The Emirates are a place with incredible opportunities and are very different from Europe

Introduce yourself in a few sentences. What does your work as daily commitments consist of?

My name is Silvia Behar, and I am a graphic designer and artist.

Currently, I am experimenting with being a freelancer.

My expertise as a designer is primarily in building identity, branding, packaging, as well as my favorite print publications. I create my projects from concept to final product, which brings great variety both in processes and in skills that I acquire.

Social impact and mission projects are extremely important to me.

My working days are very dynamic, as they include both the actual work on visuals and organizational processes and preparation for events and workshops that I subsequently lead.

In which country and city do you currently live, and how did you end up there?

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. It wasn't something I was specifically looking for, but life sometimes brings unexpected and nice surprises. I embraced the opportunity and embarked on a new adventure.

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your stay?

Fortunately, I have many friends who have already traveled the path I have taken, and they are a huge support for me.

The Emirates are a place with incredible opportunities and are very different from Europe. The innovation, speed of development, and energy that exists are things that require understanding, adaptation, and dedication.

How did you overcome the language barrier (if there was one)?

There is no language barrier, as the environment is extremely international. Most of the population, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is made up of expats. Therefore, the language used for communication and work is English.

What resources or networks (local communities, colleagues, organizations) helped you adapt?

I have a community of people in Bulgaria who helped me create connections here, so I feel calm and supported. My family and friends are definitely a great strength that helps me start building my professional relationships here.

What are the main differences between the work culture in your current country and that in Bulgaria?

The speed at which everything happens here is incomparable, and when you show your professionalism, there are no obstacles to realizing various projects. But with that comes a high expectation for the product you create.

At the same time, it is quite challenging because there are many talents here, leading to an extremely dynamic market.

What values and practices in the workplace have impressed you the most?

So far, I have observed great cooperativeness and assertiveness in the work process. The companies I have met so far have a very clear vision for their development, which greatly facilitates our collaboration and leads to faster and more meaningful results.

Have there been situations where cultural differences have challenged you?

So far, I have not encountered such challenges. There are certainly situations when I react through my own lens, where there is a discrepancy in communication. But when we communicate with respect and understanding of our differences, we reach a common language and a friendly work environment much faster.

How does finding a job differ in your current country compared to your homeland?

The more challenging aspect of job searching in a new country is the lack of a network of contacts and establishing oneself as a professional. The scales are also different; the opportunities are numerous, but so are the number of applicants.

Did you have to go through any additional qualification courses?

One should not stop learning and developing. Throughout my professional journey, I have gladly accepted every task that brings some challenge and need for improvement. So far, my work here has not required specific additional retraining, but constantly evolving technologies and opportunities undoubtedly bring with them the need for growth. Currently, I am learning things related to digital technologies, as my favorite print is being sought less and less.

Have you encountered prejudices or obstacles because of your foreign origin?

Here, we all come from different backgrounds. Sometimes it is more challenging when you find yourself in an environment of people with the same nationality because they unconsciously switch to their language while discussing topics closer to them. But this is in rare cases; usually, most people are very open and accepting.

Perhaps what I don't like is that there is a noticeable difference between classes, workers, service staff, and people in higher positions, and this often leads to a visible difference in attitude, which is unpleasant, but fortunately not so common at least in my surroundings.

What would you advise people who want to take a similar step?

To act boldly; it can only enrich them. Every challenge builds us, whether through growth or through the experience of failure. Unlived dreams carry much greater weight. I say this from experience because in the past, I turned down several opportunities, and to this day I wonder what it would have been like if I had just tried. Now I am glad I took that step, even if it was years later.

Today we live in a very dynamic world, and it is so easy to be wherever we want, so it would be a loss not to try if that is our inner feeling.

If you could go back, would you choose the same path?

Without a doubt. The path that brought me to this moment has been very diverse in experiences, meetings, and events, some wonderful, others difficult, but it is precisely this path that has made me the person I am today.

I regret nothing, and looking back, I am grateful.

What matters is what I do today to ask myself fewer and fewer questions like “what if” when looking back.

What do you miss most from your homeland in professional and personal terms?

Family, friends, and improv theater. 

Have you considered returning, and under what conditions would you do so?

Not at the moment.

The reasons that took me out of Bulgaria are not related to any need or search for another place, so I cannot define conditions that would bring me back.

Whether it is Bulgaria or another destination, it is more important for me that it makes sense to be there.

What do you think about money? What is its influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

A rather broad question. Money can provide a certain lifestyle, and that is wonderful, but it is not a sufficient condition for a good life. It is good to make reasonable investments and to plan with foresight. For me, it is important to maintain the balance between how I earn money and my ability to live in peace with myself.