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Growth, mobility, opportunity. In recent years, Dubai has become a popular choice for professionals seeking an international environment in which to explore new career paths. In this interview, Francesco Bulleri, 38 years old, lawyer and partner at ADG Legal, chapter leader of the Luiss alumni network in the United Arab Emirates and lecturer at Luiss Business School, shares the key stages of his journey—from his initial motivations to the opportunities he encountered, which make Dubai, for him, “the New York of his generation.”
Why did you choose Dubai for your career?
“Since my university days, my goal was to build a career abroad. In the legal sector, however, relocating isn’t easy: each country has its own legal system, and integrating into it can be complex. Dubai is an exception: it’s an international, dynamic, and open hub that offers growth opportunities and the chance to build a legal career with a global perspective. In 2020, I was given this opportunity, and I decided to take it.”
What concrete opportunities does Dubai offer to those who want to work there?
“The city is growing at an extraordinary pace, and this translates into a constant demand for skills. Among the most sought-after professionals are those working in the tech and medical sectors, but there are certainly many opportunities in any field that requires qualified professionals. In Dubai, you’ll find a diverse ecosystem that ranges from large international corporations to professional firms and startups: if you have the right preparation and the willingness to challenge yourself, opportunities abound.”
Why would you recommend gaining professional experience in Dubai?
“Here, meritocracy prevails. In Dubai, age doesn’t matter—what counts is what you can do. You’re entrusted with responsibilities from a young age, and if you show talent, you’re recognized and rewarded. Another aspect I find formative is the pace: the city is constantly changing. New laws, dynamics, trends—you need to be flexible and ready to act in order to succeed. It’s an environment that pushes you to grow quickly, to make decisions, and to stay in motion. Young people are fully aware of this. In my role as a Luiss alumni representative, I’m often contacted by students and recent graduates who dream of moving to Dubai. This shows how much Dubai is perceived as an ideal springboard for anyone wanting to build an international career.”
What does Dubai offer from a human and cultural perspective?
“Living in Dubai is an incredibly enriching experience. Around 90% of the UAE population comes from abroad. In my office alone, there are colleagues from over 20 nationalities. Working in such an environment means learning to interact with multicultural teams, adapting your communication to different styles, and constantly facing new challenges. Dubai offers the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, enhancing your ability to operate effectively in international contexts.”
Which aspects of life in Dubai are most appreciated?
“The lifestyle is undoubtedly one of its strengths. Here, when you’re not working, you feel like you’re on vacation: the beach is just minutes away, and once you’re off work, you can do what you’d normally do on a summer holiday in a luxury resort. The city is young, international, and safe. Moreover, thanks to the high purchasing power that comes with the generally high salaries for qualified professionals, it’s possible to save and invest while still maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.”
And what about those who, after an experience in Dubai, decide to return to Italy or Europe?
“I have several friends who came here planning to stay for a couple of years and, ten years later, they’re still here: they’ve bought homes, started families, and aren’t considering going back to their home countries. That said, even a relatively short period in Dubai changes you deeply. You learn to understand cultures and mindsets very different from your own. Then there’s the dynamism: the city constantly transforms, the reality around you evolves daily, and you must evolve with it. This helps you develop a mindset and skillset that, once you return to Europe, enable you to make a real impact in any professional or social context.”
