Expats in Dubai Podcast

In this episode of The Expats in Dubai Show , Amber Waheed hosts an honest conversation about building a legal career in Dubai without a perfect academic start, flawless CV, or the traditional advantages often assumed in law. The discussion moves beyond titles to explore competence over credentials, confidence over grades, how women are perceived by clients, the psychology of authority, burnout at...

In this episode, we chat with Fiona Robertson, OSN’s Chief Counsel and a dynamic media lawyer in Dubai, with almost 20 years’ experience handling high-stakes legal and reputational risks in the UAE’s fast-moving media scene. Fiona’s journey spans private practice and in-house roles, advising on everything from defamation to digital media crises. She shares candid insights on the evolving legal lan...

What do a Netflix creator , a professional basketball coach , and a leadership mentor all have in common? In this episode of Expats in Dubai , host Amber Waheed is joined by Hernando Planells , a man who has lived all three lives — and is now using his unique experience to guide the next generation in Dubai through the power of storytelling, sport, and mentorship. Together, they explore: The compl...

Join Amber Waheed in this episode as she shares a shocking financial fraud case involving a so-called "bulletproof plan" devised by a deceptive financial advisor. She shares her personal experience of navigating intricate contract clauses, uncovering a web of deception, and battling the collusion of a trust chairman. Through this episode Amber reveals how fraudsters craft seemingly legit...

In this episode of Expats in Dubai , Amber Waheed is joined by Trefor Murphy , Founder of Cooper Fitch , to unpack salary trends in the UAE for 2025. Will expats enjoy a pay rise, or should they brace for a pay cut? Drawing from Cooper Fitch’s Salary Guide, they reveal which industries are set to thrive, how rising business costs are shaping salaries, and the strategies companies are using to addr...

One of the biggest personal finance concerns many people have faced over the years is dishonest advisers selling complex, high-commission financial products to unsuspecting investors that can lock them in for years. Amber Waheed was one of them. Amber lost $80,000 after being duped by her advisor, Neil Grant into signing up for long-term investments she believed were low risk. It is a familiar, he...

Fraudsters often recruit for a ‘dream job’. Fraud occurs in the workplace when an employer misrepresents (spoken or in writing) something about your job.  Fraud may arise when an employer makes a false representation concerning offer letters, job security, potential commission, or other aspects of employment.   Katleen Penel, a HR specialist from Belgium, believed her husband's employer had v...

It's the World Cup 2022! And from Dubai, it's less than an hour away to watch this iconic sporting event, LIVE.  What an amazing opportunity for the whole of the Middle East.  England football fans have been through so much heartbreak over the years. The game means so much to us and while we're often the underdogs we never stop believing. Every time the world cup or euros come aroun...

Being in good shape is much more than just losing weight or achieving a specific look - it's about mental mastery and living life.  It's no secret,  being over 40 can make getting healthy and fit much harder.  Then there's all the different fitness programmes and exercises. What if you do the wrong exercise for your body type and fitness goals? Is there such a thing as over-exercisi...

We now have evidence that suggests that nearly two in three of us will experience mental health problem in the course of our lives and one in six of us is managing fluctuating levels of distress each week.   Yet this subject remains the big elephant in the room in many offices and workplaces.  Leadership teams are hesitant about broaching this topic and saying the wrong thing - to normalise the co...

Inside this first episode of season two, Amber sits down with Dubai-based lawyer Stephen Ballantine as he provides an overview of the laws, challenges and legal principles that guide medical malpractice claims in the emirate.  Stephen offers some great advice to healthcare professionals about communication and documentation and advice to injured patients who might be considering a malpractice clai...

Welcome to the Expats in Dubai podcast - full of lifestyle, community, financial and legal resources for the Dubai expat community. This weekly podcast unlike any other shares information and experiences from industry leaders within the Dubai community, to help expats enjoy their experience safely.    Listen, Download & Subscribe on: Apple Podcast Spotify Google Podcast Stitcher    Behind the...

This is rightfully the song to sing and listen to at Christmas.  Beautiful singing.  Magnificent message.   Love it! Merry Xmas from Expats in Dubai! Listen here on the Buzzsprout hosting site or on all major podcast directories. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on hello@wizbizla.com Follow th...

Infidelity is the ultimate betrayal.  But does it have to be?  In this episode Amber examines why people cheat, and unpacks why affairs are so traumatic: because they threaten our emotional security.  In infidelity, she sees something unexpected — an expression of longing and loss.  And when an affair is exposed what are some of the specific things that couples can do? How do we heal from an affai...

Deloitte have launched their Middle East Fraud Survey report, illustrating how organisations in the Middle East have been affected by fraud during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Collin Keeney, Partner here in Dubai, conducted the survey, and is our guest today.  In this episode we discuss some of his key findings, and the impact his findings will have on expats in Dubai, and what tips he can offer...

The newly implemented UAE Owners Association law came with greater responsibilities to improve quality of service and return on investments. Law 6 of 2009 on the Ownership of Common Property repealed Law 27 of 2007 and marked a substantial change in the operation of Jointly Owned Property and the roles and functions of the Owners Association Board and The Management Bodies as properties  – as with...

Can a car be a sound investment in your financial portfolio? Should you diversify your garage as much as your holdings?   For the automotive enthusiast, one way to diversify an investment portfolio is indeed to start collecting classic cars.  Most cars lose value immediately after they are driven off the dealer lot, but classic cars gain in value over time, due to rarity, performance, or special a...

What do expats need the most - a lawyer, a doctor, a maintenance guy? What have you learned about female expats in Dubai? Favorite part of Old Dubai?  What’s one thing everyone should check out in Dubai  What would you say to Sheikh Mohammed, today, as he celebrates the 50th National Day? It's the National Day today and Expats in Dubai launched their 50x50 initiative to mark the 50th UAE Nati...

What's the greatest thing you have learnt from the locals?  Have you picked up any slang from them?  What's Dubai's secret sauce / greatest talent?  Three words to describe the Dubai lifestyle?  What's one service you cannot live without in Dubai? It's the National Day on 2nd December and Expats in Dubai launches 50x50 initiative to mark the 50th UAE National Day.  All thi...

Which scam did you secretly think was genius?  Have you ever used your British 'charm’ to get your way in Dubai?  Which Nationality have you learnt the most from?  What misconceptions do Brits back home have about Dubai expats?  What advice would you give to anyone about Government Houses and how to deal with them? It's the National Day on 2nd December and Expats in Dubai launches 50x50...

Which three services should be on every expats speed dial?  Describe your perfect date night. What's the strangest thing you've seen someone do in Dubai?  What is it about Dubai, that has positively shaped you? Expats in Dubai launches 50x50 initiative to mark the 50th UAE National Day.  All this week, we are asking Expats to answer 50 questions about being an Expat in Dubai. Greek blood...

What are three things you can't live without in Dubai?  What's your favorite landmark?  How best would you describe the locals?  What's one word to describe the scam artists in Dubai? What's your philosophy about Dubai? It's the National Day on 2nd December, and we have an idea. Expats in Dubai launches 50x50 initiative to mark the 50th UAE National Day.  All this week, we...

Over a third (34%) of people admit to a personal fear stopping them from doing something they wanted to achieve in life. Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings supported Franklin Roosevelt’s saying: ‘The only thing to fear, is fear itself’. And in many ways he was right - fear is what ultimately holds us back from many of the activities and challenges in life that could enrich us rather than damage...

Inheritance matters are inherently complex. Having a will in place in their country of origin is regarded by many expats as essential planning when they move to live and work abroad, offering peace of mind in the event of a tragedy. However, many Non-Muslim expats in Dubai are unaware that in the absence of a legally registered will in the UAE, the process of transferring assets after death can be...

Today’s subject is a topic that, all fertility specialists caring for women, encounter on a regular basis.  Social Egg Preservation is a key component of assisted reproductive technologies – an increasing number of women are embracing careers and financial independencies and wish to know how to prevent unintended childlessness.   Dr Marikinti is a Fertility Specialist who meets such women seeking...