3 days ago
Young expats return to the UAE, boosting workforce
The UAE is experiencing an unprecedented influx of young expat professionals who grew up in the country and are now assimilating into the workforce. Many students who opted to study abroad after completing their degrees are looking to return to the UAE. The world-class infrastructure and the exemplary safety the UAE offers make it a much sought-after destination across all age groups. Without a doubt, the UAE is experiencing the return of members belonging to the second-generation expatriate community.
Second-generation young expats giving back to the community
A young, elegant, and enthusiastic Natasha Zaman talks about growing up in the UAE and coming back after spending about five years in Boston and New York.
After completing her high school in Dubai, Natasha spent three years at the prestigious Boston University. Equipped with a degree, Natasha was able to find a job with ease in the vibrant city of New York, where she worked for almost two years. 'After gaining experience in the renewable energy industry, I realised my calling was somewhere else. I wanted to work in a place which was more suited to my interest, and I wanted to be closer to my family,' she says.
After working for almost two years in New York, Natasha moved back to Dubai in the summer of 2025. Amongst the many reasons that influenced her decision, safety took precedence over all the other pros of moving back. Growing up in the UAE has meant growing up in an environment that is safe, with first-world infrastructure and a country with plenty to offer to its dynamic young population.
As the UAE offers job opportunities across all age groups, Natasha, within a short period of time, found employment at the prestigious Ounass. The workplace allows her to excel in her role, and in a very short time, it has allowed her to understand the dynamics of her job. Natasha has gained in-depth knowledge of the region's consumer demand.
Travelling throughout the GCC is very easy, and people show great acceptance for the women's workforce throughout the UAE and GCC.
The business model of Ounass offers an unmatched online service, and the ever-growing popularity for its product line has now evolved into pop-ups throughout the UAE.
Ounass has an exemplary business model that is hard to replicate. Throughout the GCC, Ounass is a favourite amongst high-end fashion enthusiasts.
'A highly developed team is at the very core of keeping an impressive inventory based on consumer demand. Recently, with pop-ups around the GCC, Ounass continues to provide excellent, timely service to its customers,' Natasha explains. Natasha continues to enjoy her job and looks forward to a great journey in her career with Ounass.
Finding one's calling as a young professional
'Living on my own and struck with a family demise changed my perception of life. I realised the importance of family ties and decided to move back to the UAE, where my family lives and a country I consider home,' says Insiya Naim.
Insiya left the UAE for the US after completing her secondary school at Jumeirah College. She joined the prestigious Tufts University and earned a BSc in Computer Science and Psychology. While at Tufts, she recalls the days of the pandemic that impacted many lives. Working online and with the time difference between the US and the UAE was challenging. Once the lockdown eased, Insiya finally moved to the US, but the world was still struggling with Covid.
'Having a remote graduation ceremony felt very surreal. Though joined by family and friends, our graduation literally happened in my sitting room while we watched it virtually. This did leave a mark in my life,' she shares.
Insiya started work in Boston, and though she enjoyed her work, there was a sense of isolation, and she found it very insular. It was in 2022 that Insiya decided to come back to the UAE. After leading a very independent life in Boston, Insiya's decision to move back was surprisingly not a difficult one.
'Struck with a demise in the family and the Covid years still lurking in my mind, I had a rethink about my life. Though I had a great job in Boston, I still felt isolated. I wanted to belong to a community that would be less focused on self and more on community as a whole. I thought of my parents who live in Dubai and decided to move back to be a part of their everyday life,' she explains.
Insiya's life journey has been very fulfilling since she moved to the UAE.
After a brief role at Ogilvy UAE, she joined 160over90, part of Endeavor, where she now executes sports sponsorship programmes for global brands.
Her favourite part of being back in the UAE is connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and having easy access to travel across Asia and Europe.
'Dubai offers tremendous opportunities to our generation. Growing up in the UAE has been an amazing experience. The cultural diversity and global influences have contributed to shaping my life. The infrastructure, the element of safety, diversity of cultures, and endless plethora of entertainment make the city vibrant and full of energy. It surely is my home where I enjoy living and working,' Insiya concludes.
