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In this episode of The Expats in Dubai Show, Amber Waheed hosts an honest conversation about building a legal career in Dubai without a perfect academic start, flawless CV, or the traditional advantages often assumed in law. The discussion moves beyond titles to explore competence over credentials, confidence over grades, how women are perceived by clients, the psychology of authority, burnout at senior levels, the impact of social media on professional credibility, and why Gen Z may quietly reshape the profession. It’s a grounded look at law as a long game — and proof that success doesn’t require a flawless beginning. Joining Amber are Fiona Robertson (General Counsel, OSN), Marie Chowdhry (Partner, Pinsent Masons), Chrissie Wolfe (Partner, Nexa), and Charlotte Songwiqi (Al Tamimi). Four women with very different journeys, all now working at the top of Dubai’s legal profession.  📺 To watch the full video version, visit AmberWaheedOfficial on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L9wlP0kUus&t=3015s Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

In this episode, we chat with Fiona Robertson, OSN’s Chief Counsel and a dynamic media lawyer in Dubai, with almost 20 years’ experience handling high-stakes legal and reputational risks in the UAE’s fast-moving media scene. Fiona’s journey spans private practice and in-house roles, advising on everything from defamation to digital media crises. She shares candid insights on the evolving legal landscape and the unique challenges media law faces today. Topics include: Why Dubai became homeDealing with hate mail and tough casesPrivate practice vs. in-house - her honest takeHow she selects external counsel The future of media law and AI’s growing roleAdvice for young legal professionalsWhether you work with media clients, aspire to a global legal career, or just love legal stories, this episode is packed with real talk, practical advice, and some behind-the-scenes gossip. Listen in for an insider’s look at the challenges and opportunities shaping media law in the UAE. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

What do a Netflix creator, a professional basketball coach, and a leadership mentor all have in common? In this episode of Expats in Dubai, host Amber Waheed is joined by Hernando Planells, a man who has lived all three lives — and is now using his unique experience to guide the next generation in Dubai through the power of storytelling, sport, and mentorship. Together, they explore: The complexities of growing up as a third-culture kidThe importance of understanding your cultural heritage in shaping identityHow parents can help children navigate dual identities in multicultural settingsThe role of empathy, communication, and authenticity in great leadershipWhether the “Dubai bubble” is raising soft leaders, and how to build resilience in young peopleWhat it means to lead with purpose in a city built on global ambitionFrom navigating international careers to mentoring youth in a rapidly evolving city,  Hernando Planells shares powerful insights on identity, leadership, and belonging that resonate far beyond the basketball court or the screen. Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply someone in search of clarity and connection — this conversation is for you. 🌐 Powered by Wizbizla This episode is brought to you by Wizbizla — the trusted platform connecting expats in the UAE with accredited service providers. Looking for reliable professionals? Or ready to showcase your business to Dubai’s growing expat community? Visit wizbizla.com to learn more and register today. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Join Amber Waheed in this episode as she shares a shocking financial fraud case involving a so-called "bulletproof plan" devised by a deceptive financial advisor. She shares her personal experience of navigating intricate contract clauses, uncovering a web of deception, and battling the collusion of a trust chairman. Through this episode Amber reveals how fraudsters craft seemingly legitimate investment schemes that are, in reality, elaborate traps. She explores the fine line between financial fraud and legal loopholes, shedding light on the critical red flags investors must recognize before it's too late. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to safeguard their financial future against manipulation and deceit. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How financial fraud is often disguised as legitimate investment opportunities.The role of legal documents and contract clauses in protecting fraudsters.Amber’s real-life experience with fraudulent financial advisors in the UAE.How Guardian Trust Company Ltd. and its chairman played a role in this scheme.The warning signs of financial fraud and how to spot deceptive paperwork.How fraudsters extract investor fees while allowing investments to dwindle.Practical steps for protecting yourself from financial fraud and legal loopholes.The importance of scrutinizing financial contracts before signing.Key Quotes: “Fraud isn’t just about deception—it’s about crafting an illusion of trust.”“When legal jargon shields fraudsters, victims are left powerless—until they fight back.”“If something feels too complicated to question, it’s probably designed that way for a reason.”Resources Mentioned: Amber Waheed’s book: The Great Fraud Fightback (Available on Amazon)Wizbizla’s Scam Prevention Programme Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts using #FraudWeek #TrueCrimeSeries #FraudPreventionFollow Wizbizla on social media for more insights on financial safety.Have a fraud story to share? Submit your experience at Wizbizla.com Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

In this episode of Expats in Dubai, Amber Waheed is joined by Trefor Murphy, Founder of Cooper Fitch, to unpack salary trends in the UAE for 2025. Will expats enjoy a pay rise, or should they brace for a pay cut? Drawing from Cooper Fitch’s Salary Guide, they reveal which industries are set to thrive, how rising business costs are shaping salaries, and the strategies companies are using to address talent shortages. Amber and Trefor also discuss the shifting landscape of expat packages, the challenges of retaining top talent, and whether now is the ideal time to venture into starting your own business. Packed with practical advice and forward-looking insights, this episode is essential for professionals navigating the UAE job market or employers planning their next move. Don’t miss this deep dive into what 2025 holds for salaries, jobs, and opportunities in the UAE! 🌐 Powered by Wizbizla: This episode is brought to you by Wizbizla, the trusted platform connecting expats in the UAE with accredited service providers like Cooper Fitch. Whether you're searching for trusted businesses or looking to showcase your services to the expat community, visit wizbizla.com to learn more and register today. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

One of the biggest personal finance concerns many people have faced over the years is dishonest advisers selling complex, high-commission financial products to unsuspecting investors that can lock them in for years. Amber Waheed was one of them. Amber lost $80,000 after being duped by her advisor, Neil Grant into signing up for long-term investments she believed were low risk. It is a familiar, heart-breaking tale for many. But Amber decided to fight back and took her case to the UAE regulators. This was the first step in what turned out to be a landmark legal case in the UAE when Neil Grant was convicted of offering financial advice without a licence. Amber joins host Felicity Glover, the Personal Finance Editor at The National, to talk about her experience and share advice to victims of financial fraud. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Fraudsters often recruit for a ‘dream job’. Fraud occurs in the workplace when an employer misrepresents (spoken or in writing) something about your job.  Fraud may arise when an employer makes a false representation concerning offer letters, job security, potential commission, or other aspects of employment.   Katleen Penel, a HR specialist from Belgium, believed her husband's employer had violated his legal rights relating to his employment with the British-owned Real Estate company in Dubai.    When the company knowingly made false promises of commission on property sales, but later refused to pay the commission, she worked with her husband to bring a fraud claim against the real estate company. In this episode Katleen shares her story of the internal workings of the real estate company that led her to explore the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization) and how she won the claim of fraud against the company. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

It's the World Cup 2022! And from Dubai, it's less than an hour away to watch this iconic sporting event, LIVE.  What an amazing opportunity for the whole of the Middle East.  England football fans have been through so much heartbreak over the years. The game means so much to us and while we're often the underdogs we never stop believing. Every time the world cup or euros come around, this song of hope brings everyone in the country together and that's beautiful. Three Lions is so amazing that fans from other countries love to vibe with it too. Can't wait to sing it loud and proud in the stadium and to believe... Is it?  Is it actually coming home!? The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be played from 20 November to 18 December. 32 teams will compete across 64 matches. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Being in good shape is much more than just losing weight or achieving a specific look - it's about mental mastery and living life.  It's no secret,  being over 40 can make getting healthy and fit much harder.  Then there's all the different fitness programmes and exercises. What if you do the wrong exercise for your body type and fitness goals? Is there such a thing as over-exercising?  And what does a long-term calorie deficit diet do to your body? Mark Doherty is a licensed sports nutritionist and personal trainer. As an expert in the nutrition and exercise field for over 29 years, Mark is the voice of reason in an otherwise fad-driven industry. This episode is perfect if you want to learn more about living a healthier lifestyle in Dubai, how to incorporate exercise with a large dose of nutritional knowledge, make better choices, balance life and become more confident in your overall wellness. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

We now have evidence that suggests that nearly two in three of us will experience mental health problem in the course of our lives and one in six of us is managing fluctuating levels of distress each week.   Yet this subject remains the big elephant in the room in many offices and workplaces.  Leadership teams are hesitant about broaching this topic and saying the wrong thing - to normalise the conversation. Amber is joined by Dani Hakim, the founder of Safe Space, and who is on a mission to rebrand mental health using her personal story and professional experience.   Safe Space provides corporate wellness programmes, workshops and initiatives, that aim to encourage individuals, teams and organizations to lead more active and healthy lifestyles. In this episode Amber and Dani talk about mental illness in the workplace and offer compassionate directions to help you get to the state of mental health you want to be in.  _________ This podcast is not meant to replace medical care. If you have been impacted by anything in this episode remember to reach out to a professional – in the first instance seek help from your doctor. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Inside this first episode of season two, Amber sits down with Dubai-based lawyer Stephen Ballantine as he provides an overview of the laws, challenges and legal principles that guide medical malpractice claims in the emirate.  Stephen offers some great advice to healthcare professionals about communication and documentation and advice to injured patients who might be considering a malpractice claim.  He discusses the role of the Medical Liability Committee, UAE Law versus English Law and how damages are awarded. Don’t miss this fascinating and candid interview with a highly experienced medical malpractice lawyer. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Welcome to the Expats in Dubai podcast - full of lifestyle, community, financial and legal resources for the Dubai expat community. This weekly podcast unlike any other shares information and experiences from industry leaders within the Dubai community, to help expats enjoy their experience safely.    Listen, Download & Subscribe on: Apple Podcast Spotify Google Podcast Stitcher    Behind the Scenes of the Expat Community Join me, Amber Waheed, author of The Great Fraud Fightback, alongside other savvy professionals, as we share helpful information on how to avoid fraud, and the behind-the-scenes scoop on what it's like to live in Dubai as an Expat.   In this podcast, we’ll detail the lifestyle you can expect, and the supportive communities and resources available to help you along your Expat journey.  Expand Your Financial Awareness The Expats in Dubai podcast will help you increase your financial advisory and legal services awareness, so you can avoid the costly mistakes most investors make. In this podcast, I share lessons I learned from winning a landmark court case in Dubai against a fraudulent financial advisor, which I detail in my book, The Great Fraud Fightback. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

This is rightfully the song to sing and listen to at Christmas.  Beautiful singing.  Magnificent message.   Love it! Merry Xmas from Expats in Dubai! Listen here on the Buzzsprout hosting site or on all major podcast directories. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Infidelity is the ultimate betrayal.  But does it have to be?  In this episode Amber examines why people cheat, and unpacks why affairs are so traumatic: because they threaten our emotional security.  In infidelity, she sees something unexpected — an expression of longing and loss.  And when an affair is exposed what are some of the specific things that couples can do? How do we heal from an affair? And if we can divorce, why do we still have affairs? A must-listen for anyone who has ever cheated or been cheated on, or who simply wants a new framework for understanding relationships. Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Deloitte have launched their Middle East Fraud Survey report, illustrating how organisations in the Middle East have been affected by fraud during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Collin Keeney, Partner here in Dubai, conducted the survey, and is our guest today.  In this episode we discuss some of his key findings, and the impact his findings will have on expats in Dubai, and what tips he can offer both to the individual and to organisations on how to protect themselves against fraud in the region. In a wide-ranging conversation, Collin shares his observations on the future outlook of financial advisory fraud that continues to escalate, as well as the different types of fraud that are becoming more and more prevalent, and the role that professions such as legal, must play in mitigating fraudulent activity in the region. Collin has over 21 years of experience in Deloitte, including 11 years in the U.S. and 10 years in the Middle East.  Listen to the full interview here on the Buzzsprout hosting site or on all major podcast directories. Make sure you’re subscribed to Expats in Dubai.  You can find us in Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, Spotify podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.     Thank you for listening! Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected] Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426