Working in Dubai’s competitive real estate market demands resilience and adaptability, qualities that Sid Reymond Rivera, a Corporate Property Manager at Allsopp and Allsopp Real Estate Brokerage LLC, has honed over the years. His journey to this position, however, was far from easy.
Sid arrived in Dubai eight years ago, fresh out of the Philippines and ready to take on the world. He was just 21 years old, and like many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), his main goal was to support his family back home. “Coming from a close-knit family, I was the eldest of my siblings, which meant I often felt a sense of responsibility, almost like a second parent,” Sid explains. The decision to move to Dubai was not just about personal growth, but also about securing a future for his loved ones.
However, his first job in Dubai as a telecom sales representative was far from what he had imagined. “I had only been in the city for a week when I got the job. Working under the scorching sun, sometimes in temperatures reaching 50 degrees, was something I never imagined I’d be doing. It was crazy!” Sid recalls. The adjustment wasn’t just physical, it was also cultural. “I didn’t have any idea how to deal with people from so many different nationalities. I was completely out of my comfort zone, but I knew I had to make sales and promote the company’s services and products,” he adds. Those early days were tough, but they also shaped Sid into the person he is today. “There were moments that brought me to tears, but those moments also helped me gain the confidence I needed.”
Over time, Sid became more adept at navigating Dubai’s multicultural work environment. He learned how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and cultures, which is crucial in a city as diverse as Dubai. “Embracing this diversity and learning to collaborate across cultures helped me quickly adapt to various communication styles and problem-solving approaches. Understanding cultural nuances in communication, whether it’s how feedback is given or how decisions are made, helps avoid misunderstandings. It also builds stronger relationships with people,” Sid explains.
Faith has been an essential part of Sid’s journey. “When the opportunity came to move to Dubai, I didn’t know exactly what was in store for me, but I believed it was part of God’s plan,” he shares. His belief in a higher purpose helped him through the toughest of times. “When things didn’t go as planned, I leaned on the belief that everything happens for a reason. This perspective provided me peace, knowing setbacks are part of a bigger picture guided by God’s plan.”
Sid’s sense of responsibility extended beyond just surviving and thriving in Dubai. One of his proudest achievements is supporting his younger brother through his education. “He recently graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and even passed his board exams. Knowing that my efforts helped him achieve his dreams is the greatest reward I could ask for,” Sid says. His brother’s success fueled his motivation and gave him a greater sense of purpose. “Each of his achievements became a source of pride, fueling my drive to set a strong example and create opportunities for both of us.”
Now, after years of hard work, Sid is enjoying the fruits of his labor. He recently purchased his own land and has begun to travel to countries he once only dreamed of visiting. Reflecting on his journey, Sid shares the most unexpected lesson he’s learned since moving to Dubai: “The power of adaptability. In a city as fast-paced and diverse as this, being flexible and open to change is crucial not only for professional success but also for personal growth.”
“Learn from every experience, whether positive or negative, and trust that challenges will strengthen you. Most importantly, keep God at the center of your decisions. He will guide you and provide the strength to overcome obstacles,” he advises.