“I want to try adventurous things and new cuisines. My favourite dish is mutton karahi (curry). Before moving to the UAE, I didn’t like it. As a person living in a multicultural society, you have to assimilate. I left my job because I believe I can get something better. I tried to learn French and am currently learning Chinese. I’m always open to new things.”
Carlos Ante
Filipino purchase officer based in Dubai
“I’m afraid of trying new things. I drove for 15 years in my country, but when I moved here, I was afraid and had to push myself out of my comfort zone. After getting my licence, I asked my friend to come along. Luckily she said no, otherwise I would have held on to her. But, once on the road, I felt like I belonged. I would love going on rides. Now, my son goes and I watch from a distance. I think it’s a fear of the unknown.”
Nishi Sharma
Indian homemaker based in Dubai
“I’m willing to try new things, but it should be something reasonable. Visiting a new place is fine, but something like sky diving, I would be a bit hesitant. If it involves high risk, I will think twice. Scariest thing I have done is go scuba diving. I had a fear of going so deep underwater, but it was good to overcome that fear.”
Yusuf Stapic
Bosnian media and marketing professional based in Sharjah
“I usually like trying new things, but I need someone to do them with. It’s not fun trying it alone. For me, bungee jumping was the scariest. Once you’re standing there, you regret your decision and wonder why am I doing this. It was fun, but I wouldn’t want to try it again. The whole point is to do something you’re afraid of and get the adrenaline rush once it’s over.”
Ali Arjomandi
Iranian business owner in Dubai
“I’m very careful and hesitant, because it’s not enough what you hear about something from other people’s experiences. It is different when you try it. If it doesn’t work out, it can have a bad impact on your life. I have a fear of water. So, if I had an option to stay away, I would avoid it. Even learning a new language or a career move — I would like to experience it for a short period of time, but I don’t want to start all over again.”
Samer Ashour
Jordanian civil engineer based in Dubai
“I’ve been forcing myself to try new things because I don’t want to miss out. I don’t want to look back on my life and regret the things I was too afraid to try. Even for something as simple as food, I’ll go for it. It might add value to my life. I have had a fear of roller coasters, but last year, I went on one and it was fine. It’s all a mind game.”
Nour Bandali
Lebanese student based in Dubai
“I don’t like trying new things. I stick to what I have been doing. I cannot even buy new things without thinking for very long. I’m a slow decision maker. Even when it comes to trying new food, I will ask my friends about it. They push me to try new things, but I’m not one of those people who tries things spontaneously.”
Sumera Malek
Pakistani student based in Sharjah
“I’m very interested in trying new things. Since childhood, I’ve been interested in sports, so I like to try new physical activities. My scariest memory is going swimming for the first time, because I was afraid of water. But, my instructor threw me into the deep end and I managed to finish the lap. Since then, I never looked back and even participated in regional competitions in India.”
Deepa Jaisingh
Indian homemaker based in Dubai
“I believe in the motto, always be diffeent. It could be something simple like if everyone is wearing black trousers, I would wear blue. It is always fun and interesting to do new things in life. The monotony of regular life gets you bored. If you’re following some routine, for example cardio every day, you might get bored in 10 days. When I was learning German, it was an interesting challenge that kept me going. Learning something new is motivating and your memory increases.”
Rehan Khaled
Pakistani events manager based in Dubai
