From a Monte Carlo banker to the other side of counter

Dubai - My first month's salary was Dh3,000 which was raised to Dh5,000 after 18 months.

It was in July, 1975. Having just turned 21 years young - full of expectations and a certain trepidation - I embarked, with almost 'blind faith', on what was to become an integral part of my life's journey. I was at the time employed with Barclays Bank SA in Monte Carlo, where I was approached by a client, Ian Tamblyn. He asked whether I would be interested to come to Dubai to help set up a shipping company, as he was looking for someone with 'banking experience'. My response was "Du-what?". But I decided that I wanted to be on the other side of the counter, encouraged with the client's vivid and colourful description - which turned out to be correct - that Dubai was set to take off in a big way, and was indeed a land of opportunity'.
I reached Dubai by a British Airways flight from London. My initial impression was the overwhelming heat, despite being born in Uganda, raised in Australia and living in the South of France. Couple that with the cultural shock that resulted from the fact that I was coming from one of the most sophisticated towns in the world - Monte Carlo - to a town that was totally different, despite having a similar buzz.
My first month's salary was Dh3,000 which was raised to Dh5,000 after 18 months. Thereafter, the employer/employee relationship developed into a form of partnership with Ian Tamblyn, as he assumed the management of the marine activities of the company - Interstate Shipping & Resources Corporation.
One of the most striking aspects about the local businessmen was how welcoming and hospitable they were. Doing business in Dubai was a real pleasure and a true cultural challenge. The spoken word was stronger than the bond; handshakes were the norm and trust and transparency between business persons were paramount. Dubai's long history of trading showed in the spirit and businesslike attitude of the local merchants and businessmen. Your name counted for everything, the market was small and a person's reputation was as important as the zeros in his bank account.
Interstate initially dealt with the massive congestion experienced at Port Rashid. The majority of the establishment requirements were undertaken by the senior partner. The processes were relatively simple and straight forward. Paperwork was minimal and easy to understand and navigate through, despite the apparent language barriers.
Tapping India's LIC brand
Kingstar Insurance Agencies (KIA) was initially established in 1993, for representing the Bahraini registered Life Insurance Corporation BSC (c) - (LIC International), the international subsidiary of LIC of India, which wished to establish a presence in the UAE.
The initial introduction to LIC was made through a trusted business related contact I had dealt with in the past. Fortunately at the time, I had in my office, a Dubai-based financial adviser named Julian Raymond, who had an intimate knowledge of the life insurance business and the potential it represented. It was his professional know-how and dedication combined with his industry expertise that convinced me and my partners of the importance of this opportunity.
Obtaining a licence for LIC International in the UAE appeared close to impossible. However, after close to 13 years and over 330 trips to Abu Dhabi, KIA finally obtained the authorities' permission for LIC International to establish a branch office in Dubai by the end of 2005 and it began operations in the first quarter of 2006.
When somebody asks me whether I'm truly a global citizen, I feel like a famous watch brand ambassador. But I have spent the majority of my life in Dubai, and very much feel Dubai is "home"- and who could ask for a better home."
(As told to Sandhya D'Mello)