Dubai is Perfection for Princes

I have always dreamed of visiting Dubai, the city of skyscrapers, luxury, and opportunity. I heard stories of how people from different countries and backgrounds found success and happiness in this cosmopolitan hub, and I found myself wanting to be one of them. That’s why, in November of 2016, I decided to take a bold step and travel to Dubai from Kenya, where I was living,  in search of a job.

I was both excited and nervous as I boarded the plane. I had saved enough money to cover my expenses for two months, but I hoped to find a job sooner than that. I had a certificate in computer science and some experience in sales, marketing, and office administration. With these credentials, I thought I had a good chance of landing a decent job in Dubai’s booming economy.

The hunt

I arrived in Dubai on a sunny morning. No surprise there. As I took a taxi to my hotel, I was amazed by the sight of the city’s skyline, glittering with tall buildings and modern architecture. I truly felt like I had entered a different world. My room was a modest space, but perfectly clean and comfortable. After I checked in and unpacked my bags, I decided to rest for a while and then explore the city.

The next day, I woke up early and got ready for my job hunt. With my resume ready and several copies printed, I began my search, starting with a list of potential employers that I had researched online. I planned to visit their offices first and drop off my resume, ultimately hoping to get an interview. I also registered on some online job portals and applied for various positions that matched my qualifications and interests.

I spent the next few weeks in a cycle of repetition: visiting offices, applying online, and waiting for responses. I also tried to network with some people I met at the hotel, the mall, and the mosque. I hoped to at least get some referrals or job leads from them. Throughout this process, I remained optimistic and confident that I would find a job soon.

However, as the days passed, I realized that finding a job in Dubai was not as easy as I had imagined. I faced many challenges and disappointments along the way, such as the competition, the cost of living, the culture shock, and issues with my visa.

Dirhams and dilemmas

Dubai is a popular destination for job seekers from all over the world, with thousands of people competing for the same jobs. The plethora of candidates allows employees to be extremely selective. Unsurprisingly, they often preferred candidates with more experience, higher education levels, and better connections than mine.

To put it bluntly, Dubai is an expensive city to live in. Everything from rent, food, transportation, and entertainment costs more than I had initially expected. I had to budget very carefully and limit my spending. Unfortunately, this meant that I simply could not afford to go out and enjoy the city’s attractions or nightlife. I had to save every dirham I had for my basic needs and in case of an emergency.

Being a hub for job seekers and people from all around the world, Dubai is naturally a diverse and multicultural city with its own culture and traditions. I had to quickly adapt to the local customs and etiquette, such as avoiding public displays of affection. I also had to learn some Arabic words and phrases to communicate with the locals — unrelated to my native Luganda. All of this combined to cause me to at times be acutely aware of a sensation of culture shock, out of place and lonely in this foreign land.

I had entered Dubai on a tourist visa, only valid for 30 days. I had to renew it at the end of this period, which cost me 500 dirhams. I also had to exit and re-enter the country every time I renewed my visa, which cost me an additional 300 dirhams for the air ticket to Kuwait. With all these issues, I ended up being very worried that I would run out of time and money before I found a job and got a work visa.

Despite all these challenges I faced, I did not give up on my dream. I kept looking for a job, hoping for a breakthrough. I made the best of my situation, choosing to focus on the pros of Dubai rather than the cons. I visited some of the famous landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Mall, all the while marveling at the city’s beauty and innovation. I also met some friendly and helpful people who gave me advice, support, and encouragement. I made some friends from different countries and cultures, who shared their stories and experiences with me. I learned a lot from them and appreciated their friendship.

However, at the end of December, the coolest month, it finally dawned on me that I had failed to make any meaningful progress. I had not received any job offers or interviews, only rejections or even no response at all. Eventually, I had to accept that I had exhausted all my options and resources. I had no more money to pay for my rent, visa, or food. I had no choice but to return to Kenya.

Beyond sour grapes

I felt sad and disappointed as I packed my bags and checked out of the hotel. I felt like I had failed and wasted my time and money. I wondered what I would do when I got back home. I had no job, no savings, and no idea what I was going to do next. I felt like I had nothing to look forward to.

I took a taxi to the airport and boarded the plane. I looked out of the window and saw the city fading away. I said goodbye to Dubai and thanked it for the experience. I also thanked God for keeping me safe and healthy. I prayed for a better future and hoped that one day I would return to Dubai, not as a job seeker, but as a successful and happier person.