25 years in the UAE

 A City of Vision: A Family’s 25-Year Journey in the UAE

A nation where vision meets opportunity, families flourish, and youth thrive.

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25 Years in the UAE: From Satwa Streets to Serene Springs

This year marks 25 years in the UAE—long enough to realize that home isn’t always where you are born, but where your life takes shape.

For children growing up here, like my daughters, the experience is extraordinary. They grow curious, confident, and resilient, shaped by a city that is constantly evolving yet remarkably grounded. Opportunities abound, horizons stretch wide, and young people learn early that the world is not distant or intimidating, but open, welcoming, and full of possibility.

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Satwa: Where Curiosity Begins

I arrived from India in 2001, a few months ahead of my family, to settle in Satwa, along Al Diyafah Street (2nd December Street).

During festivals, especially the Dubai Shopping Festival, the streets were alive with colours and sound. Marching bands paraded past, performers balanced on stilts, tableaux delighted the crowds, and clowns and music spilled into the evenings, drawing curious onlookers from all over.

Small cafés and street stalls served shawarma, falafel, Indian chaat, Pakistani biryani, Filipino sweets, and Ethiopian coffee. The world-famous Ravi Restaurant was a landmark stop, where the neighbourhood’s multicultural flavour could be savoured in every bite. Weekends often meant trips to the beach, enjoying the sun and the breeze.

Walking these streets alone before my family arrived, I began to feel the city’s rhythm, its energy, and its openness—a first classroom in life, culture, and coexistence.

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Karama: The Pulse of Ambition

From Satwa, we moved to Karama, living very close to the General Post Office, right at the heart of the neighbourhood.

The area thrived on momentum—markets, clinics, cafés, shops, and supermarkets all within easy reach. People from every nationality crossed paths daily, and young residents quickly learned independence and adaptability. It was a place that demanded effort, rewarded perseverance, and offered a formative taste of city life.

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The Springs: Green Horizons for Families

Today, we live in The Springs. Lakes, birds, and green pathways offer a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle, yet everything remains close.

Schools, sports facilities, supermarkets, and entertainment hubs are all easily accessible, reflecting the city’s thoughtful planning. Across the UAE, parks, gardens, and beaches—most free to enter—provide open spaces for play, relaxation, and family time, showing how much the country values a healthy, vibrant lifestyle.

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A City Built on Vision and Possibility

The UAE has risen like a phoenix in the desert, a testament to foresight, planning, and energy. Guided by visionary leaders, every expansion—from bustling streets to serene residential enclaves, from soaring skyscrapers to thriving business hubs—reflects purpose, determination, and ambition.

From the Burj Khalifa to the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Fountain, the Dubai Frame, and the Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road, these landmarks are more than records—they are statements of intent. The roads, bridges, and intersections are immaculate, flanked by gardens and flowers along the streets. It is almost unbelievable that this was once desert. Despite the sand and occasional storms, you rarely see a dirty car or building—the city gleams.

Communities flourish alongside world-class infrastructure, and more people, including celebrities, are choosing to buy property and call the UAE home—not just in Dubai, but across all the emirates. It is a city that never sleeps, yet is incredibly safe, where incidents like eve-teasing, pickpocketing, and theft are by and large unheard of—offering both excitement and peace of mind.

Beyond its buildings, the UAE is alive with innovation, from smart cities to renewable energy projects. At the same time, history and culture are carefully preserved—museums, heritage districts, and festivals celebrate both Emirati tradition and global artistry. Sports and recreation are abundant, from Formula 1 and international golf tournaments to desert adventures and pristine beaches. Sustainability and environmental care are visible everywhere, from green buildings to thoughtfully planned public spaces, reflecting a nation that dreams big while caring for its future.

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Systems That Work

One of the UAE’s greatest strengths is how well things function. Rules are clear, processes run smoothly, and outcomes are reliable.

I have often watched a single police officer bring traffic to a halt with a few hand signals, or seen ambulances and emergency teams arrive within minutes, sometimes by helicopter. Rescue efforts extend to hikers lost in the mountains, travelers stranded in the desert, and even animals—a camel airlifted to safety, a cat rescued unharmed. Hospitals and healthcare systems here are world-class, reflecting a society built on discipline, coordination, and care.

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Effort, Perseverance, and Reward

Life in the UAE demands effort. Long hours and dedication are common, especially in the early years. Some find it challenging, but those who persevere soon realize that the opportunities here make it worthwhile.

The UAE becomes a home away from home—just a few hours from India, well connected to the world. You can choose to save, to invest, or simply enjoy the comforts of the city—the choice is yours.

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Youth, Education, and Global Citizens

Having spent decades in education across India and the UAE, I have seen how young people benefit from diversity. Studying alongside peers from dozens of nationalities in some of the best schools and universities, they develop adaptability, empathy, and a global perspective.

My daughters reflect this third-culture upbringing—fluent in the world, grounded in values, and shaped by the UAE’s spirit of respect, ambition, and community. For many young people, the UAE is more than home—it is a launchpad.

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Reflection and Continuity

Over the years, the UAE became more than a place to work—it became home. My daughters have built their own families, and I am a proud grandfather. I continue to work in a globally recognized education organization, witnessing how effort and trust shape both careers and character.

From Satwa’s vibrant streets to Karama’s busy lanes, and now The Springs’ quiet paths, my family and I have experienced a city that nurtures youth, celebrates diversity, and rewards dedication—a place where life remains colourful, multicultural, and full of possibility.