Living in the UAE

We speak with a few Italians in the UAE who are excited to start their professional lives in the emirate, and gain immensely from its multicultural work environment

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Published: Thu 27 Oct 2016, 3:04 PM

Last updated: Thu 27 Oct 2016, 6:10 PM

Astonishing and mind-blowing

Aya Maria Moussalli
Business Development Manager, IICUAE

The decision to come to Dubai was taken in two weeks. As a Syrian-Canadian-Italian, I was excited to move to a multicultural city and work at the Italian Industry and Commerce office in the UAE as BDM. I am responsible for propping up exports of "Made in Italy" products and internationalisation by organising trade missions and inbound in the UAE. Of course, I have acquired an extensive knowledge in various sectors and types of products.
I am now organising an outbound business programme from the UAE to Italy, where six UAE companies are invited to meet Italian enterprises in the construction industry. One word to describe Dubai? Amazing. You can never foretell who you are going to meet in the city.

Vibrant and dynamic environment
Luigi Landoni
Chief Representative UBI Banca - Representative Office, DIFC

I am originally from Lombardy with 28 years of international experience in countries around the world. I have spent nine years in the UAE. My personal and professional experience here is full of interesting opportunities, meetings and relationships with a large number of people - both Emirati
and others - who share a common desire, i.e.
to be an active part of a vibrant and dynamic country like the UAE, in particular Dubai, in their respective sectors.
Emirati people have the same warm character as that of the Italians. Italians are attended to in a friendly and respectful way. My family is very comfortable and happy in Dubai, and we are very proud to be part of the Italian community here.
 
Extraordinary experience
Maddalena Goi
Trade Analyst

Dubai is a thrilling experience. I have been traveling in the Middle East for a long time, but didn't expect to stay in Dubai for long. It is fascinating how the city is constantly evolving, with construction work going on all over, all the time. I think you cannot soak in or understand the vibe of the city in one visit. You first have to go around exploring every corner and sight; from blinking lights atop skyscrapers to the flavours of Indian chai in the alleys of Deira, you have to explore it to know it. I've recently finished Islamic studies at Ca' Foscari University, and I am enthusiastically looking forward to work at the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UAE. This experience so far has been an extraordinary personal challenge!
 
Raising awareness with Italian excellence

Annalisa Perego
Breast Surgeon, Italian Medical Center

I've been in Dubai for only six months and I am working at the Italian Medical Center. Dubai has been growing as a centre for medical tourism, achieving very good standards of treatment and care. I'd like to bring world-renowned Italian excellence in management of breast disease to the UAE, such as Umberto Veronesi, an Italian doctor, who is the Founder of Breast Conservation Surgery. My aim is to spread awareness of proper breast cancer prevention among people here.
 
 
Geared for the future

Arturo Mario Poletti
Consultant Surgeon, Saudi German Hospital Dubai

I arrived in Dubai last April after the city left a good impression on me. I have decided to open a new chapter in my work life here, while accepting this opportunity as a challenge. Obviously, I miss Italy and my family, but my wife is happy that I am assisting people in Dubai. She is a great support in many ways, which helps me a lot in my commitments. I am impressed by the way people here follow the rules and responsibilities, while keeping up with the local lifestyle. The connection between people from all over the world is amazing. Emiratis are very friendly people, and are helping me in this new adventure.
 

Flourishing business and ideal lifestyle
Caio Mussolini
Senior Advisor, Abu Dhabi

I was impressed by the number of buildings under construction, the multicultural reality and the bustling environment when I landed in Dubai. That's why when I started working in the UAE in 2003, I immediately felt it was the right place for me.
After being appointed as head of the local office of an Italian company in 2007, my wife and I got a chance to move from Italy to Abu Dhabi with our children Carlo and Coco. It was a big challenge for us in many ways, from opening and organising the business to learning a new language, attending school and making new friends. We were excited and enthusiastic to move here, especially with the flourishing business, good lifestyle and excellent schools available here.
It was an investment that gave us good returns. My son, Carlo, completed secondary school in Abu Dhabi last year and was accepted to study Physics in Oxford University. With over 10 years spent here, we have no regrets. I consider this as an awesome opportunity for my family, especially for my children.
 
Region full of opportunities

Lorenzo Candelpergher
Chairman and CEO, LC and Partners Engineering Consultants

Whoever eventually makes the decision to become an expat has a story to tell. This, I think, makes the UAE, where more than 85 per cent of the residents are actually expats, a fascinating city to live in. People here have had the opportunity to rewrite their life on a blank page and taken the chance to make it right.
When I first came to the UAE, I was full of stereotyped prejudices, but soon discovered that it was a region full of opportunities that were both challenging and welcoming at the same time. I still remember the excitement I felt while watching construction sites operating 24/7; the realisation that this was the place for an engineer like me.
In 2008, the first subsidiary of my firm was licensed in Abu Dhabi, and three years later, my family joined me in Dubai. Today, I am proud to have contributed to the design and  construction of roads, airports, ports, metros, defence facilities, hospitals, towers, villas, and much more in the UAE and across the GCC, bringing from Europe, and mostly Italy, the expertise and enthusiasm of more than 80 engineers and architects. At the same time, I feel grateful to a country, which gave my team great opportunities and rewarded our talent and passion for excellence.
 
Modern country with traditional charms

AnnaMaria Giangrasso
Head of Retail Design, Meraas Holding

I moved to Dubai in 2008 to expand my knowledge and gain experience in a futuristic city. With art and design in my DNA, Dubai has given me a chance to apply my abilities and showcase my Italian roots, thanks to a unique visionary development programme. Italy is the Great Past. Dubai is the present and the future - the beating heart of modernity and creativity. I feel that I am in the right place at the right time. The lifestyle is charming and exciting.
We enjoy visiting the Opera House, art and design exhibitions, which is part of an ambitious programme that is setting Dubai among the biggest metropolises worldwide, while cherishing and safeguarding its identity and heritage.
Working in Dubai, especially in a government company is very demanding, but what is stimulating my team and I to work hard every day is something called meritocracy, which is indeed the key of success. I wish to keep growing in Dubai, enhance my experience and work towards the next ambitious step, i.e. Dubai 2020.
Best place to start

Benedetta Bottoli
Projects and Exhibitions Manager, IICUAE

I never imagined that I would be living in Dubai. It all happened when I came across an opportunity to do an internship at the IICUAE (Italian Industry and Commerce UAE) office. It was like a chance of a lifetime and I decided to take it. I arrived in Dubai in February this year, and immediately fell in love with the emirate. I come from a small city in Italy. In comparison Dubai is big; initially I got lost in the lights and the heights of its buildings. When someone asks me what is the best feature of Dubai, I always point at the optimistic atmosphere that pervades it. The city is constantly evolving, and seems like an ideal place in which you can realise your dreams. Another great thing about this place is the perennial sunshine. You can enjoy the beach all year round.
I am very proud of the job that I am doing at the Italian Industry and Commerce Office. It gives me the opportunity to meet different people from various cultural backgrounds. The experience is broadening my horizons. I am also grateful for the large presence of Italian community in Dubai. There is always a possibility to meet them, especially during the gatherings and functions hosted by the Chamber.
-supplements@khaleejtimes.com
 


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