Abu Dhabi: With the New Year almost upon us, many nationals and residents are looking towards 2016 with a renewed sense of optimism and hope for the future.
Gulf News spoke to residents about their outlook for 2016. The strong themes that emerged were job security, career development and family welfare.
Mohammad Arshad, Indian, works in retail banking
“I have been living in the UAE for seven years with my family and my goal in 2016 is to continue providing my family with a secure life. 2016 will be an important year for my family because my wife and I are planning to have a child. With a new child comes a new set of responsibilities and the best way to deal with these challenges is to develop myself in my career I can bring my family more benefits.”
Rana Majdi, Egypt, marketing executive in health care
“I am looking to how I can proceed with my career. My goal is to be successful in achievements so my family can do well. I want my husband to do well in his career, and my daughter to do well in school. I want to help my family, financially and emotionally because taking care of my family gives meaning to my life, and makes me a better person.”
Omar Jailan, Emirati, university student
“I want to be happy in 2016, and want to succeed in my studies so that I can find a good job. I also hope for the best for my country. In 2015, the UAE achieved many things and I want my country to keep excelling in all fields not just in 2016 but all the time. I hope I can play a part in my country’s future and the way to do that is by completing my studies [to begin with].”
Ali Al Salhawi, 20, intern at Adnoc
“My wish for 2016 is for continued peace and stability in the UAE, I think this is a great thing for all the people living in the UAE. Personally, I want to be successful in what I do so I can have a bright future.”
Philippe Pierrisnard, Netherlands, works in the oil and gas sector
“I am very positive about the New Year and have no worries or stress about it. I believe in taking every day as it comes. I will continue to perform my job in the best way I can, which is important to me because I want to honour the people who employ me, and to establish a healthy relationship with my work environment and the country that hosts me.
“To stay happy is a decision I am making every day, so ultimately, I remain stress-free.”
Mario Rossi, Italy, IT sector
“I wish for an all-round improvement around the world in 2016. I wish for peace and security, which is what everybody wants when a new year comes around.
“It is important for me to be able to give my family what they want and need. At the moment everything is good for me in the UAE. I am happy and so that makes me optimistic about 2016. I would also like to progress in my career because this will contribute to my family’s stability.”
Kareem Al Massry, university student
“I hope to complete my university degree in 2016. My father pays for my studies and so I want to get my degree as soon as possible so he doesn’t have to pay any longer than is required. There is a family expectation of me to do well, and I aim to live up to that expectation.”
