Fourteen years ago, we landed in this beautiful, clean city as a young couple. We were thrilled to begin our life in a spacious new home, yet what truly captivated us was the immaculate surroundings, fantastic infrastructure and how seamlessly the city functioned, the spotless streets, the perfectly timed, fluidly operating driverless metro, and the calm sense of order and discipline everywhere.
The skyline stood tall and inspiring, crowned by the magnificent Burj Khalifa. The beaches were pristine, the desert safaris unforgettable, and there were countless weekend outing spots that quickly became part of our routine. Over time, we became a family, built a life, and found ourselves settling into what truly became our home away from home, a home barely a two-and-a-half-hour flight from my home country.
Fourteen years later, the city continues to evolve and grow, constantly redefining itself with every new milestone, while embracing the future. The infrastructure, the opportunities, and the spirit of progress only seem to move forward, making it even more remarkable to witness how much this place has grown while remaining such an important part of our journey.
At the same time, it has kept pace with rapid technological advancements, continually upgrading its systems and services while opening its doors to people from around the world. Through diverse employment and business opportunities, the city continues to attract more and more expatriates, each arriving to build their own stories in a place that never stops reinventing itself.
During these years, I have often reassured my parents, “Don’t worry. Whenever you need me, I’m just a phone call away. For me, it’s simply about booking a flight and reaching you within a couple of hours.” That comfort has always stayed with me. It has given me immense peace, with the reassuring feeling that distance never truly meant separation. Whenever my parents visited, they too grew fond of this place, appreciating its warmth, cleanliness, and the sense of safety it offers.
Living in the UAE, we’ve enjoyed countless comforts and, above all, a secure and stable life. We’ve built friendships, celebrated festivals together, hosted gatherings at home, attended pooja ceremonies, visited beautifully maintained temples that brought us spiritual comfort away from home, and shared laughter over kitty parties at friends’ houses. For fourteen years, we have lived in our own warm bubble, creating memories that may not have been possible without the safety and stability this country provides.
These years have been unforgettable. They allowed me to nurture a beautiful marriage and family life. For a large part of this journey, we were able to sustain ourselves on a single income, giving me the privilege of focusing wholeheartedly on my child and family, while also caring for our elders, i.e. my mother-in-law and my parents back home. When I look back, I realize how seamlessly this phase unfolded. It might not have been this smooth anywhere else in the world.
From the uncertainty of Covid to other challenging global moments, we have witnessed it all, as to how resiliently this nation provides, abides by its principles, protects, and safeguards the welfare of its residents. During times when the world felt unsettled, there was reassurance in the measures taken, the systems put in place, and the care extended to every individual. It strengthened our belief that living here was not just about comfort and opportunity, but also about being part of a country that stands firmly by its people in times of need.
I am immensely grateful for everything this country has offered us, i.e. stability, security, warmth, resilience, and opportunities for growth.
As an Indian, I will always feel deeply connected to and proud of my homeland. Yet here, beyond the excitement of living abroad, we experienced many freedoms, mainly the freedom of time, financial comfort, global exposure, close proximity to home, personal growth and the advantage of being placed at the center of the world, giving us the freedom to travel and gratify the wanderer’s heart.
We evolved not only in our circumstances but also in our awareness, perspectives and understanding of the world around us.
As someone with a wanderer’s soul, I found something unexpected here, the reassuring, comfortable rhythm of a stable daily routine. During a significant chapter of our lives, this country gave us both roots and wings. Our horizons expanded, and even today, we do not feel ready to leave.
It is no surprise that the UAE is home to many Indians, including well-known personalities. It truly is a land of opportunities, a place where people feel cared for, nurtured, and supported.
Challenges can arise anywhere in the world. Ten months ago, when India faced the tragic Pahalgam attacks, we were deeply shaken. Like millions, we remained glued to the news, praying for our country and watching every step taken by our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. We felt relief when calm was restored.
In the same way, we continue to place our trust and faith in the UAE government. Measures are taken swiftly, dialogues continue, and support is extended to those in need, including assistance for stranded travellers through visa arrangements, accommodation, and essential provisions. Residents remain resilient, confident that their safety and protection will never be compromised.
We are proud to live here. Proud to stand with this nation. And proud to be part of a country that has given us so much not just materially, but emotionally and personally.
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