Get The App

Download the Josplay app for the best experience.

Download Now

Charts

Discover the latest hits and trending music.

Explore Charts

Podcasts

Stories, music and conversation from Africa and its diaspora.

Browse Podcasts

New Releases

Stay updated with the latest music releases.

See New Releases
← The Relocated South African | Emigration stories
Moving from South Africa to start a business in Dubai with Kirsty Jones-Ep 42 artwork

Moving from South Africa to start a business in Dubai with Kirsty Jones-Ep 42

The Relocated South African | Emigration stories
33:20
Play episode

Show notes

In this episode of the Relocated South African podcast, host I speak with Kirsty Jones, founder of Federated Advisory in Dubai. Kirsty shares her journey from South Africa to Dubai, discussing the safety, stability, and opportunities the UAE offers for expats. She highlights the challenges of starting a business in a new country, the importance of transparency in advisory services, and the need for community among South Africans abroad. She also believes that the UAE offers a transparent government and very low taxes combined with absolute physical safety. Kirsty also addresses the cultural dynamics of being a woman in business, the cost of living in Dubai, and the unique challenges of communication in the UAE. Maintaining family connections is critical for emotional well-being. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for those considering relocation to the UAE. Kirsty Jones: “Dubai is very fitness focused." "I miss South African chips so much!" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Relocated South African Show 01:04 Kirsty Jones: Journey from South Africa to Dubai 02:13 Why Choose the UAE? Safety and Stability 03:16 Starting a Business in Dubai: Kirsty's Experience 05:14 The Need for Transparency in Advisory Services 06:56 Navigating Business Setup in the UAE 08:14 Common Business Ventures for South Africans 09:47 Supporting South Africans in Job Searches 11:07 Overcoming Red Tape in the UAE 12:19 Cultural Dynamics: Women in Business 15:46 Challenges of Isolation in a New Country 17:12 Building Community Among Expats 18:51 The Temporary Nature of Life in Dubai 19:07 Connecting People and Networking 20:02 Finding Accommodation in Dubai 20:30 Coping with the UAE's Climate 24:41 Cost of Living: Balancing Salaries and Expenses 28:30 Understanding Alcohol Regulations in the UAE 29:49 Communication Challenges: WhatsApp and VPNs 33:04 Advice for Future Expats 34:34 Final Thoughts on Relocating to the UAE Contact Kirsty at www.federatedadvisory.com Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com

More from this show

More
  1. From Durban to Budapest: A South African Finding Home in Hungary-Ep 88 with Connor Jackson

    Connor Jackson was born in Durban, spent much of his childhood in Tanzania, returned to South Africa, and then unexpectedly found himself building a life in Hungary. At 18, Connor…

    43:55
  2. From Green Card Lottery to HR Director: Starting Again in America-Ep 87 With Andreas Pyper

    Andreas Pyper's journey to America began almost by accident. In 1997, he and a group of friends entered the US Green Card Lottery as a joke. His wife Amanda won. A few years later,…

    55:03
  3. 22 Years in Japan: Why This South African Still Wants to Go Home-Ep 87 with James WhelanEp

    James Whelan was born and raised in Johannesburg before moving to London in 1998. Five years later, after meeting his Japanese partner, he moved to Japan for what was supposed to b…

    46:11
  4. 27 Years in America: Why He's Building a Base Back in South Africa-Ep 86 with Andries Coetzee

    Andries Coetzee left South Africa for the United States in 1999 to do a PhD. His plan was simple: complete his studies and return home. Instead, 27 years later, he is still in Amer…

    54:21
  5. From Johannesburg to Australia: Why Olaf Duve Chose to Start Again-EP 86

    Olaf Duve has lived in four countries, built an international career and ultimately settled in Sydney with his wife and three children. Growing up in Johannesburg, Olaf left South…

    43:33
  6. From Johannesburg to America: Taking Americans to Play Golf in South Africa-Ep 84 with Murray Collier

    When Murray Collier left South Africa for the United States, the plan was simple: gain some international experience and eventually decide what came next. Reality turned out to be…

    44:31
Now Playing

No Track Playing