1. So, how long have you been in Dubai?
I’ve been here for one and half
years now. Previously, I was posted to
the STB Jakarta office for about three years.
I first joined STB as a Management Associate (MA) after I graduated from
university with a Political Science degree.
I started in MICE division and moved on to Manpower Development division
during my MA days, after which I stayed another 2 years in MICE before my first
posting.
2. What are 3 things you like about Dubai?
I like the diversity in
Dubai. If we say Singapore is a
multi-cultural city, then Dubai is even more multi-cultural. In Singapore, we have the four major races;
in Dubai we have people from many different nationalities. In a block of apartment, you may be staying
with about 20 different nationalities of people as your neighbours. Many of
these people come with their dreams and aspirations to make it big in Dubai,
and they are very motivated. I really
enjoy the cultural interaction with these people.
Secondly, I like that there is a
wide range of halal food in Dubai.
Everything here is halal, from Chinese to Thai, Indian to Lebanese. It is really convenient to get my food here.
Thirdly, it is centrally located. I have been on many
holidays from here, to Europe, Middle East, even South Asia. There are
frequent work and personal travel opportunities. My colleagues tells me
“Firhan, you are always not around!” But I guess travel is an essential part of
our job since we do cover a huge geographical area of the entire Middle East
and Africa from Dubai. I do travel with my local colleagues too as I rely on
their market knowledge and contacts in tougher markets. I am blessed to have
the chance to live in one of the most admired cities – Dubai and I enjoy my
work here. My personal travels from here are a bonus.
3. What is 1 thing you think Singapore can
learn from Dubai?
This is a tough question. In many
ways, Dubai has learnt a lot from Singapore.
If you go to Dubai and Abu Dhabi now, you will see the design of the
cities very much like how Singapore is designed. Everything looks very familiar. The Doha airport is very much like our Changi
Airport, down to the colours and font of the signages.
If there is one thing we can learn from Dubai, perhaps it is
their boldness in their planning and strategy. They too benefit from a leadership
with foresight and political will to make things happen for the country. I
guess it is also their ability to quickly learn from others and also attract
the best talents from the various fields to contribute to their success story.
I truly think the best is yet to come for UAE and Dubai.
Thank you, Firhan.
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| Firhan, in his STB Dubai offfice |
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