ABU DHABI // The director of A Place Called Home believes his film is an insight into "the full spectrum of expatriate life in the UAE".
The documentary, produced by Abu Dhabi Media, which also publishes this newspaper, is available to watch in full on The National's website from today.
Director John Sammon said the film “shines a light on some of the harsh realities of people’s lives before coming to the UAE, and shows some of the life-altering accomplishments they have made since arriving in the country”.
After Sammon’s company, Saluki Media, was commissioned to make the feature, he and producer Nancy Saade went about trying to find case studies that encapsulated the expat experience. The crew also travelled to Serbia, the Philippines, India, and Bangladesh to meet the families of the film’s subjects.
“Selecting our final five was not easy, but we are so happy with all of them,” Sammon said.
He gave the example of Kalam Noor, a Bangladeshi.
“His story begins as he leaves his family in Bangladesh to travel to the UAE to work in a factory. He opens a small tailoring business, and after some time he brings his family over.”
Now, Mr Noor runs four successful tailor shops, specialising in making kanduras.
Sammon said: “The amazing thing is that he is also single-handedly supporting hundreds of families ... in Bangladesh.
“The people in his village look at him like he’s superman or something. He’s built mosques, given hundreds of people employment and he’s saving families from starvation.”
Sammon hoped the film would give a balanced view of the role and treatment of expatriate workers in the UAE. “The film is an eye opener and gives a broader understanding of the opportunities available to expat workers ... and paints an intimate portrait of the risks they have taken.
“I like to think that the film is at once sad, hopeful, inspirational, and thoroughly human.”
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A Place Called Home:
■ The five UAE expats who took on the world
■ Cameraman on UAE documentary moved by subject's stories
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arizvi2@thenational.ae
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Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
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Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
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Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
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Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
