The decision to move to the UAE and establish Navon Jobs’ presence there wasn’t something I agonized over. It wasn’t planned for years, nor did I anticipate how challenging it might be. In fact, it was one of the fastest decisions I’ve ever made in my career. In just one month, I packed up my apartment in Bucharest, registered the company in Dubai, and relocated to the UAE.
This whirlwind journey was both exhilarating and transformative, filled with unexpected challenges, personal growth, and moments of pure determination. Here’s how it unfolded.
I’ve always been drawn to markets that present both opportunity and challenge. The UAE, with its booming economy and its role as a gateway between the East and West, felt like the next natural step for Navon Jobs. Its strategic position in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region makes it a hub for talent, particularly in industries where both skilled and unskilled labor is in high demand.
Despite the fast-paced nature of the move, I didn’t second-guess myself. I knew there was immense potential for Navon Jobs in the UAE, and the idea of entering a region that could also serve as a springboard for expansion into other GCC countries made it even more appealing.
One of the biggest surprises for many people is how quickly the entire process happened. I didn’t spend months planning or strategizing. Once I made the decision, I dove straight into action. Within a week, I started the paperwork to register the company in Dubai, something that involved navigating the UAE’s specific legal framework for foreign business owners.
During this time, I was also packing up my life in Bucharest. Letting go of my apartment and all the comforts of a life I had built in Romania was harder than I had expected. But the excitement of this new chapter kept me focused. In just one month, I said goodbye to Romania and boarded a flight to Dubai, ready to start fresh in a country where I had to learn new ways of doing business.
Opening a business in the UAE as a foreigner is not without its hurdles. One of the most significant challenges I faced was setting up the legal structure. The UAE has stringent regulations for company formation, particularly for businesses intending to hire and sponsor foreign workers. From obtaining the correct licenses to understanding the government’s requirements, it was a steep learning curve.
Being a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated market also added complexity. While the UAE has made significant strides in promoting women in leadership, I still faced moments where I had to prove myself, often more than my male counterparts would have needed to. However, these challenges only made me more determined to succeed.
One of the most beautiful parts of my move to the UAE was embracing the culture and traditions deeply rooted in Islam. The values of respect, hospitality, and fairness are integral to both personal and professional life in the UAE. These principles shaped how I approached my business dealings, making relationship-building and trust top priorities.
Understanding and respecting Islamic customs were key to not only fitting in but thriving in this new environment. As an outsider, it was important for me to adapt to local norms and create an inclusive, respectful workplace that reflected the values of the community we were operating in. It was a humbling experience, but one that enriched both me and Navon Jobs UAE.
Success in the UAE didn’t come overnight. There were times when things didn’t go as planned. Some partnerships didn’t materialize the way I had hoped, and early hires weren’t always the right fit. Navigating the fast-paced business environment of Dubai required agility and constant adaptation. But for every setback, there were twice as many successes.
Setting up Navon Jobs UAE gave us a foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Soon, we were not just recruiting for the UAE, but for other GCC countries and Europe as well. Our services expanded to include company formation consultancy, helping others start businesses in this thriving region.
Today, Navon Jobs UAE is an integral part of our global operation. We serve clients and candidates from various countries, bridging the gap between the East and West. This move was about more than just opening an office; it was about growing our business globally and tapping into new opportunities that weren’t available to us in Romania alone.
Being based in Dubai allowed us to recruit from a diverse talent pool and expand our services to new industries. The UAE’s role as a hub for international business gave us access to markets we hadn’t previously considered, helping Navon Jobs evolve into a truly global player.
Opening Navon Jobs UAE in just one month was one of the boldest decisions I’ve made, and it has shaped both my personal and professional life in ways I could never have anticipated. Moving so quickly taught me the importance of trusting my instincts, embracing challenges head-on, and respecting the culture and values of the region I now call home.
Navon Jobs UAE stands as a testament to what can be achieved with determination, adaptability, and a willingness to step into the unknown. The UAE has become more than just a business location for us—it’s a gateway to the world.