“The expat community is incredible, everyone looks after each other.” – Ellie, Founder of KeenePR
What made you want to move to Dubai and how long have you lived here?
I have been here for just over six years. I really surprised my family by wanting to live abroad, but I wanted a change of scenery and Dubai ticked so many boxes.
What was you first job ?
I worked in a PR agency specializing in consumer and hospitality PR for some great brands.
What’s your job role now ? please explain in detail your roles and responsibilities
I now own and run KeenePR and get to pick and choose my clients. These are mainly within the F&B industry. I work closely with the marketing teams and act as an extra branch to connect them to the media.
My role involves getting as much media exposure for my clients as possible. There’s a lot of networking, socializing & writing involved!
Any tips for girls wanting to find work?
Network, network, network! It’s all about who you know in Dubai. People really want each other to succeed here, so there’s always a helping hand out there. There’s a Facebook group called The Real ATB Girls, which is a group of female expats, all helping each other out.
How did you find accommodation and do you have any recommendations for first time movers ?
Again, Facebook groups are a great way to find rooms that are being rented. The Real ATB Girls group often has postings of rooms for rent. And it means you don’t have to pay agency fees like you would on Dubizzle and Property Finder.
What’s your recommendations on best places to get your hair and make-up done ?
We Nails in JBR is my favourite salon in Dubai. It doesn’t feel like they rush you like a lot of salons here. They’ve just had an incredible refurb & it looks amazing! There’s a make-up artist in there too called Mercedeh who is incredible, as well as a hair stylist called Harriet who is the only person allowed near my hair!
Favorite clothing stores?
I shop online really because I find malls too stressful (and would rather be on the beach!) – so @Namshi or @asos are my go to online stores.
Favorite ladies night brunch and ladies day
I love the Qwerty ladies night in Media One Hotel for a nice catch up with the girls. If I want something crazier I go to Lucky Voice and attempt Celine Dion on karaoke. For brunches, any of the Secret Parties brunches are amazing, but my favourite is the Secret Garden brunch at Flair No.5. Favourite Ladies day is Cove Beach, where you can either have a chilled day at the beach, or party in the pool.
What do you do when you’re not working and partying ?
The beach, with a good book. I like to switch off at the weekend as much as possible. I also love NRG fitness in the marina – they have everything you need under one roof.
Any tips for ladies wanting to move to Dubai
Do it. It’s the riskiest but best decision you’ll ever make. The expat community is incredible, everyone looks after each other.
Be prepared for a lot of paperwork and banging your head against a wall when it comes to sorting things out like phone connections, internet and apartment papers, but we’ve all been there & it does eventually get sorted.
Get out and socialize as much as possible – you’ll make friends in toilets at brunches, beaches, cafes, the gym – people here like to meet new people.