Louise relocated to Abu Dhabi in 2017 and has never looked back
Tell us a little bit of yourself
I’m Louise, French with a passion for all things related to travel and tourism. Currently working in marketing for Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, I previously collaborated with a local PR and digital agency promoting various hotels, restaurants and lifestyle brands, which allowed me to discover all the hidden gems of the city. Today, and in addition to travel, I’ve recently developed an interest in sports, particularly triathlon.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
I relocated to Abu Dhabi in February 2017 after my company closed in Dubai. It was my first real job post my master’s degree internship. If only I had known that, after only three months, they would shut down! Despite my mum begging me to come home, I didn’t want to leave the country. I had a feeling I should continue this journey, but this time in Abu Dhabi.
I secure a job at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi as a Marketing executive. Picture a 23-year-old woman in Abu Dhabi, alone, after living in Dubai and sharing a duplex loft in JBR with what we’ll call “brunch friends” and “ladies’ night friends.” I’m not going to lie; the change was impressive. It took me some time to enjoy and discover Abu Dhabi because I was working and finishing my master’s degree simultaneously. Also, at that time, being quite young, I had trouble finding people in my age range, often ending up as the youngest in the group – not that it was a bad thing!
Everything changed after a year when I seized another opportunity with a PR and Digital agency. This is where I truly fell in love with Abu Dhabi. It allowed me to explore places I had never been, opening the doors to five-star dreamy hotels and organising cool events, including doing yoga on the highest helipad in the Middle East. I embraced almost two years of the hard work-play hard kind of feeling until I met… the one.
Surprisingly, there are perks to being the younger one in your group – they have siblings! I met Valentin in April 2019, and as we like to say, it was not love at first sight but a more “meant to be” kind of thing. We embarked on a long-distance relationship for a bit over a year until I turned 25 and decided we needed to give it a proper chance. So, I resigned, leaving my fantastic job and life behind to live in Paris, a city I had never really been to, and most importantly, where I had never really worked. What a lucky move it was back in June 2020 – only six months before COVID hit us.
We enjoyed our time back in France, seeing old friends and family. The UAE, and Abu Dhabi, held a significant place in my heart all these years away. My family likes to call me a true “defender” of the Emirates. One morning, feeling that this connection never left us, we decided it was time to consider a move back to Abu Dhabi. One thing I didn’t mention about myself is that I’m very determined. So, a few days later, I had my first interview for my current role at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. And just like that, I was back.
How has living in Abu Dhabi shaped your sense of belonging and community?
The concept of a “home away from home” truly comes to life in Abu Dhabi. Here, you effortlessly discover your favourite shops, cuisine, and, most importantly, diverse communities. It’s an experience unlike any other, and I can confidently say that I’m delighted to be a part of several communities: the French community (where I’ve never seen more French people being “real French” outside of France than in Abu Dhabi or watching football), the sports community, the women communities, my neighbours. Everywhere you go, you feel a genuine sense of welcome and belonging – a factor that, for me, makes all the difference and fuels my love for this city.
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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?
As mentioned earlier, my partner has been a pivotal figure throughout this journey and will continue to be a significant part of all that lies ahead. We are genuinely happy to consider Abu Dhabi our home and aspire to create something special here.
Additionally, none of this would have been possible without Annie Turnell Henry, who offered me the opportunity to work alongside her and an incredible team, introducing me to the wonders of Abu Dhabi. Together, we built something extraordinary, and I must admit that leaving was an incredibly tough decision – one she understood perfectly. I’m delighted to share that we remain an integral part of each other’s lives, and she continues to be my go-to person for career advice or any significant decisions.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
What I cherish most is the acceptance and the spirit of celebration in the city. When talking to those who haven’t visited, I often emphasise that here, we celebrate and embrace everything – cultures, religions, traditions. The unique level of respect given to diversity is something special and, honestly, a quality I wish could be more widespread in other parts of the world.
A myth about Abu Dhabi that you would like to bust
To those abroad, a clear message: “Yes, I can wear a skirt. And a dress. And a swimsuit.”
To my friends in Dubai: “No, it’s not a boring city!” We have an incredible array of offerings here. With a 10-day vacation, there’s no problem – each day can bring a new activity that goes beyond just food. Abu Dhabi has so much more to explore and enjoy!
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Abu Dhabi community in your own life?
In September, I decided to take on the challenge of the TriYas, a Sprint Triathlon consisting of a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run – a rewarding but demanding endeavor, especially with a full-time job. During my training journey, I discovered numerous WhatsApp groups and Facebook communities that generously offered free training, coaching, and valuable advice. I was truly amazed by the warmth of everyone involved, their willingness to help, and their constant encouragement.
As the race day approaches this Saturday, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be participating alongside my mother, who’s flown all the way from France. We’ll be wearing the TriBelles colors, the local Women Triathlon community and club!
To read more about Abu Dhabi People, visit Yalla Abu Dhabi
