential lessons learned during my 20-year journey in this extraordinary city. These insights, born from countless encounters and experiences, encapsulate the essence of my Dubai life and have played an integral role in defining my personal and professional identity.?

1.?????? Vision:

Visionary Leadership: Dubai is known for its visionary leadership, with leaders like Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the forefront. Their forward-thinking approach and long-term vision have been instrumental in shaping the city's growth and development. This leadership style emphasizes innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to positioning Dubai as a global hub.

Dubai’s vision is nothing short of transformative. With an unwavering commitment to progress and innovation, this vision has propelled Dubai from a desert trading post to a global metropolis and has positioned the UAE as a beacon of modernity and prosperity. Dubai envisions a future where excellence is the standard, and the pursuit of knowledge, sustainable development, and technological advancement are at the core of society. Sheikh Mohammed's vision transcends borders, advocating for international collaboration and cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid. His forward-thinking approach, combined with a deep-rooted respect for tradition and culture, has not only redefined the city but has also inspired generations to dream, aspire, and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

It is this vision that kept me inspired and kept me going!

2.?????? Values:

Respect and Tolerance: Dubai is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where people from various backgrounds and religions coexist harmoniously.

Charity and Generosity: The concept of charity, or "zakat" in Islam, is significant. Dubai has a strong tradition of charitable giving and philanthropy, often directed towards community development and humanitarian causes.

Work Ethic and Integrity: Islamic values emphasize the importance of honesty, integrity, and hard work. Dubai's growth and success can be partly attributed to its adherence to these values in business and everyday life.

I’ve had the opportunity to write our company values myself 19 years ago. Our company values are HONESTY, OPTIMISM, RESPECT, ENTHUSIASM, COMMITMENT, and ACCOUNTABILITY. They are in our hearts, minds, walls, website, and we live by them!

3.?????? Diversity:

Cultural Diversity: Dubai is a melting pot of cultures. The city is home to people from all corners of the globe, creating a unique blend of traditions and lifestyles. Living in Dubai exposed me to a rich tapestry of cultures that taught me valuable lessons about tolerance, understanding, and appreciation for diversity.

Economic Diversification: The Dubai leadership recognizes the importance of economic diversification and reducing reliance on oil revenue. They have actively promoted economic diversification by investing in various sectors such as tourism, finance, technology, and logistics. This strategy has helped make Dubai resilient to economic fluctuations.

Put together, this has inspired me to diversify my knowledge, connections, experience (from sales to HR), and explore multiple sources of business opportunities.

4.?????? Continuous Improvement:

Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Dubai encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. The government has launched various initiatives and incentives to promote startups and tech companies.

Openness to Global Talent and Investment: Dubai has a policy of being open to global talent and investment. The government has created a business-friendly environment with free zones, tax incentives, and regulations that encourage foreign businesses to establish a presence in the city. This approach has attracted talent and investment from around the world.

Seeing this around me inspired my love of reading, attending endless seminars and exhibitions. I make it a point to meet people, listen to their stories, and learn from each one of them. From my perspective, being humble to reflect and learn is one of the most important points that I will pass down to my kids.

5.?????? Innovation:

Global Business Hub: Dubai's transformation into a global business hub is remarkable. It has emerged as a thriving center for trade, finance, and commerce. The city's strategic location, tax-free zones, and world-class infrastructure have attracted businesses from around the world.

Efficiency and Effectiveness: Dubai's government places a strong emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness in its operations. Streamlining processes, reducing bureaucracy, and embracing technology have been key strategies to ensure that government services are delivered promptly and effectively to residents and businesses.

Innovation and Progress: Sheikh Mohammed is a strong advocate for innovation and progress. He believes in pushing boundaries and embracing new technologies to drive growth and improve the quality of life for residents. Dubai's reputation as a city of the future is, in part, a reflection of his dedication to embracing cutting-edge solutions and ideas.

When I look around Dubai and I see those architectural marvels such as Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, I see how I should push boundaries. I learn how to rebound from difficult times and how to handle difficult situations simply by planning, having the right mindset, and by innovative thinking. ?

Thank you, Dubai, for two unforgettable decades, and here's to the exciting chapters yet to come.

Thank you for reading.

Best Regards

Samer Abou Daher