As summer fades and the first signs of autumn begin to set in, many of us dream of moving to sunnier shores. For Gary Dexter, Associate Director at Blackfield Associates, this dream is about to come true. After years of holidaying in Dubai, Gary has finally made the decision to relocate to this vibrant city. In an exciting new chapter for his career and personal life, Gary shares his journey and what lies ahead.
Why Dubai?
For Gary, the move to Dubai has been a long-held dream. Having visited the city five times, the idea of relocating had always been in the back of his mind. “Dubai has been a place I’ve wanted to live in for years,” he says. After his last holiday there in December, he returned to the UK determined to make it happen. “With the age my children are at now, it felt like the best time to take the plunge.” Shortly after, he approached Darren Day, and the wheels were set in motion.
Gary feels well-prepared for life in Dubai, thanks to his previous visits. “I’ve been to Dubai quite a few times, so I have an appreciation of the culture and lifestyle,” he explains. He also emphasises the importance of respecting the local Muslim customs, even though Dubai has become more relaxed over the years. In fact, Gary points out a surprising statistic: around 60-70% of Dubai’s population consists of expatriates, making it a melting pot of cultures and nationalities.
What will Gary be doing in Dubai?
Naturally, any big move comes with its challenges. For Gary, the biggest concern is being away from his family during the initial phase of the relocation. “The hardest part will be missing my wife and children, especially at the end of a long day when they’re there to greet me,” he admits. However, Gary knows this temporary separation will be worth it, as his family will be joining him full-time after the school year ends in 2025. Gary’s family has been nothing but supportive of his decision. “My wife, children, mum, and brother are all fully behind the idea,” he says.
Gary is also quick to praise the support he’s received from STR throughout this transition. “From the moment I mentioned the idea to the STR Group’s CEO, Darren Day, the business has been fantastic,” he says. Emma Rees, Group Legal & Compliance Director, helped with the visa process, and Jo Smith, the Group’s HR Director managed all necessary HR details. His Executive Director Nathan Sutton along with colleagues James Rafter and Kam Khalighi worked with him on how his move could benefit Blackfield Associates in new markets. Gary’s relocation is more than a personal move, it’s a strategic step for the company to expand into new territories.
Looking to the future
As for the future, Gary is aiming for a life that bridges both the UK and Dubai. “One of the conditions my wife gave me was that we keep our house in the UK,” he reveals, adding that they plan to rent it out while living in Dubai. Long-term, he hopes to own homes in both locations. Career-wise, Gary has ambitious goals for Blackfield Associates in the Middle and Far East. “In the next few years, I’d love to be in a position to discuss opening an office in the region,” he shares, envisioning a future where others at STR can join him in Dubai.
For Gary, the move to Dubai is more than just a change in scenery, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter, both personally and professionally. With the support of his family and the STR Group, Gary is ready to embark on this new journey, bringing Blackfield Associates along for the ride as they explore new opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Check back in a couple of months, when we’ll catch up with Gary to find out how he’s settling in!
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