This archive report was first published on 29 September 2021.
Published on September 29, 2021, Doris Muronga's journey to Dubai began after losing her job in Kenya. Despite facing difficulties in securing another employment opportunity, she ventured into entrepreneurship, which also did not yield the desired results.
Ms. Muronga, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce (finance option), decided to take a leap of faith and move to Dubai, a decision that was largely driven by her desire to escape the challenges of finding a job in Kenya.
“Sometimes, Kenya can be very hard to get a job if you are not connected. So I decided to go to Dubai, where I did not know anyone,” Ms. Muronga said in an interview.
Ms. Muronga's decision to move to Dubai proved to be a turning point in her life. Within two months of her arrival, she landed a job in the hotel industry, working as a waitress at the JW Marriott, despite not having majored in the field.
Her experience in Dubai was not limited to the hotel industry. She later transitioned to the corporate world, where she worked in marketing for other countries.
Ms. Muronga's advice to those seeking employment in Dubai is that as long as you have a skill and are willing to work, the opportunities are numerous. She notes that it is easier to get a job in Dubai than in Kenya, but cautions that the Covid-19 pandemic has made job opportunities scarce in the Gulf nation.
Ms. Muronga highlights the opportunities available in the hotel industry, citing the high demand for staff due to Dubai's status as a tourist attraction. She notes that a waitress in Dubai can earn up to Sh70,000 (2,000 dirhams per month) with accommodation, transport, and food provided.
However, Ms. Muronga also acknowledges the challenges that come with working in Dubai, including being away from family, competition, and the high cost of living.
To help others navigate the challenges of working in Dubai, Ms. Muronga started a YouTube channel (Doris Muronga) in 2019, offering tips on job, business, and personal life in Dubai.
