Dubai-it: How a Sri Lankan Expat Learned Life Lessons Amidst the UAE’s Rapid Growth

Dubai: Sasha Sequeira, a 29-year-old Sri Lankan expatriate, has spent her life observing the remarkable transformation of the UAE, particularly Dubai. Born in the country, Sequeira has witnessed the city’s rapid development, which she describes as unparalleled. The marketing and communications executive notes that the learning curve has been steep, shaped by the ambition and vision of the nation.

Sequeira reflects on her childhood in the late 1990s, stating that she could never have imagined the bustling metropolis Dubai has become today. She emphasizes the extraordinary pace of change, recalling how construction sites can transform into completed structures in mere weeks. This rapid development has fostered a culture of efficiency that permeates daily life, from government services to food delivery.

“In other parts of the world, government work can be difficult. In Dubai, no matter what you need, you can get it done in a matter of hours or days. It’s just how convenient things are; it is impeccable,” Sequeira explains.

A Family Rooted in the UAE

Sequeira’s connection to the UAE spans two generations. Her grandparents arrived in the country in 1984, followed by her mother two years later, who completed her education in Dubai. For Sequeira, significant life milestones have unfolded against the backdrop of this dynamic city.

“I went to school and university here. My high school sweetheart became my husband here. I started my career here. Became a mum here. A lot happened here,” she states.

As her personal journey intertwined with Dubai’s growth, Sequeira has also experienced the generosity of its community. She acknowledges the support she has received from Emiratis, particularly during challenging times. When her mother lost her job, an Emirati acquaintance of her grandmother helped her secure a UAE visa, allowing her to return to Dubai.

“My grandmother used to work in Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, and someone she knew from her years there helped me get my visa,” Sequeira recounts. “It shows the extent to which people in this country have helped not only me but my entire family.”

This spirit of assistance has been a constant in Sequeira’s life, whether through friendships that have become familial or witnessing government support during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her university also played a crucial role during financial difficulties in her final semester, offering a 50% reduction in fees to ensure she could graduate.

“I was already studying on a scholarship, but when the university found out that I might not be able to complete my last semester, they stepped in. They told my mum, ‘There is no way we are going to let her leave college in her final semester,’” she explains.

Her Mother’s Confidence

During recent regional conflicts, Sequeira found reassurance in her mother’s belief that the UAE is a safe haven. Her mother, who has since returned to Sri Lanka, expressed confidence in the country’s security.

“I have confidence in the UAE. You are in a safe place, and I am genuinely not scared for your safety. I think being in the UAE is better for you than being anywhere else,” her mother conveyed.

Sequeira appreciates this sentiment, especially as she navigates life with her young daughter. Her mother’s understanding of life in the UAE reinforces Sequeira’s own confidence in the nation.

The same sense of security was evident during the pandemic, where the rapid response of emergency services provided peace of mind. “Even if somebody got sick, the ambulance would arrive quickly, and the person would be taken to a properly maintained facility. This wasn’t just for citizens or residents, but even for visitors,” she states.

What ‘Dubai-it’ Means to a ‘Dubai Kid’

Currently, Sequeira works as a marketing and communications executive at Curtin University, Dubai. The recent launch of the ‘Dubai-it’ initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum piqued her interest.

To ‘Dubai-it’ signifies transforming extraordinary ideas into reality with precision and excellence, a concept Sequeira has witnessed throughout her life. “When you see the country growing, you want to grow with it. I have a two-year-old daughter, but I still want to keep working, learning, and building,” she notes.

As she revisits childhood locations with her daughter, Sequeira feels the infectious ambition of the city. One of her cherished memories is taking the bus to Deira City Centre with friends, a place that remains significant in her life.

“Now, when I take my daughter there, I am at a completely different stage of my life. I might be going to buy groceries, but it is still the same place. I still see the faces that over the years have become familiar,” she reflects.

Lessons Learned in Dubai

Sequeira emphasizes the importance of community support, a lesson she has internalized throughout her life in Dubai. “We have been taken care of, so we want to give back. If you see someone falling, you go and help them,” she asserts.

This ethos of mutual support has been evident in her own experiences, where individuals outside her family stepped in to assist during tough times. “It all comes down to the place you are in and what you learn from seeing the country and its people,” she concludes.

As Sequeira continues to grow alongside Dubai, she expresses a deep appreciation for the opportunities the city has afforded her family. “This country keeps growing, and I want to grow with it. There is no other place I would want to be,” she affirms.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-08-24 16:12:00 • By the Editorial Desk