Italian community sees steady growth

Dubai: The 5,000-member Italian community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates is gradually growing as the political and economic scene in Italy continues to deteriorate, said some Italian expatriates.

With more Italians seeking to escape the instability of unemployment and inflation, more Italian doctors have also chosen the UAE as a destination to re-start their lives with their families.

“The Italian community is growing day by day, especially in the last few years,” said Valeria Di Santo, Deputy Director, Italian Business Council for Dubai and Northern Emirates. “All kinds of professionals are moving to the UAE to start their own practices, such as doctors, lawyers and teachers.

“These days, there has been a substantial growth in doctors moving here and this has been extremely beneficial to the community, as people generally tend to feel more comfortable talking to a doctor in their own mother tongue.

“The UAE has become a second homeland for all of the Italians living in the country and we are grateful to have the chance to work and enjoy such a high quality of life.”

Di Santo added that there are approximately 1,500 children living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Doctors who have relocated to the UAE have also pointed out that as a result of setting up their practices, it has inadvertently encouraged UAE nationals to stay within the country for treatment instead of travelling abroad.

“There has been a steady import of qualified doctors and even though it has been a slow process, it is significant,” said Dr Andrea Sciscio, Consultant Opthamic Surgeon and Oculoplastics Specialist, Moorfields Eye Hospital in Dubai. “We are now seeing a big shift because patients that used to travel abroad are now seeking treatment with doctors here.

“We have received a lot of encouragement by health authorities as well, because if we can help people with specific conditions then it is better to keep patients in the country than having them to travel abroad.”