Darryn Johnson, Regional manager, security industry
I'm originally from Cape Town, and currently live in Al Rafa. I've been here for 18 months.
The best part to living here is contributing to a fast urbanisation process.
I enjoy spending my time attending trade and commerce
functions facilitated by various business groups. My most memorable experience was celebrating our first wedding anniversary at the Burj Al Arab. We had lunch at the Sky restaurant, followed by a tour of the hotel. It was great!
Diane Giessen, Personal assistant
I'm from Durban/Pretoria, and currently live in Mirdiff. I relocated here four years ago. The best part of living here is the money, the worst is not being close to my family.
I also miss the tex bars back home. I spend my spare time dune bashing, camping and spending time with my close friends and family. My favourite hangout is the Dream Land Aqua Park, because my kids love it. It's fantastic to see their faces light up when I mention it.
Dirk Von Doorn, Product and business development manager, DHL Express
I was born in Windhoek and grew up in Cape Town. I have lived in the UAE for 11 years. The cultural diversity and the mixing bowl that is Dubai with all its new developments and tax free lifestyle make it a great place to live.
I have a number of favourite hangouts in Dubai, but one of them would be the Hofbrau Haus at the JW Marriott. I love German Weiss Bier and they offer an excellent choice of beers.
Brent Melvin, Business development manager, UPS
I'm originally from Midrand, Johannesburg and currently live in Jebel Ali. I have been here for three years. There are many great aspects to living here: the safety, convenience, beach, desert, interesting people and cultures.
Worst parts are the traffic, bad drivers, summer heat and relentless road works. My favourite hangout is the Madinat Jumeirah. My most memorable experience was taking part in the Desert Challenge as a spectator.
Mike Camara, Sales, logistics industry
I used to live in Johannesburg and now that I'm in Dubai, I live in the Lakes Emirates Hills. I like to spend my time going to concerts, work functions, rugby matches and camping in the desert.
I also enjoy socialising with friends at home, having braai's and going to the beach. The best part of living here is the safety factor. My favourite UAE hangout is the rugby club, because it makes me feel close to home.
Michael Collins, General Manager, Dell
I was born in Durban, and worked in Johannesburg. I have been here for five and a half years and I currently live on Jumeirah Islands.
The best part of life in the UAE is the fact my family is happy, safe and secure. It is also tax free, a great place to travel, business is booming, and there are some good golf courses. I miss my family and friends, the bush, and the food from back home. My favourite hangout is Barasti at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.
Cape Argus
The largest individually timed cycle race in the world takes place each year in Cape Town. This year's race
on March 9 saw around 40,000 participants, at least
17 of whom had travelled from Dubai, compete in the
100-plus kilometre ride. This year was also the 30th anniversary of the ride, which was first held on October 28, 1978. Last year there were 41,279 entries and
30,095 finished the race.
Away from home
The Homecoming Revolution, a non-profit
organisation, estimates that the number of highly skilled, educated, professional South Africans in Dubai
is anywhere between 40,000 and 100,000, employed
in sectors such as construction, medicine, hospitality,
financial services, and management. The inaugural Dubai exhibition took place in 2007. Seven South African
businesses travelled to Dubai and engaged with the
300 skilled South Africans who attended the event.
"Many South Africans are employed on contracts in Dubai, when those expire they tend to look for new opportunities in other parts of the world," says Megan Woods, International Project Manager for the Homecoming Revolution.
"We want to show these people that there are wonderful opportunities back home," she adds.
The Homecoming Revolution is the only South African organisation that actively goes abroad in an effort to bring skilled South Africans home. The organisation's premier event is its London Exhibition.
Titled ‘Woza Ekhaya', the exhibition attracted over 1,200 visitors in 2007.
According to Homecoming Revolution, Netcare has recruited 145 medical professionals back to South Africa.
— Courtesy South Africa: The Good News
www.sagoodnews.co.za
