CBRE MENA’s Post

Reflecting on my last few weeks in London in December 2023 feels like recalling a whirlwind. The rush of coordinating international moves, wrapping up work responsibilities, and ensuring my little one’s well-being as we prepared to relocate to Abu Dhabi is now a distant memory. Amidst the chaos, bidding farewell to my Simply Business colleagues during a fun Christmas party on December 14th was a poignant moment. The thoughtful goodbye gifts and cards were touching reminders of the bonds created in the workplace. Whilst unpacking our belongings from London, I was so excited to stumble upon that card nestled within the pages of Michelle Obama's 'Becoming'—an apt metaphor for this transitional phase of my life. Since arriving in Abu Dhabi, former colleagues have reached out, curious about my job prospects. While I haven't been flooded with offers as some might assume, I remain determined to find the right role with the right company. Navigating the job market here has its nuances: 1) Networking is key, and being new to the scene presents its challenges. Yet, I'm committed to engaging with professionals and expanding my circle. 2) The allure of tax-free salaries sometimes leads to undervaluing expertise. However, I refuse to compromise on my worth and expertise. 3) Preference for GCC experience adds another layer to job hunting, unlike my experiences in London. But I'm confident in my abilities and what I can contribute, as evidenced by landing my role at Simply Business in London. During moments of doubt or disappointment, I remind myself of my tenacity and resilience. Like a dog with a bone, I persevere, fueled by the belief that setbacks are temporary. Reading the heartfelt messages on the card from my former colleagues serves as a source of inspiration and affirmation of my worth beyond the workplace. To fellow job seekers navigating this challenging market, I extend my solidarity. Lean on your network, former colleagues (thank you, you know who you are) and loved ones, prioritise self-care, and persevere. Our value transcends our professional titles, and we deserve fulfilment beyond mere survival. I stand with you in this journey. As they say in this part of the world, "Insyallah," we will secure that role. Ramadan Kareem to all. #jobseeker #jobseekerinUAE

Where would we be without small victories and collective successes as recruiters? 🎉 In recruitment, celebrating as a team isn't just a norm; it is the fuel that keeps our spirits high. It's also about more than just numbers or placements—it's about the people, our people of course but also the journeys, the joy of a candidate's success, and the client's satisfaction. 🙌 Last week we came together to celebrate some great achievements in the team, and we are all getting excited about the prospect of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as our reward for super achievement financial year 2024! We certainly know how to cultivate and celebrate success, but we are hopefully always humble enough to make the whole thing about our candidates and clients. 🥂 #TeamCelebration #RecruitmentSuccess #DouglasScottLegalRecruitment

"Excited to share a significant milestone in my professional journey! With strategic foresight and dedication to expanding our business horizons, I've successfully obtained my work visa for Qatar. This achievement not only aligns with our business strategy but also opens doors to fly more frequently, fostering stronger connections and enhancing outcomes in Qatar. Looking forward to leveraging this opportunity to drive impactful results and forge valuable partnerships in the region. Let's soar to new heights together! ✈️ #BusinessExpansion #QatarOpportunities #StrategicGrowth"

Resignation ☘️🫀😎 I am writing to express my profound sense of satisfaction with my decision 🧠 to resign from my first position in Dubai, just one month after my appointment. I consider the day of my resignation to be a significant milestone, perhaps even more important than the day I was hired. This moment signifies a new phase in my professional life, characterized by a shift in perspective influenced by the reasons behind my resignation. My decision to resign was driven by a commitment to the legal principles I have learned and cherish deeply. I take great pride in adhering to these ethical standards and legal values, which I acquired through my experience as a lawyer and legal professional. Maintaining these principles is paramount, even if it means parting ways with a role or organization. Experiencing different work environments enriches both my professional and personal knowledge. However, the fundamental principles of our profession remain constant and non-negotiable, regardless of the circumstances or conflicting interests. In conclusion, having unwavering professional principles is essential. Without them, one risks compromising their integrity to align with principles that do not align with their professional mindset. - #ProfessionalPrinciples - #CareerMilestone - #EthicalStandards - #FirstResignation - #LegalValues - #CareerTransition - #ProfessionalIntegrity

Good morning! 🌅 As we embrace the workweek post-holiday, let’s talk about a smart move for our future - investing in Dubai’s property market. 🏙️ Dubai is not just a city; it’s a vision of the future. With world-class infrastructure, strategic location, and tax-free returns, it’s an investor’s haven. 🌍💼 Imagine owning a piece of this dynamic city - where every sunrise promises growth and every sunset reflects success. 🌇 Let’s secure our legacy in a city that’s building tomorrow. 🚀 #DubaiProperty #InvestmentOpportunity #FutureIsHere

Navigating Career Growth: Top Firms in UAE & KSA LinkedIn unveils its 'Top Companies' list, spotlighting firms in the UAE and Saudi Arabia excelling in career growth opportunities. These companies are recognized for fostering skill development, offering advancement potential, and supporting diversity. Salma Altantawy of LinkedIn highlights the region's growth as a business hub and its appeal for career transitions in 2024. Global consulting firms and telecom leaders like stc make the list, alongside new entrants from the entertainment sector, such as Miral and Saudi Entertainment Ventures. For more information, visit Saudi Business News. Link in bio. #LinkedIn #TopCompanies #CareerGrowth #UAE #KSA #ProfessionalDevelopment #Diversity #BusinessConsulting #Telecommunications #Entertainment #ProcterGamble #stc #SaudiBusiness #SaudiNews #Vision2030 #SaudiArabia

I’m thrilled to be quoted in Devon Pendleton's insightful Bloomberg article discussing the family office dynamics in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as the UAE continues to grow and attract wealth. Here are my three major takeaways: 1. Privacy vs. Lifestyle: If families are interested moving to or having a location in the UAE, it’s important to understand the similarities and differences between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. As this article explains, Abu Dhabi is renowned for its discretion and privacy, making it friendly to families seeking confidentiality. Dubai, on the other hand, focuses on creating a welcoming environment for newcomers that makes for an excellent networking atmosphere. 2. Growing Ecosystems: Both cities are rapidly developing ecosystems that attract global wealth. As mentioned in the article, the number of registered foundations in Dubai rose by 53%, while Abu Dhabi saw a 35% increase just in the last year. These hubs aim to facilitate networking, co-investing, and wealth growth for families worldwide. 3. Challenges and Opportunities: While both cities offer unique advantages, they also face challenges such as a shortage of professional who have experience advising family offices, a trust barrier amongst the diverse groups of wealth in each city, and a felt need for structures that help local families distinguish between those with real wealth versus just illusory signaling. What are your thoughts on the family office ecosystems within the UAE? #FamilyOffices #FamilyLegacy #FamilyWealth #UAE #AbuDhabi #Dubai https://lnkd.in/eXdz_U7E

Did you know we averagely spend 1/3 of our life at the office! 👩🏽💻 We often find ourselves spending more time with colleagues than with our partners and families. This emphasises the vital importance of fostering friendships in the workplace. So, let's discuss why it's valuable to make friends at the office: 🌐 Building a Supportive Network: We all face challenges at work, and having a network of friends and colleagues who understand and support us can make a world of difference. Whether it's bouncing ideas off each other, offering a helping hand during a tight deadline, or simply being there to celebrate successes, a strong support system is crucial. 🚀 Boosting Creativity and Innovation: Teamwork is a catalyst for creativity. Collaborative environments where ideas flow freely lead to innovation. When diverse minds come together, new perspectives emerge, and problem-solving becomes a collective effort. A team that values each other's input is more likely to come up with solutions. 🌈 Fostering a Positive Work Culture: Friendship and teamwork contribute significantly to the overall workplace culture. When colleagues genuinely care about each other, it creates a positive atmosphere that not only enhances job satisfaction but also attracts and retains top talent. 🌟 Enhancing Productivity and Efficiency: Teamwork is the engine that drives productivity. When team members trust and collaborate with each other, tasks are completed more efficiently. A cohesive team can navigate challenges smoothly and adapt to changes, making the entire work process streamlined and effective. And if you find yourself in Dubai, where many of us have taken a leap for a dream, leaving family and friends behind, those work friendships become even more crucial. Being far from home can be isolating, but having a crew with the same goals? That's the game-changer that makes work feel less like a job and more like a shared adventure. 🌍💼 (Surprisingly the outfits were not planned! We have even started thinking the same😂 Chloe O Sullivan) #AXCAPITAL #dubai #dubairealestate

Dear Emirates Community, We need to address a concerning issue that's been circulating within our workplaces: the misconception that Emirati local hires are not fulfilling their roles effectively. However, the root of the problem often lies in the lack of proper orientations, inductions, and understanding of MOHRE guidelines within our current companies. It's unfair to blame Emirati employees for inefficiencies when they haven't been provided with the necessary tools and support to succeed. Effective orientations and inductions are fundamental for any employee, regardless of nationality, to grasp their responsibilities and understand company policies. By neglecting to offer comprehensive orientations, companies are doing a disservice not only to Emirati hires but to the organization as a whole. It's time to prioritize these crucial onboarding processes and ensure that every employee has a clear understanding of their role and the expectations placed upon them. Moreover, many Emirati employees are unfamiliar with MOHRE guidelines, which can lead to misunderstandings and compliance issues. Companies must take proactive measures to educate their workforce on these regulations to promote a culture of transparency and compliance. To the employers and managers reading this, I implore you to invest in thorough orientations and provide ongoing support to Emirati hires. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and resources, you empower them to contribute meaningfully to the organization's success. To my fellow Emirati colleagues, don't hesitate to advocate for yourselves and your peers. Demand the orientations and support you deserve to thrive in your roles. Together, let's foster a workplace environment where every employee, regardless of nationality, has the opportunity to excel. Let's work towards a future where Emirati hires are valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. #EmpowerEmiratis #MOHREGuidelines #WorkplaceOrientations

🌍🏙️ From the heights of the Burj Khalifa to the mental strength found in every gym session since my rehab began in June 2020, my journey as a nomadic expat for the past 15 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Living and working across diverse cultures has not only broadened my horizon but has also ingrained a deep sense of resilience in me. Each environment across Africa, East Asia, Europe, Middle East and North & South America has left a footprint in my soul. From Dubai's towering skyline to the serenity or even chaos of small towns, each has embedded a unique thread to the fabric of my professional and personal identity. 🏋️♂️ In the gym, as I push through mental barriers thanks to the humour and diligent coaching of Nicholas Ingel; I am reminded of the persistence required to adapt and thrive in new environments. It’s in these moments of challenge, be it during a tough workout or navigating the complexities of a new culture, where resilience is formed and built upon. Diversity isn’t just about the places I’ve lived; it's about embracing the multitude of ideas, perspectives, and challenges that come with every new locale. It’s about turning every experience into a learning opportunity, a chance to grow stronger and more adaptable. To this, I thank those strangers, peers and friends who’ve contributed to the experience journey thus far. I am lucky enough to reflect on many engineering and developer projects I've (re)insured that enabled growth and sustainability and investment into that region, hub and society. Let’s celebrate the strength found in diversity and the power of resilience. Wherever you are in your journey, remember, every challenge is an opportunity to build a stronger you and influence others to make them a stronger them. Be the Lighthouse! (Photo of the Burj Khalifa taken by me) #Resilience #Diversity #ExpatLife #GlobalCitizen #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkoutMotivation #insurance #riskmanagement #leadership