Moving from Jamaica to a global city like Dubai is more than a change of scenery. It’s a shift in rhythm, expectations, and everyday habits. The skyline may rise higher, the trains may run faster, and the cafés may gleam a little brighter—but what truly changes is how you begin to see home.
For Jamaicans who travel, migrate, or simply spend time abroad, the comparison between countries often begins with curiosity and ends with reflection. What works there? What works here? And perhaps most importantly—what should never be lost from the culture that shaped us?
A Jamaican recently sharing his experience of living in Dubai captured that moment of discovery. Freshly arrived, he is soaking up the energy of the city, noticing the contrasts with Jamaica, and navigating life in one of the world’s most ambitious urban environments.
But when Jamaicans look outward, the conversation shouldn’t only be about comparing skyscrapers and salaries. It should also be about understanding how different socie…
