My name is Jacky, married to Marc, mother of 4 children and two grandchildren.
We moved to New Zealand in 1997 to get away from the crime in South Africa. We moved again from NZ to Dubai in 2005 as NZ was getting far too expensive, plus we did not enjoy the wet weather which seemed to last for 6 months of the year.
What challenges did you face during the move?
None!Can you tell us something about your property?
When moving to NZ we stayed in a guest house for the first two weeks then found a house through Barfoot and Thompson real estate on the North Shore in Auckland. Moving to Dubai my husband got a flat and was there for 4 months before we arrived.
What is the property market like at the moment?
At the moment Dubai is extremely expensive so we are in Malta having a look around to live there as my husband is working in Tripoli, Libya.
Are you employed or self-employed? What challenges did you face in either finding employment or running your own business?
I am self employed in the UAE. I am a freelancer so don’t need a trade licence. Trade Licences are very expensive and unaffordable for me hence me not having one.
Are there many other expats in your area?
There are many French, Dutch and South African expats living in my area which is in Ras al Khaimah – a small village approximately 90 minutes north of Dubai.
What is your relationship like with the locals?
The locals are great and are friendly and helpful – no issues at all with them.
What do you like about life where you are?
It’s quite and simple.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
Littering and spitting everywhere. Indian and Filipino expats struggle to understand English so there’s difficulty with communication. Bad schools with low standards. Mad drivers on the roads. Extremely hot weather. Racism. Extremely third world in parts – 100 years ahead in some areas but also 300 years behind.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
Just go with an open mind and make sure of your package before making the move.
What are your plans for the future?
To settle in Malta and educate my son there.