Editor’s be aware: Because the years go by, migrating to different international locations has grow to be more and more standard, notably for Nigerians (and Africans usually). Japa, we name it. For the subsequent few weeks, Mayowa Adegoke, in partnership with BellaNaija Options, will discover what it means to stay in Dubai as an African. We’ll invite Africans to about how they stay, work, and take care of social modifications in one other continent.
This partnership goals to highlight profitable African immigrants in Dubai, bringing you tales of their on a regular basis lives.
This week, we’re having a dialog with Temitope Senbanjo, a advertising and marketing and communications strategist with expertise throughout the Center East and Africa. She runs a podcast collection, “Navigating Goal with Temi,”, the place she focuses on serving to girls drive influence and stay significant, genuine lives. Take pleasure in!
How has dwelling in Dubai been as far as an African?
It’s been fairly fascinating and completely different from once I lived and labored in Ras al Khaimah UAE in 2018. Earlier than, Dubai was principally thought-about a brief place to stay, however now extra expatriates are shifting right here for varied causes. Many are drawn to town for its greater high quality of life, handy location for journey, and monetary advantages. Individuals are drawn to the upper wages and tax-free standing, in addition to the protected surroundings to boost households. As an African expat, I discover dwelling in Dubai to be a fantastic expertise. Town’s various inhabitants, with round 85% being expats, could be very welcoming. It’s good to see a robust presence of African professionals, enterprise house owners, and freelancers. There are African outlets across the metropolis that present acquainted groceries and meals, making a homely environment for me as my household is again in Nigeria.
Give us a glimpse into your background and what introduced you to Dubai
I’ve over eight years of expertise in advertising and marketing, artistic model administration, company, and shopper communications, world/native occasions and disaster communications. I graduated with a distinction in Administration from the College of Kent and accomplished my undergraduate diploma in Mass Communication from Redeemers College. I’ve lived and labored exterior Nigeria since 2018 in three international locations. I began in Ras al Khaimah within the UAE, moved to Ankara in Turkey for a yr, after which to Qatar. I moved again to the UAE in 2022, and have lived and labored in Dubai since then. Work introduced me right here as with the opposite locations I’ve lived, and I at the moment work in a worldwide hospitality firm in communications as a part of the Center East and Africa (MEA) workforce. My initiatives focus totally on the African continent and it’s been a rewarding expertise.
Inform us about your skilled journey again dwelling and now in Dubai
I lived in Nigeria and labored in varied roles at Heirs Holdings and in Transcorp Resorts Plc. as their pioneer Advertising and marketing and Communications lead. My story with Heirs Holdings is kind of an fascinating one. After finishing my Grasp’s diploma within the UK, I moved again to Nigeria searching for my massive break. To be very trustworthy, I used to be anticipating to get a managerial position in perhaps one of many Huge 5s. I used to be glad to be interviewed at Heirs Holdings as a result of it was such a fantastic firm, however my first position in 2016 was as a Shopper Relations Officer – Receptionist. It was a really humbling expertise however I took on the position with dedication. I at all times put myself ahead for brand spanking new challenges and made certain I used to be current. Six months into working in that position, I used to be seconded to UBA as a Digital Advertising and marketing Guide to work on a couple of initiatives and my profession picked up from then. I recall the transfer to Transcorp Resorts Plc in Abuja on the time additionally, I had seen a possibility to enhance and implement key initiatives to additional place the corporate as a number one hospitality organisation. Though it was already breaking its data on excellence and execution on the time. I pitched the concept to the management workforce and have become the primary Advertising and marketing & Communications Supervisor for the publicly listed firm.
This led to me pursuing a profession in hospitality. I joined my present firm as a graduate administration trainee, which is how I bought to maneuver in 2018 to the UAE. The appliance course of was fairly rigorous and thorough. I submitted the web utility and needed to full psychometric assessments – verbal and quantitative reasoning, a HireVue interview (pre-recorded), an in-person on-line interview after which an evaluation centre in Türkiye. The evaluation lasted two days with about 15 potential candidates throughout MEA. We accomplished group and particular person workout routines and displays and I used to be chosen as one of many 5 trainees that yr. I’ve been with the identical firm for six years.
What are the challenges you confronted as an African in Dubai?
One of many best challenges many expats face is discovering significant connections – with mates and even romantic relationships. Having completed this for about six years, I’m extra vocal about in search of real connections and talking to mates again dwelling to attach me with individuals they could know wherever I reside. I additionally guarantee I’m plugged into communities together with church and social teams which permit me to fulfill and join with new individuals. It is usually necessary that in your social circles, you might be perceived as somebody who provides worth and is useful.
That’s actually useful. What about highlights?
One of many best highlights of dwelling and dealing as an African in Dubai is the entry it offers you to expertise a number of cultures and locations all over the world. I’ll say Dubai is a melting pot and a hub for this. If correctly harnessed, you’ll be able to construct wealth and alter your life.
Are you able to share any insights or experiences relating to the job market in Dubai for Africans?
I’ll concentrate on Nigeria as a result of I’m most acquainted with this market. It’s at the moment powerful as a consequence of strict immigration insurance policies and measures applied by the authorities relating to border management and employment. In comparison with six years in the past, the state of affairs is much less versatile, however corporations are nonetheless hiring and processing purposes for eligible candidates. The job market has grow to be extremely aggressive, with an abundance of expert labour obtainable, which can be disheartening for Nigerians and a few African international locations. Working for a multinational group with a robust monitor document will increase the probability of securing employment in Nigeria.
What obstacles have you ever confronted, if any, when it comes to securing employment, advancing in your profession, or accessing sure industries or positions?
I imagine that the upper up you go, the much less it turns into solely about your technical experience. It’s now not about how arduous, however about how good you’re employed, and in addition how you might be perceived throughout varied groups and folks you work together with. Discussing with mates right here, I discover that it’s additionally grow to be tough to pivot to new industries at mid-management, and it is strongly recommended to get profession coaches as it’s an ever-evolving employment panorama.
It’s protected to say you’ve settled in alright and grow to be profitable in Dubai. What would you think about as particular elements to your success story?
I imagine the primary secret to success lies in your prayer room. As you stroll and commune with God, asking Him for assist, favour, and route, He’s by no means mistaken and is at all times proper on time. One other necessary factor is your community. I’m surrounded by sturdy, clever individuals who I can depend on. This takes loads of effort and time, and it’s essential be very deliberate about your circle of mates. I’m by no means afraid to ask for assist, and I now do that as a rule as a result of there may be simply a lot to do and to study I merely can’t be in every single place on the identical time and want my help system. Additionally, private {and professional} growth is essential. It’s worthwhile to continuously take programs, prepare, study, and unlearn. The method is likely to be uncomfortable to start with, nevertheless it often pays off. It’s worthwhile to be a grasp of your craft. It’s worthwhile to present up and attempt for excellence.
Evaluating life in your nation of origin and the nation you at the moment reside in, what modifications did you must make to settle in?
The very first thing I’d say was specializing in my funds. It is extremely simple to be swayed by the glitz and glam in Dubai and never get monetary savings. The Emirate already permits you to earn above what you’d have again dwelling, and it is very important take full benefit of that and take a look at as a lot as doable to keep away from life-style inflation. I opened funding accounts, budgeted and tracked the place my cash was going. I guarantee I stay inside my means and have set clear actionable targets and a price range to realize monetary freedom and independence. I additionally bought a life insurance coverage coverage exterior of what the workplace gives so as to add a great buffer. I’ve common conversations with my mates about wealth administration and continuously search for one of the best alternatives the place doable. I feel it’s additionally necessary to be versatile and have an open thoughts to simply accept different individuals and cultures. Be keen to make new mates exterior of your race and at all times search so as to add worth wherever you might be.
What are the issues Africans seeking to relocate to your nation have in mind?
The UAE is a nation with excessive morals and worth methods. Though it’s primarily inhabited by expats, they’re massive on their tradition and customs and also you have to be keen to obey the foundations they’ve set. Dubai could be very fast-paced and it is extremely simple to be distracted. It’s necessary to have a plan and set clear targets about the kind of life you need and work in the direction of that. You do not want to stay within the fanciest neighbourhoods or drive the newest automobiles. Your concern must be about what’s in your checking account, the legacy and influence you need to obtain and in addition enhancing the lives of the household you’ve left again dwelling. I’ve heard so many tales of people that come right here and don’t have anything to point out for it. So, it’s necessary to maintain your eyes on the prize. There’s something for everybody right here relying on what you might be searching for. Dubai can also be a protected place to boost a household for individuals contemplating making the large transfer.
