From Career Ambitions to Belonging: A Tech Leader’s Journey in the UAE
From career growth to family life, Ahmed Elkabbany shares how the UAE became a place of opportunity, belonging, and inspiration.
When Ahmed Elkabbany first arrived in the United Arab Emirates in 2016, he was immediately struck by the country’s safety, organization, and warmth. “From the moment I arrived, there was a sense of ambition and positivity in the air,” he recalls. “The UAE felt like a place where people from all over the world come together to build something meaningful.”
As the Director of the Digital Impact Office for the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa & CIS Region at Cisco, Ahmed was drawn to the UAE for professional opportunities, entrepreneurship, and the promise of career growth. Yet, beyond the workplace, he and his family found a sense of stability, safety, and belonging that would transform their lives.
“I realized the UAE had truly become my home when I stopped feeling like a guest,” he explains. “When our routines, friendships, and memories took shape here, it became more than a place to live—it became where we belong.” For Ahmed, this feeling was crystallized in a simple but profound moment: watching his children grow up surrounded by friends of many nationalities, speaking different languages, and thriving in an environment that felt completely safe.
Like many newcomers, Ahmed faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture and professional landscape. He overcame it by embracing diversity, building meaningful relationships, and staying focused on contributing positively. “The UAE rewards hard work and openness,” he notes. “What initially felt like a challenge quickly became an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.”
Professionally, Ahmed credits the UAE with providing incredible opportunities to work on initiatives that make a real impact. Collaborating with talented individuals from across the globe has allowed him to contribute to projects that shape digital transformation in the region. On a personal level, the UAE has given his family a secure, nurturing environment in which to build their future.
When asked to describe the UAE in three words, Ahmed chooses: visionary, safe, and inspiring. He emphasizes that the country’s forward-looking mindset, strong leadership, and culture of hospitality make it unique. “What I love most about living here today is the incredible sense of safety, stability, and optimism. It’s a country that is always building, improving, and welcoming people from all walks of life,” he says.
Ahmed Elkabbany’s journey reflects not only a professional trajectory marked by innovation and leadership but also a personal story of belonging, family, and embracing a multicultural environment. For him, the UAE is not just where he works—it’s where he and his family truly call home.
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