Expats Around the World Series – From Johannesburg to Dubai

Pic Credit: Unsplash

1. What is your name?

Sumayyah Akoojee

2. What country were you born in?

South Africa

3. What job did you have in your home country? 

Pharmacist Assistant

4. How long have you been living in your new country for?

2 months

5. Did you immigrate alone or with your family and kids?

We relocated as a family

6. If you had immigrated with your kids, what were their ages when you immigrated and how did they adjust to the new environment?

Reyhaan is 13. It took him longer to adapt and he missed home the most. He has now settled and is enjoying our new home. Zaydaan is 8 and he was the first one to adjust from all of us. His personality has changed and is so much more confident since we moved. Both boys are really enjoying their new school & Madressa.

7. How are the schools in the new country?

The whole schooling system has amazed us in that homework is very little and projects are done at school thus allowing the boys to enjoy the free time they have. Weekends are now family time and not behind doors studying and doing tons of projects.The technology is on another level. They have full on MAC rooms with 3D printers.The sporting facilities are world class. I can see that the boys are less anxious due to the lighter workload and it shows in their behavior as well.

8. What is your job in your new country? 

I am not working but have two bosses who keep me busy.

9. What do you enjoy about your new country?

We love the freedom of not worrying about crime. Not having to look over your shoulder all the time. This has done wonders to our overall well being. The efficient way things are done and the cleanliness of the country is something we are always in awe of. You will not find a pothole on the roads, garbage in our area is cleared daily, street lights are all working and government departments are efficient. The general work ethic is wonderful and the flexibility you have as stores and restaurants are open till late catering for those that are working a full day.

10. What do you miss the most about your home country?

We miss family the most. I miss walking into my local bakery or butchery and chatting to the owners about our families. Here you are just a number but back home you are a familiar face. Relocating may look very glamorous but it can get lonely. We miss the Joburg thunderstorms and jacaranda season.

11. What advice would you give someone that is contemplating to immigrate to the country you have immigrated to?

Don’t underestimate the change because things don’t always go smoothly. Things are costly especially the whole relocation so get adequate support from your employer. Don’t expect the same lifestyle as your home country at the same cost. You need to take the cost of housing and education into consideration as this is very costly.Most importantly don’t overthink it. If it feels right and it ticks all the boxes just do it. You will never know if you don’t try. Be open minded in your decision.

12. What challenges, if any, would you advise them to anticipate based on your experiences when you first moved to your new country?

The biggest challenge when moving is the loneliness for the partner that will be staying at home and not going to work. The kids go to school and make friends really quickly. Your partner goes to work and has colleagues but the one at home is the one that feels the most lonely. It is a huge challenge and it isn’t always easy to make friends so don’t forget about your own mental health and self care.

13. What advice would you give them to overcome those challenges based on how you overcame them?

Step out of your comfort zone and do new things. Make time for yourself and your mental well being. Stay active and just breathe.

14. How was the visa process for immigrating to your new country?

The visa process was pretty straightforward and easy.Our biggest challenge was dealing with the different government departments in South Africa. Everything on that side was delayed and not efficient at all.

15. How is the cost of living in the new country compared to your home country?

The cost of living is much higher in the UAE. If you are relocating with your place of employment I would advise that accommodation and schooling be part of your package as these are your biggest costs. It is also advisable to earn in Dirhams so that you don’t have to convert your currency.

16. Is there anything else you would like to add, or any advice you would like to give to anyone that is contemplating moving to your new country?

Trust in the Almighty’s plan for you. If he has opened a door for you take the plunge and do it. As I’ve said before the move seemed difficult in the beginning and we have our good days and our really bad days but it has done wonders to our mental well-being and has brought us closer as a family. I know it’s just two months in for us but it was the best thing we did and is a great opportunity that I wish everyone can experience once in their lifetime.

About the author: If you would like to follow Sumayyah Akoojee please have a look at her Instagram account here. 

If you enjoyed reading this article about moving to Dubai, you might enjoy the other articles we have about a few different people moving to Dubai from different countries including South Africa, Pakistan and Egypt. The links to these articles are below:

Nishaat Osman moves to Dubai from South Africa

Sarah Pervez moves to Dubai from Pakistan

Marwa moves to Dubai from Egypt

Yumna moves to Dubai from Cape Town

Taybah moves to Dubai from Cape Town