From Jordanian Roots to Home in the UAE: 19 Years of Growth and Gratitude

It was 2006 when Bashar Malkawi, a young Jordanian professional, first stepped onto UAE soil. The decision had been deliberate - a job opportunity that promised professional growth and a chance to explore new horizons. What he didn't anticipate was how profoundly this move would reshape his entire life.

"Impressed" - that single word captures his initial impression, a feeling that would only deepen with each passing year. But the true turning point came on a seemingly ordinary morning: "The first day I woke up," he recalls, that's when he first felt it. This wasn't just a temporary assignment; this was home.

As the Chief Financial Officer of 7awi Media Group, Bashar has watched both his career and the UAE evolve in remarkable parallel. The archipelago of emirates that welcomed him nearly two decades ago has become more than just a workplace - it's become the foundation upon which he has built a meaningful life.

"Everything. Better financials, better services, better safety... etc," he reflects when asked about the opportunities the UAE has provided. This isn't just professional hyperbole; it's the measured assessment of someone who has experienced the tangible benefits of a society designed to help its residents thrive.

No journey is without its obstacles, and Bashar's has been no exception. "Costly housing and traffic" - these are the challenges he faced with characteristic honesty. But what's remarkable is how these very challenges have deepened his appreciation for the UAE's strengths.

The financial strain of housing, the daily battle with traffic - these are the prices paid for the privilege of living in a society that prioritizes safety, provides exceptional services, and maintains an environment that feels both pristine and purposeful. The contrast between these difficulties and the overall quality of life only serves to highlight what makes the UAE special.

When asked to distill his experience into just three words, Bashar's response is both poetic and profound: "safe, clean, and challenging."

"I have lived in the UAE for more than 19 years. All my happiest stories happened during these years."

This simple, powerful statement might be the most revealing aspect of Bashar's journey. In a world that often measures success by material wealth or career advancement, his metric is happiness. And the UAE, he says unequivocally, has been the canvas for his happiest chapters.

Whether it's professional milestones achieved through the country's business-friendly environment, the peace of mind that comes from living in one of the world's safest nations, or the quiet satisfaction of daily life in a place that simply works - these are the elements that have woven together to create a life of contentment and purpose.

As Bashar Malkawi reflects on his nearly two decades in the UAE, there's a profound sense of gratitude that permeates his perspective. This isn't just a place he moved to for a job; it's a place that has given him everything he values most.

In the end, Bashar's story is a testament to the UAE's unique ability to welcome newcomers, provide opportunities, and create environments where people don't just live but truly thrive - finding their happiest stories written across the years in this remarkable corner of the world.

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