My family didn't plan to leave Dubai. We'd just renovated our apartment near Dubai Marina, and the UAE government had awarded me a golden visa as a writer, meaning I could live in the country for 10 years as an expat. But in May 2022, my husband, who works for a tech company, was offered a promotion to a role based in the New York office. While I was thrilled to be awarded the golden visa in the UAE, relying on a visa that covers a certain period can be a precarious way to live.
During our first year in the US, there was a lot of paperwork. I had to sort out many things, from getting a Social Security number to finding a doctor. My husband's company managed the applications to obtain the correct family visa and residency.
What surprised me most about New York was how friendly the people were. I didn't expect it to have such a sense of community. I thought it'd be a bit like London, where nobody talks to each other, but here, I found that strangers would strike up conversations in parks, buses, and while waiting in line.
Moving to New York City involved navigating the US tax system, housing, and building a credit score. As a writer, adapting to these changes was crucial for achieving a sense of stability for my family.
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