Marloes thought she would only be here for a year!
Tell us a little bit of yourself
My name is Marloes, originally from The Netherlands, although I have not lived in my home country since 2005. I love the wide world opportunities to travel through hospitality; however, Dubai has been my home since 2007. As many expats say, I also thought this was going to be for one year only… but here we are almost 17 years later….
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
After working in a hotel for 18 months in Orange County in California, USA; I got the chance to transfer to Dubai in 2007. It was a great opportunity to explore the Middle East and pursue my career in hospitality.
How has living in Dubai shaped your sense of belonging and community?
Living in Dubai superseded everything I could have ever expected… being part of the community of Dubai life and having seen Dubai grow in the last decade, it is beyond anything I could ever think of. If you asked me then, when I arrived, whether I would picture myself here 17 years later, I would have never guessed. Dubai made me grow personally, career wise, I am raising my family here. The sense of belonging to this unique city where every day is different.
Can you tell us about a particular person in Dubai who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
My family, the people I have shared my Dubai journey with and created a life within this city.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
The multi-cultural environment where each day you meet new people, make new friends, celebrate new festivities out of all the different corners of the world. Don’t even get me started on the culinary delights…
A myth about Dubai that you would like to bust
Dubai is not a fata morgana… it is a real city with real people and no we don’t all live in castles or drive sports cars. We are Dubai together and Dubai gave us a home.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Dubai community in your own life?
The moment that you need someone, something, it is there, it is available and everyone goes above and beyond to get you what you need. The constant evolvement of the city in the true community spirit. You see local entrepreneurship have opportunities to blossom, we learn from the different cultures around us.
To read about more Dubai People, visit Yalla Dubai
