Latest news with #expatriate
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
The UAE has shown me the power of financial stability, says Chinese expat Sarah Dong
Sarah Dong, managing partner of CEO Clubs UAE, has called Dubai home for nearly 18 years. For the Chinese expatriate, money isn't just a means to an end — it's 'divine', a relationship she likens to a marriage built on 'respect, love, and careful nurturing.' In this candid conversation with wknd., she reflects on the financial journey that shaped her, marked by discipline, evolution, and a deep sense of purpose. If you had to use one word to describe money, what would it be? Fuel: Money is the fuel that drives the economy, achieves dreams, and impacts lives. If you had to write a letter to money, what would you say? Dear Money, thank you for your generosity in helping me complete my education, travel, and fulfil my family and social responsibilities. You are divine, and I respect and use you carefully in both work and daily life. You see your relationship with money as a 'marriage'. How do you think this relationship was formed? Through pursuit, a honeymoon phase, and ongoing maintenance. What lessons about money management did you learn from your mother? I used to lend money and assist people freely, but now I realise it may not always be helpful to finance others without expecting a return. From her, I learned the importance of working hard and setting boundaries. Who do you speak to about money matters, and is it something you consider taboo? I discuss money matters with trusted individuals, and I don't consider it taboo — it's an essential part of life. Who has taught you the most about financial management? Books, social media, and financial experts have been my greatest teachers. What do you think has been the most profound experience you've had so far in relation to money? What has it taught you? Lending money and not getting it back taught me that money is divine and should be respected when used. How has living in the UAE changed your relationship with and perception of money? The UAE is a truly wealthy place where money supports living, business, and expansion. It has shown me the power of financial stability and growth. If you could give your child or your younger self one piece of advice about money now, what would it be and why? Save, manage assets wisely, and ensure money helps you grow more money. This creates a foundation for long-term financial security. What do you value spending money on? Gold, stocks, and property — investments that appreciate over time. Do you long-term plan your finances, and if so, how? Yes, I focus on property investments with an 8–10 per cent return to build wealth over time. What is your long-term goal which is pegged to your finances? Financial freedom is crucial. That's how I can strive to enjoy a balanced life and work on my own terms. How much do you save each month? As a business owner, my savings vary, but I prioritise reinvesting profits into growth opportunities. How much do you plan to have by the time you are 65? Enough to live comfortably, support my family, and continue investing in meaningful ventures. Investing in property early on, which has provided consistent returns and long-term security. Lending money without clear terms or expectations.
Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Telegraph
Husband of British woman killed in France speaks out over wife's death
The husband of a British-South African expatriate killed in the Dordogne has spoken out over his wife's death after visiting the scene for the first time. Karen Carter, a 65-year-old mother-of-four, was stabbed to death near the front porch of the gîte she rented to holidaymakers on the outskirts of Trémolat, a small village east of Bordeaux. French prosecutors believe that the killer may have harboured a grudge against either Mrs Carter or the French lover with whom she was rumoured to have been having an affair with at the time of her death. Her husband, Alan Carter, 65, spoke with the Telegraph the day after he landed in Trémolat from South Africa and visited the site of the attack. In a brief three-minute long conversation on Wednesday morning, he said: 'We are just trying to come to terms with what happened. We have all of the grief. We have spent the last few hours in Trémolat. It has been very difficult coming back to the village. 'We are still struggling with everything,' he added. Mr Carter visited the gîte, which remains cordoned off by the gendarmerie, on Tuesday evening Accompanied by a family friend, who had travelled with him from East London, Mr Carter looked over the police tape, paused for reflection for five minutes and surveyed the scene of the attack before walking back to his car and driving away. A large pool of dried blood remains visible on the white gravel driveway. On the ground, just outside the police tape, a pale green vase filled with roses and white trumpet lilies has been left in tribute. Mrs Carter's companion, who did not wish to be identified, told the Telegraph: 'They are a large family stretched across continents, and all of us adults and children, are still in shock at what has happened. 'We just want to respect the investigation.' Jean-François Guerrier, a 74-year-old retired Fujitsu executive, is understood to have been in a relationship with Mrs Carter for a number of weeks before the attack. Mr Carter has said he was unaware of their relationship until it was publicly announced by the French prosecutor leading the investigation and has described a 'feeling of betrayal'. Mrs Carter and Mr Guerrier had both run the Café Village together, a community hub and watering hole in the centre of the village. Mr Guerrier was the first to discover Mrs Carter and call the police as she lay dying next to her car with eight stab wounds to her 'chest, groin, arm and leg'. He was later questioned and released without charge. 'Wrongly accused' Mr Guerrier has declined to comment on the case or the nature of their relationship but said Mrs Carter was a 'lovely lady' when approached by journalists at his farmhouse. Police arrested Marie Laure Autefort, a local 69-year-old retired carer and amateur genealogist but released her shortly afterwards without charge. Her brother told The Telegraph that she was detained because she had become infatuated with Mr Guerrier following her divorce and was viewed as a potential love rival. Philippe Monribot said: 'She was wrongly accused. And I want to say that loud and clear. All I know is that she's in a very, very bad way and won't get over this accusation.'
