Expats share secret behind rapid career growth in the UAE

For many, the New Year means a fresh start — looking for new opportunities, redefining career options, venturing into other projects or stepping out of comfort zones.

- Angel Tesorero angel @khaleejtimes.com

Takahiro Mogi (centre) with his multinational staff. Rodessa 'Dessa' Marie Alivarvar Fatima de Guzman Ken Barona

(PHOTOS BY RUEL PABLEO)

For some expats, that fresh start happened when they landed in the UAE and worked for companies unrelated to their previous jobs.

‘A 32-year-old English high school teacherin the Philippines, Fatima De Guzman, landed in the UAE in 2019 and started as an office receptionist. Now, she is the HR and administration manager of a company with 400 employees. Fatima manages employee relations, recruitment, documentation and compliance, ensuring smooth administrative operations across the organisation.

Ken Barona, 34, was an IT worker back home. He worked as a cook for a Japanese restaurant in mid-2020, when Dubai was rebounding after the Covid pandemic. He learned new skills, including operations and finance management. He is now a senior management professional overseeing head office operations, including HR, administration, design and accounts.