It is safe and secure in UAE, expatriates say

Community members see similarities in Emirati family values

Mexicans in the UAE told Gulf News they are happy to find similar values in the UAE and Mexican societies.

“Mexico and the UAE are very similar in many respects. Families in both countries are very important!” said Alejandro Rios Galvan, 51, professor of practice at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi for six years.

He enjoys the high-quality life in the UAE, with security being a very attractive factor.

Mexico’s cultural and natural diversity, culinary abundance and rich heritage make him proud as a Mexican. “Mexico has given the world many things such as chocolate and avocado, and the literature from Octavio Paz, but there are many more examples of the contributions of Mexico and Mexicans to the world,” Rios Galvan said.

Jorge Garcia, 48, a supply chain manager in Dubai for over eight years, said: “Once you get to know the UAE [Emirati] people, you find out that they are very kind and family oriented. Safety is the most attractive factor of life in the UAE. This means quality of life to me.”

Mexican food, culture, family values and especially kindness of his people make him proud as a Mexican. Mexico is a land of freedom, where people of different ethnicities can be together. “As people, we uphold our own identity as Mexicans,” Garcia said.

Isaac Juan Bosco Adam, 42, an outlet manager in Dubai for three years, said, “We Mexicans and Emiratis are proud of our culture and we believe in different religions but we respect each other’s faith and we have faith in the almighty. Dubai is an amazing city that opens you in all senses. There is a variety of food options. It is a nice feeling being part of the most vibrant and exclusive city in the world,” Garcia said.

Mexicans’ rich culture, amazing natural resources, food and his family make him proud as a Mexican. “Our people’s solidarity when the support is needed, the strength of our race and the spirit of the people are our biggest achievements,” he said.

Mexicans share a warmth, smile, and courage to fight adversity, Garcia said.

Rene Alejandro Manzanilla Vela, 31, a cook in Dubai for seven years, said: “I am tremendously surprised at how the UAE people love the Latin American culture, let it be our food, music and dance!”

Once you get to know the UAE [Emirati] people, you find out that they are very kind and family oriented. Safety is the most attractive factor of life in the UAE. This means quality of life to me.”

Jorge Garcia

Supply chain manager in Dubai