Editor’s observe: Because the years go by, migrating to different international locations has change into more and more well-liked, significantly for Nigerians (and Africans usually). Japa, we name it. For the following 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 cope with 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. Learn the final episode here.
This week, we’re having a dialog with Oliver Nakakande who’s based mostly within the UAE. Oliver is a trend mannequin, content material creator, speaker, occasion host, printed writer, and humanitarian. She gained prominence as Miss Uganda 2019/21 and made historical past as the primary black girl to grace the duvet of Miss World Journal. With a Grasp’s in Advertising and marketing Communications and Model Administration from Middlesex College Dubai, she has garnered prestigious trend, philanthropy, and public talking accolades.
She launched The Oliver Nakakande Basis in 2022, advocating for schooling by providing teenage moms in Uganda an opportunity to return to highschool. In 2023, I additionally printed my debut guide, “The Escape: How I Ran from Disgrace to Fame.”
Oliver has been featured throughout numerous platforms, together with Lovin Dubai, Khaleej Occasions, Virgin Radio, Each day Mail, NTV, Vanguard, and extra.
Holla Oliver!
Hello BellaNaija.
Fairly a portfolio you have got up there, effectively carried out
Thanks.
So, how has dwelling in Dubai been to this point?
It hasn’t been a easy journey, however it’s been fruitful general. I’ve spent most of my twenties in Dubai. As a younger African woman exploring the town, working, and finding out alternatives, Dubai has challenged me to stage up and change into a extra knowledgeable, fashionable woman.
Fascinating. Give us a glimpse into your background and what introduced you to Dubai
I got here to Dubai shortly after I had misplaced my mom in Uganda. To me, it was like an escape plan from the loss I had simply encountered. I wished to stay in a spot away from house however not removed from house for simple back-and-forth journey. On the identical time, I had simply graduated with a Diploma in Journalism and was on the lookout for work alternatives.
How did this search pan out?
Looking for my first job in Dubai was no joke! I dropped off my resume at totally different places of work, had tons of of on-line functions, and attended a couple of interviews. Sadly, I wouldn’t say I preferred most of my presents. After my three-month visa expired, I made a decision to resume for an additional three months and take a look at once more. I used to be fortunate sufficient to be interviewed for a gross sales place in an actual property firm, and I acquired employed. As a result of I had zero expertise, I took an actual property course on the Dubai Land Division and certified as a Dubai Actual Property Agent.
What are the challenges, classes, and highlights of your journey (profession, life-style) as an African in Dubai?
Dubai is filled with alternatives, however my challenges surpassed the alternatives. As an African exploring alternatives in Dubai, I realised many alternatives had been entailed for various nationalities, and just a few are restricted to Africans. I realized to be extraordinarily affected person, persistent, and prayerful to breakthrough.
Have you ever skilled any types of pushback due to your race, nation of origin or accent?
Completely! Particularly when job searching, it saddens me that to this date, there are many firms indicating “All nationalities besides Africans.”
How did you cope with this?
Each time I discover myself in such a situation, I at all times remind myself of my value, and I ignore any racial feedback or occasions.
Are you able to share any insights or experiences relating to the job market in Dubai for Africans?
The job market in Dubai for Africans is hard; survival is just for the bigheaded go-getters. It’s straightforward to stop job searching and change into a freelancer like myself. I used to be blessed to discover a respectable job which led me to go away to pursue my research. After getting my undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Dubai, I anticipated that it will be simpler for me to get a greater job with affordable charges with out taking a look at my ethnicity; I used to be mendacity to myself.
Ooops
Earlier than, I believed I used to be underqualified, however now that I’ve the {qualifications}, I nonetheless want minimal GCC expertise, which is tough to realize with my nationality.
So it’s protected to say you have got settled in alright. What would you contemplate as particular components to the success made to this point?
Regardless of all of the job points, Dubai is a wonderful metropolis to stay and thrive. I realised that I didn’t want a full-time job to realize my goals; I found that ‘the gig economic system’ in Dubai works even higher. I embraced all my skills and developed my private model. I’ve managed to change into a profitable mannequin, writer, host, and advocate, plus I nonetheless get the privilege to take pleasure in my free time and travels.
Evaluating life in your nation of origin and the nation you at present reside, what modifications did you must make to settle in?
Uganda and the UAE are extremely totally different on nearly all ranges. I needed to get used to the recent climate, spicy meals, and Arabic phrases, and I discovered it onerous to make buddies and discover a neighborhood.
What are the issues Africans trying to relocate to Dubai want to bear in mind?
They need to be conscious of the UAE’s legal guidelines, guidelines, and rules. I like to recommend they analysis the approach to life, work life, lodging, value of dwelling, and so forth, earlier than taking a flight. For an African planning to relocate to Dubai, three key issues are essential: understanding and respecting native tradition and customs, being well-versed in Dubai’s authorized and regulatory framework, and guaranteeing a strong plan for lodging, employment, and monetary stability. These components are important for a easy transition and profitable integration into life in Dubai.
I agree. What are the little issues/habits/actions Africans in Dubai can undertake to assist them thrive?
Africans in Dubai can thrive by embracing range, adapting to native customs whereas sustaining their cultural id, constructing sturdy networks inside the African neighborhood and past, staying knowledgeable about native information and rules, studying Arabic to reinforce communication, practising good monetary administration, prioritizing well being and wellness, repeatedly studying and creating expertise, partaking with the neighborhood by means of volunteering and cultural actions, and respecting legal guidelines and customs to keep away from any misunderstandings or authorized points.
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Many due to Oliver Nakakande for having this dialog with us. Meet up with the following episode on Wednesday. Do you need to be featured on BellaNaija or share your essays with us? Shoot us an e-mail: [email protected]
