Brazilian expats living in Dubai

Time Out talks to the UAE's Brazilian expats about their experiences of living and working in Dubai. Here's what they think about living here 3 Comments

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Renato Gerundio de Azevedo, 43

‘I have four children – one boy and three girls, from five to 18 years old. They speak English, Spanish and Portuguese, and two of them can speak basic Arabic. My parents both had large families. It’s not a special Brazilian thing – it’s just us! I moved to Dubai last December when I was designated by the Bank of Brazil to open their branch in the UAE. I’ve lived in other cultures before coming here, in Bolivia and Panama. Originally, I come from Brasilia, Brazil’s capital.

There’s no comparison between Dubai and Brazil. Dubai is an amazing country and a great place to work and educate the children. We live in Umm Suqeim, near the beach. In Brasilia there is no beach, you have to go on a plane for an hour and a half to get to one. I really love the security of Dubai, and the fact that it never rains. Also, the local people here are very friendly to me as well as the Brazilian community.

The Brazilian population here is very strong – we help each other not miss our home country too much. Of course, I miss my family, colleagues, friends and the music in Brazil, but I’m still enjoying Dubai very much. I believe happiness is not abroad, it is within you. If you have the right attitude you can be happy wherever you live – it all depends on how you manage your life.’