How has 2026 impacted your life/work/business and where do you see the next step?
It’s been an interesting year so far in the UAE and talking to various people has made me realise that whilst many are suffering, others are flourishing. That said, even the flourishing people are looking at the region in a different light. The most interesting thing I’ve noticed is that some people get an opportunity in the UAE and build an idea of how that opportunity will work out. As soon as it doesn’t look or go the way they thought they default back to SA. Others pivot within the UAE, realising there’s many ways and paths and that their original view can change. Some make great connections which opens doors in other countries. I believe there are many factors that influence these paths and decisions, like why they left SA in the first place, their support networks, their willingness to adapt to the region, the industry they work in etc. So, whether you’re new or old or somewhere inbetween, how has the regional events in 2026 influenced your life in the UAE and where do you see the next step? 1) Everything’s going great, plans unchanged 2) Moving back to SA 3) Pivot but remain in the UAE 4) Move to a new country Would love to hear your thoughts. Share as much or as little detail as you feel comfortable with and if you’re really in a bad place and need help, send me a DM.