Stefano, an Italian has travelled to many world destinations but now calls Abu Dhabi home
Tell us a little bit of yourself
I am an Italian from Rome with a passion for travel, photography, and social media content creation. Initially, I started my professional career in the army at 17 years old, and I chose to end it after 11 years. During this time, I participated in multinational task force peacekeeping missions with the UN and NATO in many countries.
After my military career, I chose to follow my passion for food and travel, embarking on an endless journey across the world. To become the seasoned chef I am today, I completely sacrificed my comfort zone and private life in a journey that began in 2009, working in many different countries such as Italy, Spain, Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Barbados in the Caribbean.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
I moved to the UAE in November 2022, and shortly after, I was contacted by Rotana on LinkedIn. After many interviews, I received an offer and I accepted. So here I am, one year and a half later…
How has living in Abu Dhabi shaped your sense of belonging and community?
I believe that my journey in Abu Dhabi has been relatively easy due to my previous military experience. In a sense, it wasn’t difficult for me to integrate into the community because it wasn’t an entirely “new experience” for me. However, one cannot deny that with its exceptional infrastructure, renewed safety and great culture, Abu Dhabi makes you feel at home quickly.
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Can you tell us about a particular person in Abu Dhabi who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
I would love to mention our HR leader, Yousuf. He has been incredibly helpful to me since the very beginning, assisting me with work-related documents as well as personal documents. He provided assistance whenever I needed to interact with local offices or individuals in Abu Dhabi, even with my driving license. He has always been available for any request, consistently radiating positive energy.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
Certainly, the safety and easiness of everything are the main two undeniable merits of Abu Dhabi. The country has successfully shaped a top-tier urban and civil reality, fostering a community with a quality of life that ranks among the best in the world.
A myth about Abu Dhabi that you would like to bust
The lack of openness toward foreigners. There is much more than what you might think.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Abu Dhabi community in your own life?
Abu Dhabi is a city that respects, recognises, and appreciates the work of everyone with a genuine feeling. I felt that especially when receiving the award for the best Italian restaurant in the capital in May last year, a gratifying moment that let me understand how much attention Abu Dhabi has towards international cuisines and the hospitality industry.
To meet more Abu Dhabi people, visit Yalla Abu Dhabi